Purpose <p>The Japanese Association for Surgical Education (JASE) was established in 2014 to improve the quality of surgical education in Japan. This study aimed to identify the needs of the participants in the annual meetings of the JASE and determine the future direction of the association.</p> Methods <p>An online survey was sent to all the participants at the annual meetings of the JASE between 2014 and 2022. The survey included questions about demographics, challenges in their educational roles and research, degree of satisfaction with the meetings, and expectations of the JASE.</p> Results <p>The response rate was 34.5% (<i>n</i> = 107/310), and the respondents represented 12 surgical specialties, with gastroenterological surgery being the most common. Lack of teaching time (66.7%) and insufficient incentives (57.1%) were the most frequent challenges for surgical educators. A total of 92.0% of the respondents rated the annual meetings as satisfactory as it provided up-to-date information practical teaching skills, and valuable networking opportunities that they could use as surgical educators. The respondents expected JASE to continue providing the latest information and topics in surgical education, offering collaborative opportunities and guidance on surgical education research. Suggestions for future included formalizing the association and conducting meetings in various locations across the country.</p> Conclusions <p>The survey identified key challenges faced by the participants as a surgical educator or a surgical education researcher in Japan. The annual meetings proved effective in supporting participants’ ongoing efforts in surgical education. In addition, suggestions regarding the association’s future directions are currently being implemented.</p>