Open access agreements for Japan

Information for authors

Springer Nature has established two transformative agreements (TAs) in Japan. This means that more researchers in the country can now publish open access (OA) in Springer Nature’s hybrid journals with funding support from their institutions.

Pilot transformative agreement for Japan

If you are affiliated with any of the 21 participating institutions in Japan, you can receive funding support for your publication fees* when you publish open access in Springer Nature's portfolio of hybrid journals that are included in this pilot transformative agreement. 

In addition, as part of the agreement, you will be able to read, use and reuse research published in journals^ across the Springer, Palgrave Macmillan and Adis portfolios and in the Academic Journals on nature.com

This agreement will run through 31 December 2025.
*Subject to review of eligibility and approval from participating institutions. 

^Please check with your library regarding the current subscription status.

Japan Springer research institute transformative agreement (J-SPRINTA)

If you are affiliated with any of the 13 participating institutions in Japan, you can receive funding support for your publication fees* when you publish open access in Springer Nature's portfolio of hybrid journals that are included in the Japan Springer Research Institute Transformative Agreement (J-SPRINTA). 

In addition, as part of the agreement, you will be able to read, use and reuse research published in journals^ across the Springer, Palgrave Macmillan and Adis portfolios and in the Academic Journals on nature.com

This agreement will run through 31 December 2026.
*Subject to review of eligibility and approval from participating institutions. 

^Please check with your library regarding the current subscription status.

Announcement

The OA publication service for the following institutions have reached their maximum article allowance. This means that the J-SPRINTA agreement is no longer covering OA publishing fees for affiliated authors until 01 January 2025.

  1. Hitotsubashi University
  2. Oita University

The option to publish OA via Springer Open Choice is still available, but the publishing fee will not be covered under the agreement until 01 January 2025. Corresponding authors should use alternative funding sources to publish OA or proceed with publication under subscription until the agreement is reactivated. If you need advice on what OA funding is available to you, please visit our funding & support service page. For more information, please contact: oa.verification@springernature.com. Alternatively, contact the OA team at your institution.

FAQs

Who is considered the corresponding author?

The corresponding author is defined as the person who handles the manuscript and correspondence during the publication process – from manuscript correction and proof reading, to handling the revisions and re-submission of revised manuscripts up to the acceptance of the manuscripts. 

The corresponding author has the authority to act on behalf of all co-authors in all matters pertaining to publication of the manuscript including supplementary material. They are also responsible for obtaining such agreements and for informing the co-authors of the manuscript’s status throughout the submission, review and publication process. 

In addition, the corresponding author acts as the point of contact for any enquiries after the paper is published.

How can I make sure my article is eligible?

When you submit, use at least one of the below methods of recognition.

New Content Item

Upon acceptance of your article, you'll also be prompted to provide your institutional affiliation.

How do I know if my article has been approved?

The approval manager at your institution will approve your article's eligibility based on your institutional affiliation, article type and journal name.

Once your article is approved by your institution, you will be notified by email and your article will proceed to publication.

Which article types are covered by this agreement?

  • Original Paper: Standard article, usually presenting new results; articles published under this article type may also be referred to as Original Research, Original Article, Original Paper or Research Paper.
  • Review Paper: Standard article, interpreting previously published results.
  • Brief Communication: Short article submitted for rapid publication that exhibits the same structure as a standard article.
  • Continuing Education: Article forming integral part of further education (usually medical).

What if I'm not covered by the agreement?

There are still plenty of ways to find funding for your article processing charge (APC). Visit our open access funding page to check whether your institution or research funder makes OA funding available.

Who can I contact for more information? 

Please contact oa.verification@springernature.com if you need further assistance or contact your library.

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