FAQs

Q1. How long does it take for a paper to get accepted after its submission?

A1. On average, it takes approximately 52.6 days. (2024 Results)

Q2. How long does it take before a paper gets accepted for publication?

A2. The final published version (publisher’s version) takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 months in online journals.
We also offer advance online publication for all articles, which are published as they are accepted, within one week after acceptance.

To expedite paper publication, we have taken efforts to shorten the production period since September 2023.
For more information, please refer to the following URL.
https://tetsutohagane.net/news/announcements/20230630_3（Japanese text）

Q3. Are the journals published as hard copies (bound)?

A3. In addition to bound journals, we publish online journals on the J-STAGE platform.
Further, online journals can be read free of charge in PDF and HTML formats.

Q4. What is the publication date?

A4. To expedite the publication of papers, we have reviewed processes to shorten production times. Consequently, we will now issue “Special Issues” separately from the “Regular Issues”, which primarily feature general submissions.
The publication dates and issue numbers from January 2024 onwards are as shown in the table below.

Items	Contents
Online version publication date	Regular issues:1st of each month (no change) Special issues:15th of the month of publication
Book form publication date	Regular issues:Two issues are printed together and published on the 1st of even-numbered months. Special issues:Each issue is printed separately, published on the 15th of the month, and delivered on the 1st of the following month.
Number of issues per year	Regular issues:12 issues Special issues:Several issues ※The number of issues will increase, but the annual subscription fee remains unchanged.

Q5. When does an author receive the first proofreading request after paper acceptance?

A5. Typically, the printer sends the first proof no later than one month before the bound magazine is published.

Q6. Is a manuscript template (style) available for submission?

A6. The “Application form” and “Submission template” required for submission are available at the URLs given below.
https://tetsutohagane.net/submission/guide_to_authors/forms_and_supplementary_instructions/
Please prepare your submission in accordance with the submission rules and instructions for the authors.

Q7. What are the publication fees?

A7. The publication fee is 13860 yen (including taxes) per page.
The authors must agree to pay a publication fee by submitting an e-form (answering via the prescribed web-based input screen) when submitting their manuscript.

Q8. How are copyrights handled?

A8. All copyrights (all rights described in Articles 21–28 of the Copyright Act of Japan) of published papers shall be transferred from the copyright holder to the ISIJ.
The transfer of copyrights will become effective once each author agrees with the transfer by submitting an e-form (response submitted through the prescribed web-based input screen). The agreement will become null and void if the paper is rejected by the journal.