The Japan Shipping Exchange, Inc (JSE), a non-profit organization established in 1921, set up a substructure now known as the Tokyo Maritime Arbitration Commission (TOMAC). TOMAC is also a non-profit organization which has since 1926 been continuously engaged in institutional maritime arbitration. TOMAC resolves disputes arising under bills of lading, charter parties, contracts for sale and purchase of ships, shipbuilding, ship financing, manning and so forth. Between 1996 and 2000, on average 15 new cases were brought to TOMAC for resolution annually.

TOMAC conducts mediation/conciliation and arbitration under its own Rules. JSE and TOMAC also provide consultation to parties in dispute, advise and answer inquiries on interpretation of contract terms, Japanese law, arbitration law and practice, maritime economy, and Japanese shipping policies. JSE also frequently organizes seminars on maritime contract negotiation and drafting for all those engaged in it.

International arbitrations are conducted in English.
JSE and TOMAC offer an electronic database of legal cases, Online Dispute Risk Management, which allows members to access useful information for prevention and early settlement of their disputes.