Constitution of the Japan Association of English Romanticism*
I. The Name of the Association
This association is officially designated as the Japan Association of English Romanticism.
II. Objectives
The aims of the association are to advance the study of British Romantic literature as well as to promote friendship among members.
III. Activities
To achieve the aims referred to in the previous article, the association will:
(1) hold an annual general conference,
(2) hold study or lecture meetings,
(3) publish an annual journal and other occasional matter,
(4) collaborate with other relevant societies and associations for Romantic studies both within and without Japan,
(5) engage in such other activities as the Board of Directors deems appropriate.
IV. Membership
Every member is required to pay the membership fee by the end of every fiscal year. The fee is eight thousand yen for Directors, five thousand yen for regular members, three thousand yen for student members and twenty thousand yen for supporting members; with the proviso that any member wishing to have documents from the association sent to an address overseas needs to pay an additional three thousand yen.
V. Executive Members
The Executive Members of the association consist of:
(1) President (2) Vice Presidents (3) Directors (4) Auditor.
2. Executive Members are elected at the General Meeting.
3. The term of office for Executive Members is two years. Their reappointment is not precluded.
4. Executive Members are expected to retire at the age of seventy.
5. The President presides over the affairs of the association, and represents it.
6. Vice Presidents support the President, and act for him/her in case he/she cannot carry out the duties of the office.
7. Meetings of the Board of Directors are convened by the President.
8. The Board of Directors manages the affairs of the association and makes plans for it.
9. The Auditor audits the accounts of the association.
10. Honorary presidents and members can be elected by recommendation of the Board of Directors.
VI. General Meeting
The General Meeting is the highest decision-making body of the association. The President convenes a meeting once a year, and may convene extra meetings if the occasion demands.
2. Decisions are subject to the consent of a majority of the members present at the meetings.
VII. Expenses
Membership fees, subsidies and other sources of income are devoted to the running expenses of the association.
2. The fiscal year of the association begins on 1st April every year and ends on 31st March of the following year.
3. A statement of the accounts of the association, after being checked by the Auditor, is reported at the General Meeting every year.
VIII. Amendments to the Constitution
Amendments to the Constitution are subject to the decision of General Meetings.
Additional Articles
1. The above articles are effective from 31 May 1975.
2. Amended 14 October 2000.
3. Amended 23 September 2006.
4. Amended 31 May 2009.
5. Amended 26 May 2012
Notes
1. The Secretariats of the association are based at a Vice President’s office (Dr Koguchi’s office, Osaka University) and at Otowa Shobo-Tsurumi Shoten.
2. The 4th clause of V applies to Executive Members appointed in and after the fiscal year 2007.
3. The stipulation of IV applies to membership fees for and after the fiscal year 2013.
*This is a translation of the original and authentic Constitution of the Japan Association of English Romanticism, Igirisu romanha-gakkai kiyaku, written in Japanese.