The Japanese Association of Occupational Therapists (JAOT) reached its 50th anniversary in 2016. The association, which had 18 members at the time of its founding in 1966, now reaching about 60,000. In May 2018, amended JAOT’s definition of Occupational Therapy was accepted at general meeting of representatives. New definition is as follows:

“Occupational Therapy is occupation-focused therapy, guidance and support provided in fields such as medical care, public health, welfare, education and employment, with the aim of promoting human health and well-being. “Occupation” refers to daily activities that are purposeful and meaningful to each person”

The JAOT is engaged in promoting the science of occupational therapy, enhancing pre- and post-graduate education for occupational therapists, and improving the social status of occupational therapists in the Japanese Social Security system. It is also engaged in occupational therapy promotion and publicity activities for its members, persons in other professions, and the general public; international exchange, particularly the enhancement of connections with occupational therapist associations in East Asia and other countries; and developing projects that serve as the main pillars of its support activities, such as during large-scale disasters. We hope, through these activities, to contribute to improving the health and welfare of Japanese people as well as all people globally through occupational therapy.

The Japanese Occupational Therapy Congress & Expo is held every year in September includes sessions for presenting topics in English as well as an international symposium. In addition, the Asian Journal of Occupational Therapy is always receiving submissions for research theses in English. In the case of Japan, as it faces the future, the journal seeks a further deepening of occupational therapy while awaiting entries from many persons worldwide.

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Japanese Association of Occupational Therapists Organizational Chart (PDF)

Occupational Therapy is occupation-focused therapy, guidance and support provided in fields such as medical care, public health, welfare, education and employment, with the aim of promoting human health and well-being. “Occupation” refers to daily activities that are purposeful and meaningful to each person.

(Notes)
・Occupational therapy is grounded on the fundamental principle and academic evidence that “people’s health and well-being can be promoted through occupation.”
・“Clients” are individuals or groups of people who have or are expected to have difficulties in their daily activities as a result of physical, mental, developmental, or age-related disabilities or difficulty adjusting to their environment.
・“Occupations” include daily activities such as activities of daily living, housework, work, hobbies, play, interpersonal interaction, and rest; and are founded on physical and mental components for each activity.
・“Occupations” are activities that a person wants to, needs to, or is expected to do, and have purpose and meaning for each person.
・Occupation-focused practice involves using occupations as ends to restore, maintain, or prevent the decline of physical and mental function, and occupations as means to practice and achieve occupational engagement, and modifying environment to support its achievement.

Our Mission

To work toward the improvement of professional skills and cultivation of the personal qualities of occupational therapists, promote the popularization of occupational therapy, and contribute to people’s health and welfare.

Our Objectives

1. Academic development in occupational therapy
2. Improving professional skills of occupational therapists
3. Promoting effective use of occupational therapy
4. Popularization and publicity of occupational therapy
5. Cooperation and exchange among branches and other organizations
6. Support restoration of independent living to persons who have been damaged in large-scale disasters and other circumstances
7. Other projects necessary to fulfill our mission

Code of Ethical Practice

1. Occupational therapists dedicate their knowledge and conscience to protecting people’s health.
2. Occupational therapists shall always maintain the highest standards of knowledge and skill.
3. Occupational therapists shall respect the rights of individuals and shall not discriminate against anyone based on ideology, beliefs, or social status.
4. Occupational therapists shall protect the confidentiality of information obtained from individuals in the course of duties.
5. Occupational therapists shall uphold their obligation to make required reports and records.
6. Occupational therapists shall respect and cooperate with persons in other professions.
7. Occupational therapists shall value the achievements of predecessors and uphold good traditions.
8. Occupational therapists shall endeavor to train subordinates and raise educational standards.
9. Occupational therapists shall provide mutual discipline for academic study and character building.
10. Occupational therapists shall contribute to the public welfare.
11. Occupational therapists shall not seek unjust compensation.
12. Occupational therapists shall not engage in action in conflict with laws or humanity.