The Institute of African Studies was

established to conduct scholarly research on the politics, economy, society, and culture of Africa's 54 nations, whilst producing socially useful information.

It aims to establish a research model emphasising the integration of humanities and social sciences, alongside field research grounded in local languages, thereby securing an independent perspective on Africa.

The Institute publishes its institutional journal, the Asian Journal of African Studies, twice yearly
(on 28th February and 31st August).

This academic journal was first published in May 1979 under the title 『Studies on Latin American and African Affairs』. It was separated and published independently as 『African Affairs』 from August 1982, and has been published under its current name since February 2016.

The Asian Journal of African Studies is an international academic journal published in English. Researchers affiliated with African studies institutions, both domestic and international, may submit papers to this journal. Upon passing the prescribed review process, their papers may be published. This journal aims to be an international humanities-focused journal centred on the languages, literature, and cultures of various regions of Africa.