The JASL, formed in 1947, is one of the oldest associations in the world formed to promote the sociology of law. It and its members have drawn on developments in the field in continental Europe, especially in Germany, and more recently from the U.S.A; but also from further afield, and with a sense of its own identity.

Membership has grown steadily, especially in the 1990s. A number of members from abroad currently live or teach in Japan, while others live abroad.

An annual meeting is held in mid-May every year. Initially they were held in or near Tokyo (Kanto), and then also in the Kansai region, but in recent years they have been held in other parts of Japan as well. A number of speakers from abroad have presented papers at these meetings

Regional branches have also been established recently, for Kansai, Kyushu and Kanto. These provide another handy point of contact for researchers from abroad.

The JASL maintains close links with a range of similar bodies around the world.

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