It governs all subordinate nursing associations with jurisdiction in each of the 47 prefectures of Japan.
In 1929 the director of the Japan Red Cross nursing division, Take Hagiwara, founded the Nursing Association of the Japanese Empire (日本帝国看護婦協会, Nippon Teikoku Kangofu Kyokai).
The Association works with state and national organizations, lobbying for improvements in the nursing field and has provided testimony to assist policymakers and governmental organizations and offices in the development of standards and programs for nursing.
The JNA maintains a library and research center, and operated a publishing company, which produces nursing journals, texts, and books.
Certified Nurse Specialists are required to obtain a master's degree in specialty medical fields[8] and have five years of clinical experience before they are eligible to take the certification examination.