Japanese Journal of Analog Role-Playing Game Studies (JARPS)

JARPS: The Japanese Journal of Analog Role-Playing Game Studies is a bilingual, peer-reviewed, and Diamond Open Access journal published by the Japanese Association for Role-Playing Game Studies. It focuses on non-digital role-playing, particularly tabletop RPGs (TRPGs) and live-action role-play (larp), with a special emphasis on Japan in a global context. JARPS serves as a bridge between English and Japanese academic discourse, connecting researchers and practitioners. It welcomes research on the practice, production, and reception of analog RPGs, including their entertainment, educational, political, and medical applications. In addition to scholarly articles, the journal accepts reports on practical implementations, game-related tools, book reviews, and short notes providing insights into analog RPGs. Submissions require author registration. The editorial team initially reviews manuscripts for suitability, after which selected submissions undergo a rigorous double-blind peer review by two reviewers. Evaluation criteria include originality, relevance, research incorporation, methodological transparency, logical coherence, and traceability of results. Reviews are typically completed within four weeks. JARPS publishes at least one issue per year, usually in the fourth quarter, with rolling submissions included in the most relevant upcoming issue. As an Open Access journal, JARPS provides free access to all content without processing charges for authors or readers, in line with the BOAI definition of open access.