Hogaku Seijigaku Ronkyu is an academic journal covering the fields of law, political science, and sociology. Its key features include the publication of peer-reviewed articles, a quarterly publication schedule, and the eligibility for submission granted, in principle, to those who hold a bachelor's degree and are engaged in research.
At the time of the journal's founding (Summer issue, June 1989), few Japanese academic journals in the aforementioned fields employed a peer-review system, and it remains a rare presence today, particularly in the field of law. Peer review by anonymous examiners guarantees the academic value of accepted papers. The reason this journal is based on this system is the intention to further strengthen the motivation for research among students enrolled in the Graduate School of Law at Keio University. We established a challenge there. This purpose has been received favorably, and since there are few alternative academic journals, submitting to this journal has become a pillar of research plans, especially for those in the Ph.D. program. This means the journal serves the purpose of providing young researchers with opportunities to present their research results. At the same time, since young researchers are proactive in discovering new points of contention, it can be said that this journal plays a significant role in the advancement of academic research.
This journal is published four times a year. We have published four times every year without ever issuing a combined volume. Sufficient opportunities for submission are secured. Therefore, examiners have no reason to hesitate in making a rejection decision. The next submission opportunity effectively arrives two months later. However, this journal has a mission to nurture young researchers. Review reports include not only the conclusion but also detailed reasons for the judgment. Even if the content of a submitted paper is judged to have reached a passing level, if there is advice for further deepening the work, examiners may intentionally choose a result of conditional acceptance, hoping that the paper's contribution to the academic community will be even greater.
Based on the history of its founding described above, we primarily expect students enrolled in the Graduate School of Law at Keio University to be contributors. However, the submission rules do not impose such a limitation; from the beginning, eligibility has been granted, in principle, to anyone who holds a bachelor's degree and is engaged in research. We hope to be recognized as a place where a wide range of young researchers can challenge and improve one another. In that sense, the eligibility for submission to this journal can be compared to the Maboroshi no Mon, one of the spiritual pillars of Keio University. The Maboroshi no Mon has no nameplate and no roof. It is open to all who aspire to learning. This journal also guarantees opportunities to anyone, whether inside or outside the Juku, as long as they are graduate students or possess equivalent abilities. We look forward to your submissions.