Island Arc is the official journal of the Geological Society of Japan. This journal focuses on the structure, dynamics and evolution of convergent plate boundaries, including trenches, volcanic arcs, subducting plates, and both accretionary and collisional orogens in modern and ancient settings. The Journal also opens to other key geological processes and features of broad interest such as oceanic basins, mid-ocean ridges, hot spots, continental cratons, and their surfaces and roots. Papers that discuss the interaction between solid earth, atmosphere, and bodies of water are also welcome. Articles of immediate importance to other researchers, either by virtue of their new data, results or ideas are given priority publication.

Island Arc publishes peer-reviewed articles and reviews. Original scientific articles, of a maximum length of 15 printed pages, are published promptly with a standard publication time from submission of 3 months. All articles are peer reviewed by at least two research experts in the field of the submitted paper.