I am pleased to announce the release of the latest edition of the Graduate Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies along with a revamped website.

GJAPS is an interdisciplinary peer-reviewed electronic journal that showcases the original work of graduate students, taking advantage of the dynamic possibilities available through online publishing. The theme for Volume 2, Number 1 is 'Culture and Identity in the Asia-Pacific' and features articles, reviews and original artwork by graduates from throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

A new call for papers has been released to coincide with the the new edition.

'Imagining the Asia-Pacific'.

The Asia-Pacific with its vast assortment of interwoven peoples, places and cultures has long been a site of fascination for academics and artists alike. Characterized by fluidity, diversity and the coexistence of contrasting visions and interpretations of the past, present and future, the region and its many component parts offer fertile ground for the imaginative process. Those who observe and attempt to interpret for others the myriad symbols, rituals and stories that exist within the region inevitably participate in the ongoing imagination and construction of individual and collective identities. At the same time such attempts to explain and describe often reveal as much about the imaginative processes and priorities of those who produce the discourse as they do about the Asia-Pacific itself.

The Graduate Journal of Asia-Pacific Studies invites submissions from all humanities and visual arts disciplines which offer a creative articulation of how some or other part of Asia-Pacific existence is imagined. Contributors are actively encouraged to be innovative in their use of theory, methodology and/or the visual and multimedia possibilities of electronic publishing.

The deadline for submissions is 31 October 2004.

The previous call for papers on the theme: 'Border and boundary crossings' is still open and submissions may be made until 30 April 2004. For further information see the website.

Along with scholarly articles, the journal features a review section which, in addition to coverage of scholarly current books and journals, engages with popular culture forms such as film, exhibitions, music and performance, websites and manga. GJAPS also encourages the submission of original art and graphic work. The electronic format predisposes interactivity and GJAPS welcomes contributions that use the medium’s potential in innovative ways. Similarly, a new Forum section is to be added to provide readers with an interactive forum to comment on featured articles and reviews as well as contemporary issues and topics.

GJAPS is happy to discuss new ideas and proposals with potential contributors.