JAOS was founded in 1991 and officially recognised by the Japanese government in 2008 as a General Incorporated Association. Based in Tokyo, JAOS brings together both private agencies and public institutions – including organisations like the British Council – to advance ethical standards and quality in Japan’s study-abroad industry. It provides certified training programmess for study-abroad counselors and enforces a robust code of practice to support Japanese students in planning safe overseas experiences. As Japan’s official member of FELCA, JAOS also serves as a bridge between Japanese and international educational institutions. In recent years, outbound student numbers have rebounded strongly – recovering to ~83% of pre‑COVID levels in 2023 – reflecting JAOS’s vital role in promoting safe and dynamic mobility.