AICA Japan was founded in 1954 as the Japanese branch of the AICA (Association Internationale des Critiques d'Art, headquartered in Paris) in response to the growing need for art criticism after World War II. It is a voluntary organisation of art critics. Its members include critics who write art criticism for various media such as newspapers, magazines, exhibition catalogues, books and online media, as well as curators who are involved in organising numerous art exhibitions. The activities of the organisation include publishing the "AICA Japan Newsletter", holding symposia and talks, interacting with overseas branches of AICA, and issuing "Statement". The organisation also runs "ART CRITIQUE+", a website for the independent submission of critical essays.