Geographical Research Bulletin | J-STAGE Open Access

Geographical Research Bulletin is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to advancing cutting-edge research in physical geography, human geography, and integrated geospatial sciences. The journal places strategic emphasis on Northeast Asia as a critical region for understanding global environmental change, socio-economic transformation, and human–environment interactions. While prioritizing high-quality research rooted in Northeast Asia, it also actively encourages comparative and cross-regional studies that contribute to broader theoretical advancement and global geographical discourse.

The journal seeks to bridge regional specificity with global relevance by publishing innovative, data-driven, and interdisciplinary research. Particular emphasis is placed on studies that integrate geospatial technologies, quantitative methods, and emerging digital approaches, including spatial big data, artificial intelligence, and digital twins, to address complex geographical challenges. Key thematic areas include:

- Physical systems: Climate and environmental change, geomorphological processes, hydrological systems, and ecosystem dynamics

- Human systems: Urbanization, population change, economic geography, spatial inequality, and regional development

- Geospatial innovation: Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, spatial modeling, and applications of big data and artificial intelligence in geographical research

The journal particularly welcomes contributions that provide: (1) new theoretical insights grounded in regional empirical evidence; (2) methodological innovations in geospatial analysis; and (3) policy-relevant findings addressing sustainability and resilience in Northeast Asia and beyond.

Guided by the "First Principles" of academic publishing, the journal aims to share research findings globally at maximum speed and minimum cost. By integrating AI-driven automation with a community-led, transparent peer-review system, we have established an ecosystem that redefines traditional publishing standards.

(1) Standard APC: 1,000 USD

Rather than covering legacy administrative overhead, this fee represents an investment in our "Ultra-Fast, High-Value" publishing process:

- AI Pre-screening: Verification of formatting, data integrity, and novelty within minutes of submission.

- Hybrid Peer Review: A transparent, fair, and rapid evaluation process powered by AI and a community of experts.

- Dynamic Publishing: Upon acceptance, manuscripts undergo digitally optimized typesetting and are immediately released for real-time global distribution.

(2) Community Contribution: "APC Credit" System

The journal values peer contribution as a tangible asset. Researchers who contribute to our review and discussion processes are awarded "Peer Credits":

- Constructive Peer Review: A 500 USD discount credit is issued for each completed high-quality review.

- Academic Discussion: Exceptional contributions to open-review discussions may qualify for a full APC waiver at the editor’s discretion.

Credit Utilization Rules:

- Validity: Credits are valid for 24 months from the date of issuance.

- Eligibility: Credits can be applied to any paper where the holder is the lead author or a co-author.

(3) Global Inclusion (Waiver Policy)

Based on our core conviction that "financial constraints should never hinder scientific progress," the journal commits to maintaining an open and accessible academic platform.

- Waivers for Underfunded Researchers: Authors from low-income regions or those without access to institutional/grant funding may apply for partial or full APC waivers.

- Application Process: Waiver requests must be submitted at the time of initial manuscript submission. Each request will undergo a rapid individual review based on the author's specific circumstances.

(1) Original Papers

Original Papers are comprehensive, full-length reports of primary research that present novel empirical findings, theoretical advancements, or significant methodological innovations. Each manuscript must articulate a clear research problem grounded in contemporary geographical or interdisciplinary discourse, employing rigorous, transparent, and reproducible methodologies. Beyond descriptive reporting, Original Papers are expected to provide in-depth analytical discussion and demonstrate substantial scientific or practical contributions to the advancement of geographical sciences.

(2) Review Papers

Review Papers offer authoritative and critical syntheses of established research domains or emerging scientific frontiers. Moving beyond simple narrative summaries, high-quality reviews should conduct a systematic, bibliometric, or meta-analysis of existing literature to identify key theoretical controversies, methodological limitations, and knowledge gaps. Furthermore, they are expected to synthesize future research agendas, conceptual frameworks, or policy implications that provide strategic guidance for subsequent studies in the field.