Overview of the Public Opinion Survey on Social Awareness · Overview of the Public Opinion Survey...

Overview of the Public Opinion Survey on Social Awareness

April 2016

Public Relations Office, Cabinet Office

The Government of Japan

Survey target: 10,000 Japanese nationals of age 20 years or above nationwide

Valid responses: 5,877 people (Response rate: 58.8%)

Survey period: 28 January – 14 February 2016 (Face-to-face interviews conducted by survey officers)

Objectives: To survey the trends for the fundamental awareness of people toward society and the

country, and to use the data as basic material for general administrative purposes.

Survey items 1. Relationship with the country and society

2. Awareness of the current state of society

3. Evaluation of the government’s policies

Track record: In principle, the survey has been conducted every fiscal year since FY1968, this being

the 45th survey.

(Since the survey for FY2006, the respondents are informed that the survey is conducted by the Cabinet Office.)

* This document indicates “￪” or “￬” for responses with a statistically significant difference (95% confidence

interval), in comparison with past survey results.

- 1 -

1. Relationship with the Country and Society

(1) Feelings of love for the country

Q1 This question concerns your feelings of “love for the country.” Compared to other people, do you think that you have strong feelings of “love for the country,” or weak feelings of “love for the country?” Please select one answer from the following.

January 2015 February 2016

• Strong (subtotal) 55.4% → 55.5%

• Very strong 16.9% → 16.2%

• Somewhat strong 38.5% → 39.3%

• Neutral (I do not know) 37.9% → 38.4%

• Weak (subtotal) 6.6% → 6.1%

• Somewhat weak 5.8% → 5.5%

• Very weak (Not at all) 0.8% → 0.6%

Total (5,877)

[ By Sex ]

Male (2,770)

Female (3,107)

[ By Age Group ]

20 ～ 29 ( 430)

30 ～ 39 ( 747)

40 ～ 49 (1,018)

50 ～ 59 ( 939)

60 ～ 69 (1,323)

70 or above (1,420)

(Number of respondents)

16.2 39.3 38.4

5.5

0.6

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 (%)

20.0

12.8

39.9

38.8

33.3

42.9

6.0

5.1

0.8

0.4

4.4

5.8

7.7

10.5

19.6

32.0

37.7

33.3

39.7

43.8

43.3

35.9

47.9

48.9

46.3

41.2

32.7

27.7

9.1

10.8

5.8

3.9

4.0

4.0

0.9

1.2

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.4

Neutral(I do not know)

Strong (subtotal) 55.5 Weak (subtotal) 6.1

Very strong Somewhatstrong

Somewhatweak

Very weak(Not at all)

46.2

49.3

46.7

49.951.8

49.1

49.1

51.049.6

52.0 51.9

49.6

52.9

52.4

55.4

53.3

52.8

52.0

52.9

51.249.2 50.0

46.4

47.5

50.151.5

51.1 52.1

57.0

56.0

54.6

56.8

55.4

58.0

55.3

55.4

55.5

12.5

9.0

11.810.1

9.5

12.210.3

10.7

11.7

10.2

11.4

11.1

9.4

9.1

9.6 10.3

9.1 9.4

10.3

10.6

11.6

11.3 11.3

12.511.3

9.8

10.0

9.77.0

7.6

6.8

6.4

7.1

5.7

6.6

6.6

6.1

41.341.7 41.5

40.0

38.7

38.740.6

38.3

38.7

37.8

36.739.4

37.7

38.5

35.1

36.438.0 38.7

36.8

38.1

39.2 38.8

42.3

40.0

38.7

38.7

38.9

38.236.1

36.438.6

36.8

37.5

36.4

38.1

37.9

38.4

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70(%)

Strong

Weak

Neutral (I do not know)

- 2 -

(2) Need for fostering the feelings of “love for the country”

Q2 Do you think that there is a need down the road to foster greater feelings of “love for the country” among the people?


• Yes, I think so 75.8% → 74.9%

• No, I do not think so 12.5% → 12.6%

• I do not know 11.8% → 12.5%

Total (5,877)

〔 By Sex 〕

Male (2,770)

Female (3,107)

〔 By Age Group 〕

20 ～ 29 ( 430)

30 ～ 39 ( 747)

40 ～ 49 (1,018)

50 ～ 59 ( 939)

60 ～ 69 (1,323)

70 or above (1,420)


74.9 12.5 12.6

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100(%)

74.7

75.1

10.8

14.1

14.5

10.9

65.1

65.3

74.2

75.6

76.9

81.0

13.0

14.5

12.8

12.5

12.1

11.5

21.9

20.2

13.1

11.9

11.0

7.5

I do not knowYes, I think so No, I do not think so

77.0 76.6 76.3 74.8 74.7 74.7 72.9

75.6

74.6 75.5

80.3

80.8 80.4 80.0 80.0

81.4

78.5

81.0

80.1 79.876.3

75.8

74.9

11.8

11.5 10.2 10.9 12.6 12.0 12.3 11.8 12.1 12.1

10.7 10.4

8.8

10.2

10.0 8.7 10.4

10.2 10.3 10.113.2 12.5 12.6

11.3

11.9 13.5 14.312.7 13.3 14.8 12.6 13.3 12.4

9.0 8.8

10.9

9.9

10.09.8

11.1

8.9 9.6 10.1 10.6 11.812.5

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90(%)

I think so

I do not know

I do not think so

- 3 -

(3) Society or individual lives

Q3 There are two different views that suggest, as citizens, “We should shift our attention more to the country and society,” or that “We should place a greater focus on enriching individual lives.” Which of the two views is your personal stance closer to?


• We should shift our attention more to the country and society 47.8% → 46.9%

• We should place a greater focus on enriching individual lives 41.0% → 40.8%

• I cannot make a distinction 10.2% → 11.4% (↑)

37.5

33.4

39.840.7 40.8

36.1

37.2

39.9

37.8

33.133.1 32.7 33.4

32.9

34.6

31.7

38.3

41.6

41.3

51.352.6

45.1 45.3

47.4

48.0

49.9

48.3

47.5

44.7 44.0

45.7

49.1 51.0

52.7

56.6

52.2

56.1

55.2 53.3

49.5

47.846.9

32.4

34.7

24.4

26.9

29.8 29.7 29.3

27.5

28.429.2

28.530.7

29.4

29.2

34.3

37.035.6

33.2

33.6

29.7

26.8

30.6

34.933.1

32.1

32.4

32.731.4

33.934.6

31.5

32.6

32.9

37.0

33.5

33.6

32.5

33.3

34.2

39.141.0

40.8

19.4

20.2

25.3 24.9

22.7

25.3

23.525.1 24.9

27.3

28.9

27.4 27.8

29.6

24.6

25.7

20.9

20.820.3

16.1 16.9

20.9

16.3

15.9

16.5

14.5

16.8

18.1

17.9

18.019.2

15.413.8

9.2 9.0

13.0

10.4

10.611.6

10.5

10.211.4

0

10

20

30

40

50

60(%)

Society

Individual lives

Cannot make a distinction

Total (5,877)

〔 By Sex 〕

Male (2,770)

Female (3,107)


20 ～ 29 ( 430)

30 ～ 39 ( 747)

40 ～ 49 (1,018)

50 ～ 59 ( 939)

60 ～ 69 (1,323)

70 or above (1,420)


46.9 11.4

0.9

40.8

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100(%)

48.6

45.5

9.7

12.8

0.4

1.4

41.3

40.3

46.0

44.6

44.7

48.2

48.2

48.0

7.0

10.2

9.9

9.1

12.2

15.1

1.4

0.5

0.5

0.7

0.6

1.6

45.6

44.7

44.9

42.0

38.9

35.3

I cannot make a distinction

We should shift our attention more to the country and society

We should place a greater focus on enriching individual livesI do not know

- 4 -

(4) Wish to serve society

Q4 Do you normally think about wanting to serve society in some way as a member of society?


• Yes, I do 66.1% → 65.0%

• No, I don’t 31.7% → 32.4%

Total (5,877)

〔 By Sex 〕

Male (2,770)

Female (3,107)


20 ～ 29 ( 430)

30 ～ 39 ( 747)

40 ～ 49 (1,018)

50 ～ 59 ( 939)

60 ～ 69 (1,323)

70 or above (1,420)


65.0

2.6

32.4

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 (%)

66.4

63.8

1.6

3.5

32.0

32.8

65.8

64.7

69.5

70.8

68.6

54.5

3.5

3.3

2.7

2.3

1.2

3.4

30.7

32.0

27.8

26.8

30.2

42.1

I do not knowYes, I do No, I don't

35.4

54.0 55.1

45.2

47.847.0

45.343.7 43.3 43.2

46.2

47.4 47.0

52.6

52.9

55.2

54.1

63.9

61.759.8

62.3

62.1

63.6

61.7

60.7

58.9

59.1

59.161.1

62.6

69.2 69.3

65.2

66.067.4 66.7

65.3

66.165.0

52.8

39.6 39.5

48.3

47.245.1

47.4

48.5

49.250.4

47.2

44.3

46.4

41.6

41.6

39.5

41.0

31.9

33.936.2

33.6

33.6

32.2

35.8

36.3

37.5

36.8

36.7

35.8

34.9

28.5 28.5

32.2 31.8

29.9

30.932.4

31.7

32.4

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80(%)

Yes, I do

No, I don't

- 5 -

A. Ways to serve society

SQ (For 3,820 people who responded “Yes, I do.” to Q4.)

In what ways do you wish to serve society? Please select all applicable answers. (M.A.)

(Top 5 Items)


• Activities related to social welfare (providing care to the elderly or the

disabled, taking care of acquaintances, providing meals, childcare, etc.) 37.5% → 35.1%(↓)

• Local community activities under the town council, etc. (assisting in

celebrations, accidents, etc., serving as a committee member of the town

council or residents’ association, crime or fire prevention activities, etc.) 32.2% → 32.9%

• Activities related to the protection of nature and the environment

(beautification of the environment, recycling activities, collection

of milk cartons, etc.) 32.8% → 31.6%

• Voluntary disaster prevention activities, disaster relief activities 28.5% → 25.4% (↓)

• Through my own work 26.4% → 25.0%

(For those who responded “Yes, I do think about it” to Q4.; Multiple Answers)

Activities related to social welfare (providing care to the elderly or the disabled,taking care of acquaintances, providing meals, childcare, etc.)

Local community activities under the town council, etc. (assisting incelebrations, accidents, etc., serving as a committee member of the towncouncil or residents’ association, crime or fire prevention activities, etc.)

Activities related to the protection of nature and the environment(beautification of the environment, recycling activities, collection of milkcartons, etc.)

Voluntary disaster prevention activities, disaster relief activities

Through my own work

Activities related to athletics, sports, and culture (teaching sports andrecreation, festivals, teaching at club activities at schools, etc.)

Through housework and bringing up children

Activities related to health, medical care, hygiene (volunteering at hospitals, etc.)

Activities related to traffic safety (monitoring the safety of children when theygo to/return from school, etc.)

Fundraising activities, charity bazaars

Activities related to learning activities, such as teaching, offering advice,management cooperation, etc. (cooking, English, calligraphy, etc.)

Activities held at public facilities (childcare services at community centers,exhibition guide at museums, etc.)

Activities related to international exchanges (cooperation) (interpretation,refugee aid, technological assistance, assistance to international students, etc.)

Activities related to the sound and healthy development of youths (boyscout/girl scout activities, children’s associations, etc.)

Other

I do not know

35.1

32.9

31.6

25.4

25.0

21.2

20.7

17.0

16.6

15.9

13.5

11.6

10.8

9.3

2.0

1.5

37.5

32.2

32.8

28.5

26.4

21.4

21.4

16.5

18.3

16.5

13.0

11.7

11.3

8.2

1.5

1.5

0 10 20 30 40

February 2016 (N=3,820persons, M.T.=290.1%)

January 2015 (N=3,975persons, M.T.=298.5%)

(%)

- 6 -

[A graph of SQ (Q4)]

(Multiple Answers)

36.036.3

32.3 32.032.4 32.9

37.9

41.2 41.6

37.4

35.7

34.2

33.332.4

32.8

31.6

34.4

36.8 36.2

37.9

36.4

35.0 35.0

35.636.6

36.3 35.6

34.035.1

34.1

32.2

32.9

37.5

33.9

33.432.1 32.5

36.3 35.8

35.6 35.436.4

37.9

35.836.9

37.6

37.5

35.1

14.815.9

16.617.1

23.4

20.420.4

22.3

24.4

21.5

23.3

27.326.5 26.9 28.5

25.4

20.3

21.5 21.720.9

18.7

20.821.7

25.6

27.8

22.8

23.0

25.0

25.326.7

26.425.0

10

20

30

40

50

(%)

Activites related to the protection of nature and the environment

Activities related to social welfare

Local community activities under the town council, etc.

Voluntary disaster prevention activities

Through one's own work

- 7 -

(5) Interests of the entire nation or interests of individuals?

Q5 Do you think that the Japanese people should from now on value the interests of the entire nation over the interests of individuals? Conversely, do you think that they should value the interests of individuals over the interests of the entire nation?


• They should value the interests of the entire nation

over the interests of individuals 50.6% → 48.0% (↓)

• They should value the interests of individuals

over the interests of the entire nation 31.4% → 33.9% (↑)

• I cannot make a distinction 16.0% → 16.4%

Total (5,877)

〔 By Sex 〕

Male (2,770)

Female (3,107)


20 ～ 29 ( 430)

30 ～ 39 ( 747)

40 ～ 49 (1,018)

50 ～ 59 ( 939)

60 ～ 69 (1,323)

70 or above (1,420)


48.0 16.4

1.7

33.9

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100(%)

49.8

46.4

14.5

18.0

0.9

2.4

34.7

33.2

46.5

46.7

50.8

45.8

48.1

48.5

8.1

12.9

16.1

16.8

18.4

18.6

1.2

0.8

1.4

1.4

1.9

2.7

44.2

39.6

31.7

36.0

31.5

30.3


They should value the interests of the entire nation over the interests of individuals

I do not know They should value the interests of individuals over the interests of the entire nation

45.3 43.5

39.238.1

40.538.8 39.4

37.535.2 36.1

38.5

37.1

44.9

47.4

51.7

56.6

50.9

55.0

55.4

53.5

51.2

50.6

48.0

24.0 23.5 23.4

31.3 31.530.6 31.2 29.9

28.4

30.032.0

32.5 30.9

29.731.6

27.8

28.3 27.4 27.8

28.2

31.0

31.4

33.9

26.928.6

32.2

25.923.5

25.8 25.1

29.6

32.1

28.4

25.1

26.4

21.2

20.2

14.3 13.6

18.0

15.5 15.3

16.5

15.7

16.0 16.4

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

(%)

They should value the interests of the entire nation over the interests of individuals

Cannot make a distinction

They should value the interests of individuals over the interests of the entire nation

- 8 -

(6) Current degree of socializing with the local community

Q6 To what degree do you socialize with the local community? Please select one answer from the following.


• Socialize (subtotal) 68.2% → 67.8%

• A lot 17.9% → 16.9%

• To some extent 50.3% → 50.9%

• Do not socialize (subtotal) 31.8% → 32.1%

• Hardly socialize 25.6% → 25.6%

• Not at all 6.1% → 6.5%

Total (5,877)

〔 By Sex 〕

Male (2,770)

Female (3,107)


20 ～ 29 ( 430)

30 ～ 39 ( 747)

40 ～ 49 (1,018)

50 ～ 59 ( 939)

60 ～ 69 (1,323)

70 or above (1,420)


16.9 50.9

0.1

25.6 6.5

5.8

7.2

8.9

12.7

19.9

31.3

37.7

41.8

53.4

55.8

55.4

50.3

0.2

0.3

-

0.2

-

0.1

39.5

36.3

31.0

26.9

20.7

15.4

16.7

14.5

6.6

4.4

4.0

3.0

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 (%)

17.1

16.8

47.5

53.9

0.2

0.1

28.2

23.2

7.1

6.0

I do not know

Socialize (subtotal) 67.8 Do not socialize (subtotal) 32.1

A lot To some extent Hardly socialize Not at all

69.5

71.7

69.8

69.370.3

68.2

68.2

67.8

30.1

27.7

30.1 30.7

29.6

31.7 31.8

32.1

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Dec.-2002

Jan.-04 Jan.-11 Jan.-12 Feb.-13 Jan.-14 Jan.-15 Feb.-16

(%)

Socialize

Do not socialize

- 9 -

(7) Desirable degree of socializing in the local community

Q7 What do you think is the desirable degree of socializing in the local community? Please select one answer from the following.


• For all residents to help one another when there is trouble 46.3% → 43.0% (↓)

• For residents who get along well to help one another

when there is trouble 24.2% → 25.1%

• For all residents to participate in events and gatherings,

without going to the extent of helping one another when there is trouble 15.1% → 15.8%

• For residents to engage in small talk and casual conversation,

without going to the extent of helping one another when there is trouble 5.6% → 6.7% (↑)

• For residents to exchange greetings, without going to the extent

of helping one another when there is trouble 6.6% → 7.3%

• There is no need for socializing in the local community 0.9% → 1.0%

Total (5,877)

〔 By Sex 〕

Male (2,770)

Female (3,107)


20 ～ 29 ( 430)

30 ～ 39 ( 747)

40 ～ 49 (1,018)

50 ～ 59 ( 939)

60 ～ 69 (1,323)

70 or above (1,420)


31.4

35.5

45.7

45.8

45.0

44.9

26.7

25.8

24.7

25.6

23.4

25.8

16.7

16.1

15.3

16.3

17.7

13.7

8.6

9.4

6.1

6.4

4.8

7.0

14.0

11.5

6.7

4.8

7.0

5.6

1.2

1.1

0.9

0.3

0.8

1.4

0.2

0.1

0.1

0.1

0.4

0.1

1.2

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.9

1.7

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100(%)

42.1

43.8

24.8

25.3

17.4

14.4

7.1

6.2

6.8

7.8

0.9

1.0

0.1

0.2

0.8

1.2

For all residents to participate in events and gatherings, without going to the extent of helping one another when there is trouble

Other

There is no need for socializing in the local community

For all residents to help one another when there is trouble

For residents who get along well to help one another when there is trouble

For residents to engage in small talk and casual conversation, without going to the extent of helping one another when there is trouble

For residents to exchange greetings, without going to the extent of helping one another when there is trouble

43.0 25.1 15.8 6.7 7.3

1.0 0.2

1.0

I do not know

- 10 -

[A graph of Q7]

34.236.7

44.045.0 44.0

41.9

46.3

43.0

25.8

25.8 26.2

26.0

26.7

26.4

24.2

25.1

19.3

17.115.7 15.5 16.1 16.5

15.1

15.8

5.64.9

5.2 5.0 5.1 5.8 5.66.7

10.2

9.76.6

6.86.1

7.46.6

7.3

1.9 1.7 1.0 0.7 0.7 0.9 0.91.0

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Dec.-2002


(%)

For all residents to help one another when there is trouble

For residents who get along well to help one another when there is trouble

For all residents to participate in events and gatherings, without going to the extent of helping one another when there is trouble

For residents to engage in small talk and casual conversation, without going to the extent of helping one another when there is trouble

For residents to exchange greetings, without going to the extent of helping one another when there is trouble

There is no need for socializing in the local community

- 11 -

2. Awareness of the Current State of Society

(1) Current social condition (positive image)

Q8 If you were to sum up the positive image of the current social condition in a few words, which expression do you think would be suitable? Please select all applicable answers. (M.A.)

(Top 3 Items)


• Peaceful 59.9% → 61.1%

• Stable 23.5% → 25.4% (↑)

• Compassionate 20.4% → 18.8% (↓)

• None in particular 13.3% → 12.8%

(Multiple Answers)

Peaceful

Stable

Compassionate

Affluent

Cheerful

Values a sense of responsibility

Has a sense of vitality

Has a sense of solidarity

Other

None in particular

I do not know

61.1

25.4

18.8

10.7

10.0

9.5

7.2

6.9

0.1

12.8

1.5

59.9

23.5

20.4

10.2

10.4

10.0

6.5

7.6

0.1

13.3

1.3

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

February 2016 (N=5,877persons, M.T.=164.0%)January 2015 (N=6,011persons, M.T.=163.3%)

(%)

(Multiple Answers)

54.7

55.2

50.0

45.9 45.8

51.950.9

53.9 54.1

57.0

55.1

48.1

54.8

62.9

59.9

61.1

13.615.3

11.6

13.915.8

17.7 18.2 17.1

13.6 13.615.0

14.1

18.0

25.923.5

25.4

6.0

7.1 8.0 6.89.1 9.2 9.8 10.8 11.2

11.8 12.4

21.719.3 20.3 20.4

18.8

27.9

25.8

29.8

32.6

30.2

24.427.1

23.425.7

24.3

21.921.3

17.4

10.8

13.3

12.8

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Dec.-1998

Dec.-2000

Dec.-02 Jan.-04 Feb.-05 Feb.-06 Jan.-07 Feb.-08 Jan.-09 Jan.-10 Jan.-11 Jan.-12 Feb.-13 Jan.-14 Jan.-15 Feb.-16

(%)

Peaceful

None in particular

Stable

Compassionate

- 12 -

(2) Current social condition (negative image)

Q9 If you were to sum up the negative image of the current social condition in a few words, which expression do you think would be suitable? Please select all applicable answers. (M.A.)

(Top 4 Items)


• Strong trend of irresponsibility 39.5% → 42.2% (↑)

• Self-centered 36.4% → 36.9%

• Not affluent 34.8% → 33.7%

• Weak sense of solidarity 27.5% → 26.6%

(Multiple Answers)

Strong trend of irresponsibility

Self-centered

Not affluent

Weak sense of solidarity

There is much to be anxious and frustrated about

No sense of vitality

Fickle and superficial

Gloomy

Other

None in particular

I do not know

42.2

36.9

33.7

26.6

23.0

17.9

13.7

7.7

0.6

4.5

1.2

39.5

36.4

34.8

27.5

23.7

20.5

12.9

7.0

0.4

4.4

1.4

0 10 20 30 40 50


(%)

(Multiple Answers)

48.2

53.0

47.546.8

52.6

55.6

58.3

55.6

52.5

47.444.7

43.9

41.7 40.4 39.542.2

42.5

46.8

40.6 42.0

45.8 47.2

51.3

47.5 45.8

42.7

38.9

35.0 35.7

36.5 36.4 36.9

33.9

31.1

35.8 36.0

32.6 31.6

33.7

37.342.9 42.0

40.338.3 37.9

33.2 34.833.7

26.3

28.2

26.0

26.229.3 30.5

34.4

32.6 33.132.7 31.8

27.5

28.9

27.2

27.5

26.6

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Dec.-1998

Dec.-2000


（%）

Strong trend of irresponsibility

Self-centered

Not affluent

Weak sense of solidarity

- 13 -

(3) Pride in Japan

Q10 What do you take pride in with respect to Japan and the people of Japan? Please select all applicable answers. (M.A.)

(Top 4 Items)


• Good public safety 56.8% → 56.6%

• Beautiful nature 54.0% → 55.4%

• Excellent culture and arts 49.5% → 49.9%

• Long history and traditions 46.0% → 46.6%

(Multiple Answers)

36.7

35.1

40.2 41.2

39.1 38.0

37.2 36.6 37.4

36.1

39.7 39.9

42.4 43.6

48.1 47.5 47.9

47.1 47.6 46.3

44.2 46.0

46.6

29.7

27.2

29.4

32.0 32.4 32.3 33.4 33.7 34.1

32.6

34.9

38.4

40.4 41.8

44.9

47.2 46.3

47.5 48.3

50.1 50.5 49.5

49.9

34.6

36.5 39.8 40.8

40.2

38.6

36.2 34.8

36.2

37.3

38.5

39.1 41.0

36.5

46.6

50.9 49.4

53.9 53.2

52.6 54.1

54.0 55.4

47.7 49.4

52.1

42.6

33.0

39.9 38.6 38.7

30.0

26.9

20.0

18.0

20.6

24.0

30.1

36.4

42.5 44.2 45.5

54.2

56.7 56.8 56.6

10

20

30

40

50

60

Dec.-1991

Dec.-92 Dec.-93 Dec.-94 Dec.-95 Dec.-96 Dec.-97 Dec.-98 Dec.-2000


(%)

Beautiful nature

Good public safety

Excellent culture and arts

Long history and traditions

(Multiple Answers)

Good public safety

Beautiful nature

Excellent culture and arts

Long history and traditions

Diligence and talent of the people

Humanity and loyalty of the people

Free and peaceful society

High standards in science and technology

High educational standards

Stability of society

Economic prosperity

Unity as a nation

Other

None/I do not know

56.6

55.4

49.9

46.6

41.3

35.0

28.9

28.1

22.9

19.3

12.8

9.6

0.2

1.9

56.8

54.0

49.5

46.0

42.4

37.1

30.4

29.6

23.3

17.0

11.7

10.6

0.1

2.4

0 10 20 30 40 50 60



(%)

- 14 -

(4) Aspects of satisfaction in current society (Satisfied)

Q11 In which aspects are you satisfied with the current society? Please select all applicable answers. (M.A.)

(Top 5 Items)


• A high-quality living environment has been developed 41.1% → 42.7%

• It allows us to maintain a healthy mind and body 27.5% → 27.0%

• It is easy for people to strengthen their ambition and motivation to learn 18.6% → 17.9%

• It is easy to choose a working style 15.2% → 17.3% (↑)

• It is easy for people to accept and interact with one another 17.2% → 17.1%

• None in particular 20.5% → 19.6%

(Multiple Answers)

A high-quality living environment has been developed

It allows us to maintain a healthy mind and body

It is easy for people to strengthen their ambition and motivation to learn

It is easy to choose a working style

It is easy for people to accept and interact with one another

It is easy for the middle-aged and elderly to be involved in society

It is easy for women to aspire toward success in society

It is easy for families to raise children

It is easy to find opportunities

There is economic affluence and prospects for the people

It is easy for young people to aim to gain independence in society

Other

None in particular

I do not know

42.7

27.0

17.9

17.3

17.1

12.8

12.6

9.1

7.5

6.5

3.9

0.1

19.6

1.7

41.1

27.5

18.6

15.2

17.2

13.2

11.3

9.2

7.2

5.9

3.3

0.2

20.5

1.8

0 10 20 30 40 50



(%)

- 15 -

(5) Aspects of satisfaction in current society (Dissatisfied)

Q12 In which aspects are you not satisfied with the current society? Please select all applicable answers. (M.A.)

(Top 5 Items)


• There is no economic affluence or prospects for the people 46.9% → 44.4% (↓)

• It is difficult for young people to aim to gain independence in society 40.1% → 37.1% (↓)

• It is difficult for families to raise children 28.8% → 28.5%

• It is difficult for the middle-aged and elderly to be involved in society 24.9% → 25.2%

• It is difficult for women to aspire toward success in society 25.5% → 23.5% (↓)

(Multiple Answers)

There is no economic affluence or prospects for the people

It is difficult for young people to aim to gain independence in society

It is difficult for families to raise children

It is difficult for the middle-aged and elderly to be involved in society

It is difficult for women to aspire toward success in society

It is difficult to choose a working style

It is difficult to find opportunities

It is difficult for people to accept and interact with one another

It does not allow us to maintain a healthy mind and body

A high-quality living environment has not been developed

It is difficult for people to strengthen their ambition and motivation to learn

Other

None in particular

I do not know

44.4

37.1

28.5

25.2

23.5

21.7

15.8

14.7

11.7

9.5

8.3

0.6

9.5

1.3

46.9

40.1

28.8

24.9

25.5

24.1

16.1

13.5

10.2

9.8

8.8

0.4

8.9

1.9

0 10 20 30 40 50



(%)

- 16 -

(6) Satisfaction of current society on the whole

Q13 Are you satisfied with the current society on the whole? Please select one answer from the following.


• Satisfied (subtotal) 59.3% → 62.0% (↑)

• Satisfied 7.1% → 7.1%

• Somewhat satisfied 52.2% → 54.9% (↑)

• Dissatisfied (subtotal) 40.2% → 37.2% (↓)

• Somewhat dissatisfied 33.0% → 31.0% (↓)

• Dissatisfied 7.2% → 6.3%

39.941.2

44.944.4

53.4

60.859.3

62.059.5 58.0

54.5 54.9

46.1

38.7

40.2

37.2

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Jan.-2009


Satisfied

(%)

Dissatisfied

Total (5,877)

〔 By Sex 〕

Male (2,770)

Female (3,107)


20 ～ 29 ( 430)

30 ～ 39 ( 747)

40 ～ 49 (1,018)

50 ～ 59 ( 939)

60 ～ 69 (1,323)

70 or above (1,420)


7.1 54.9

0.7

31.0 6.3

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100(%)

7.9

6.4

55.6

54.3

0.5

1.0

29.7

32.1

6.3

6.2

5.6

5.5

5.4

5.2

7.2

10.7

54.2

54.5

55.0

55.2

53.5

56.5

1.6

0.3

0.6

0.3

0.6

1.3

34.2

33.5

33.5

33.7

30.7

25.4

4.4

6.3

5.5

5.6

8.0

6.2

I do not know

Satisfied (subtotal) 62.0 Dissatisfied (subtotal) 37.2

Satisfied Somewhat satisfied

Somewhat dissatisfied Dissatisfied

- 17 -

3. Evaluation of the Government’s Policies

(1) Reflection of public opinion in the government’s policies

Q14 Overall, to what extent do you think that the ideas and views of the people are reflected in the government’s policies? Please select one answer from the following.


• Reflected (subtotal) 27.6% → 29.9% (↑)

• To a large extent 1.3% → 1.6%

• To some extent 26.3% → 28.3% (↑)

• Not reflected (subtotal) 69.4% → 66.8% (↓)

• To a small extent 54.5% → 52.2% (↓)

• Mostly not reflected 14.9% → 14.6%

Total (5,877)

〔 By Sex 〕

Male (2,770)

Female (3,107)


20 ～ 29 ( 430)

30 ～ 39 ( 747)

40 ～ 49 (1,018)

50 ～ 59 ( 939)

60 ～ 69 (1,323)

70 or above (1,420)


1.6

28.3

3.3

52.2 14.6

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 (%)

2.2

1.1

32.9

24.3

1.9

4.4

48.2

55.8

14.9

14.3

0.9

0.4

0.6

1.1

1.5

3.7

25.6

22.2

22.2

23.9

31.4

36.8

3.3

2.1

1.4

1.8

2.1

7.3

55.1

56.0

59.1

57.3

51.5

41.8

15.1

19.3

16.7

16.0

13.5

10.5

I do not know

Reflected (subtotal) 29.9 Not reflected (subtotal) 66.8

To a large extent To some extent To a small extent Mostly not reflected

63.6

54.3

51.1

46.0

54.0

52.8

63.8

58.9

59.4

61.0

70.1

62.2

67.8

73.0

77.1

80.3 79.8

79.3

77.4

73.4

76.8

71.2

75.3

75.2

80.7

73.1

78.7

81.9

69.7

66.4

69.4

66.8

24.4

30.7 34.0

36.4

33.0

35.7

26.8

32.5

30.1

32.6

23.5

30.8

25.6

21.5 18.2

15.1 15.3 15.0

17.5

20.9

17.9

24.1

20.9

21.8

16.8

22.8

18.6 15.5

26.6

30.7

27.6

29.9

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

(%)

Not reflected

Reflected

- 18 -

A. Methods of reflecting public opinion in the government’s policies

SQ (For 5,590 people who responded “To some extent”, “To a small extent” or “Mostly not reflected” to Q14.) What do you think can be done to improve the extent to which the ideas and views of the people are reflected in the government’s policies? Please select one answer from the following.


• By having politicians listen carefully to the people 25.6% → 25.6%

• By having the people hold an interest in the government’s policies 23.4% → 22.0%

• By having the people gain awareness to vote during elections 14.1% → 16.7% (↑)

• By having the government listen carefully to public opinion 15.1% → 15.6%

• By expanding the spaces of civic participation 14.4% → 12.8% (↓)

• By having the mass media communicate the views of the people adequately 5.1% → 4.8%

Total (5,590)

〔 By Sex 〕

Male (2,656)

Female (2,934)


20 ～ 29 ( 412)

30 ～ 39 ( 728)

40 ～ 49 ( 998)

50 ～ 59 ( 912)

60 ～ 69 (1,275)

70 or above (1,265)


For those who responded "To some extent," "To a small extent," or "Mostly not reflected" to Q14.

25.6 22.0 16.7 15.6 12.8

4.8 0.6

1.9

20.9

22.5

22.3

24.9

27.1

30.4

26.0

22.4

22.6

23.5

21.7

19.1

14.6

12.6

15.3

13.0

19.8

20.6

12.6

18.4

18.4

18.9

13.1

13.0

19.2

18.7

17.0

13.2

9.7

6.7

5.1

4.1

2.7

4.5

6.0

5.7

0.5

0.3

0.5

0.8

0.6

0.6

1.2

1.0

1.0

1.3

2.0

4.0

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100(%)

22.1

28.8

23.3

20.8

19.4

14.3

14.6

16.5

12.8

12.7

5.6

4.0

0.8

0.3

1.4

2.5

By having the people gain awareness to vote during elections

By having the government listen carefully to public opinion

By having politicians listen carefully to the people

By expanding the spaces of civic participation

Other

By having the people hold an interest in the government’s policies

By having the mass media communicate the views of the people adequately

I do not know

- 19 -

[A graph of SQ (Q14)]

27.1

28.4 29.0

27.3

27.6 28.5

29.3

26.7

27.7

28.8 27.9

25.1 24.9

27.3 27.4

25.9

26.8 27.7

26.3

28.8

25.3

24.9

25.7

27.5

26.2

27.5

30.1 28.8

26.1 25.6

25.6

18.5

17.4

19.3 18.4

19.8

17.9 17.4

17.8

20.5

18.8

20.8 19.8

19.3

20.6 19.4

18.9

18.1

19.9

21.0 20.3

23.0

20.4 20.3

18.8 19.7

20.2

20.2

23.3

23.5 23.4

22.0

9.5

11.3 11.1 12.0

13.0

13.2

12.4

13.9 14.4

13.0

14.3 16.1

17.8

17.5

16.5 16.6 17.1

17.0

15.7 13.8

14.8 15.4

17.5 17.2 16.7

15.3

15.5 14.7

13.6

14.4 12.8

21.1

16.6 15.6

16.5 15.6

20.2 20.3 20.6

18.9

21.9

16.3

19.4 18.9

15.0

17.5 18.0

18.3

15.3

17.2 16.6

16.3

18.8

15.3 15.6

15.2

15.3

13.7 13.1

14.8

14.1

16.7

12.7

12.3

14.3 14.7

14.5

12.6

13.2

12.6 11.9

11.0

13.6

12.0 11.0 11.1

11.7

12.9

11.5 12.1 12.0

13.6

12.3 13.3

14.0 14.5 13.8 14.1

13.3

12.2

13.9

15.1 15.6

4.8 5.3

4.4 5.4

4.8 4.0 3.8

5.0 4.1 3.7

4.8 4.8 4.8 5.0 4.4 4.6 5.0 4.8

4.2 4.2 4.8 4.5

5.2 4.1

5.4

5.1

4.6

5.5

6.0

5.1

4.8

0

10

20

30

(%)

By having politicians listen carefully to the people

By having the people hold an interest in the government’s policies

By expanding the spaces of civic participation

By having the people gain awareness to vote during elections

By having the government listen carefully to public opinion

By having the mass media communicate the views of the people adequately

- 20 -

(2) The areas which are heading toward a positive direction

Q15 With regard to the current situation in Japan, which are the areas that you think are heading

toward a positive direction? Please select all applicable answers. (M.A.)

(Top 4 Items)


• Medicine/Welfare 26.7% → 29.2% (↑)

• Science and technology 30.1% → 29.1%

• Public order 18.9% → 19.8%

• Disaster Prevention 21.3% → 19.1% (↓)

• None/I do not know 16.1% → 15.1%

(Multiple Answers)

Medicine/Welfare

Science abd tecnology

Public order

Disaster prevention

Internationalization

Education

Communications/Transport

Culture

Trafic order

Diplomacy

Defense

Natural environment

Food products

Resources/Energy

Living environment

Employment/Labor conditions

Business conditions

National character

Economic power

Regional disparities

Commodity prices

Land/Housing

Social climate

Government finances

Other

None/I do not know

29.2

29.1

19.8

19.1

17.5

16.7

15.4

15.3

13.7

13.4

10.3

9.6

8.9

8.9

8.2

7.4

7.3

7.3

6.4

3.5

3.0

2.4

1.9

1.7

0.1

15.1

26.7

30.1

18.9

21.3

15.5

16.8

15.0

13.6

13.0

9.6

7.9

9.7

7.1

10.1

7.2

7.5

10.4

6.9

6.2

3.0

2.6

2.3

1.5

1.9

0.1

16.1

0 10 20 30 40


(%)

- 21 -

(3) The areas which are heading toward a negative direction

Q16 With regard to the current situation in Japan, which are the areas that you think are heading toward

a negative direction? Please select all applicable answers. (M.A.)

(Top 4 Items)


• Government finances 39.0% → 38.0%

• Business conditions 30.3% → 29.5%

• Regional disparities 29.6% → 27.9% (↓)

• Employment/Labor conditions 27.8% → 26.8%

(Multiple Answers)

Government finances

Business conditions


Employment/Labor conditions

Commodity prices

Defense

Economic power

Diplomacy

Public order

Social climate

Resources/Energy

Natural environment

Medicine/Welfare

Food products

Education

National character

Living environment

Traffic order

Land/Housing

Internationalization

Disaster prevention

Culture

Science and technology

Communications/Transport

Other

None/I do not know

38.0

29.5

27.9

26.8

24.6

24.2

19.4

18.6

17.8

17.5

15.9

15.6

14.2

12.5

11.1

8.0

7.5

5.0

5.0

4.5

4.0

1.7

1.5

1.5

0.3

7.5

39.0

30.3

29.6

27.8

31.3

23.7

19.2

25.2

17.5

16.8

17.6

16.4

16.9

14.9

10.2

8.4

7.7

4.5

5.3

5.5

3.8

1.9

1.5

1.8

0.3

6.9

0 10 20 30 40 50



(%)

- 22 -

[A graph of Q15]

[A graph of Q16]

(Multiple Answers)

20.4

19.0 18.2

14.8

17.2 17.9

19.7

21.2

28.1

20.7

27.0

23.1 25.7 25.1

30.1

29.1

24.9

23.5

22.8 23.5

27.2

23.1

16.5 15.1

13.2

18.7

22.4 22.5

27.5 27.6

26.7

29.2

15.1

9.3

5.04.2 4.2

5.4 5.3

8.2

9.5

11.3

13.3 13.6

15.6

19.4

18.9

19.8

9.0

9.5

8.5

9.5

13.8

10.311.5

15.1

17.6

14.9

14.8 15.2

19.6

18.3

21.3

19.1

0

10

20

30

Dec.-1998

Dec.-2000

Dec.-02

Jan.-04

Feb.-05

Feb.-06

Jan.-07

Feb.-08

Jan.-09

Jan.-10

Jan.-11

Jan.-12

Feb.-13

Jan.-14

Jan.-15

Feb.-16

(%)

Science and technology

Medicine/Welfare

Public order

Disaster prevention

(Multiple Answers)

41.5

36.1

41.938.3

39.1

33.2

32.7

37.5

42.9

47.6

55.7 54.9

39.0

32.8

39.0

38.0

48.8

43.0

51.6

44.6

35.4

28.9

33.5

31.1

57.556.5

52.3

49.3

39.1

28.0

27.826.8

64.0

46.9

65.3

45.5

38.5

20.5 21.1

43.4

68.6

63.1

57.758.7

36.1

19.0

30.3

29.5

8.1 7.8 7.4 7.59.7

15.0

26.5

32.931.3

27.125.2

24.2

20.5

23.7

29.627.9

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Dec.-1998

Dec.-2000


（%）

Government finances

Employment/Laborconditions

Business conditions


- 23 -

Public Opinion Survey on Social Awareness

February 2016 (N=5,877)

1. Relationship with the country and society

Q1. [Response Sheet 1] This question concerns your feelings of “love for the country.” Compared to other people, do you think that you have strong feelings of “love for the country,” or weak feelings of “love for the country?” Please select one answer from the following.

(16.2) (39.3) (38.4) ( 5.5) ( 0.6)

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)

Very strong Somewhat strong Neutral (I do not know)

Somewhat weak Very weak (Not at all)

Q2. Do you think that there is a need down the road to foster greater feelings of “love for the country”

among the people?

(74.9) (12.6) (12.5)

Yes, I think so No, I do not think so I do not know

Q3. [Response Sheet 2] There are two different views that suggest, as citizens, “We should shift our attention

more to the country and society,” or that “We should place a greater focus on enriching individual lives.” Which of the two views is your personal stance closer to?

(46.9) (40.8) (11.4) ( 0.9)

(a) (b)

We should shift our attention more to the country and society

We should place a greater focus on enriching

individual lives


I do not know

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Q4. Do you normally think about wanting to serve society in some way as a member of society? (65.0) (32.4) ( 2.6) Yes, I do No, I don’t I do not know (To Q5.) (For those who responded “Yes, I do” in Q4.)

SQ [Response Sheet 3] In what ways do you wish to serve society? Please select all applicable answers. (M.A.)

(N=3,820)

( 9.3) (a) Activities related to the sound and healthy development of youths (boy scout/girl scout activities, children’s associations, etc.)

(21.2) (b) Activities related to athletics, sports, and culture (teaching sports and recreation, festivals, teaching at club activities at schools, etc.)

(25.4) (c) Voluntary disaster prevention activities, disaster relief activities (11.6) (d) Activities held at public facilities (childcare services at community centers, exhibition

guide at museums, etc.) (13.5) (e) Activities related to learning activities, such as teaching, offering advice, management

cooperation, etc. (cooking, English, calligraphy, etc.) (10.8) (f) Activities related to international exchanges (cooperation) (interpretation, refugee aid,

technological assistance, assistance to international students, etc.) (35.1) (g) Activities related to social welfare (providing care to the elderly or the disabled, taking

care of acquaintances, providing meals, childcare, etc.) (17.0) (h) Activities related to health, medical care, hygiene (volunteering at hospitals, etc.) (31.6) (i) Activities related to the protection of nature and the environment (beautification of the

environment, recycling activities, collection of milk cartons, etc.) (16.6) (j) Activities related to traffic safety (monitoring the safety of children when they go to/return

from school, etc.) (15.9) (k) Fundraising activities, charity bazaars (32.9) (l) Local community activities under the town council, etc. (assisting in celebrations,

accidents, etc., serving as a committee member of the town council or residents’ association, crime or fire prevention activities, etc.)

(20.7) (m) Through housework and bringing up children (25.0) (n) Through my own work ( 2.0) Other ( ) ( 1.5) I do not know

（M.T.=290.1） (For all respondents) Q5. [Response Sheet 4] Do you think that the Japanese people should from now on value the interests of the

entire nation over the interests of individuals? Conversely, do you think that they should value the interests of individuals over the interests of the entire nation?

(48.0) (a) They should value the interests of the entire nation over the interests of individuals (33.9) (b) They should value the interests of individuals over the interests of the entire nation (16.4) I cannot make a distinction ( 1.7) I do not know

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Q6. [Response Sheet 5] To what degree do you socialize with the local community? Please select one answer from the following.

(16.9) (a) I socialize a lot (50.9) (b) I socialize to some extent (25.6) (c) I hardly socialize ( 6.5) (d) I do not socialize at all ( 0.1) I do not know

Q7. [Response Sheet 6] What do you think is the desirable degree of socializing in the local community?

Please select one answer from the following. (43.0) (a) For all residents to help one another when there is trouble (25.1) (b) For residents who get along well to help one another when there is trouble (15.8) (c) For all residents to participate in events and gatherings, without going to the extent of

helping one another when there is trouble ( 6.7) (d) For residents to engage in small talk and casual conversation, without going to the extent

of helping one another when there is trouble ( 7.3) (e) For residents to exchange greetings, without going to the extent of helping one another

when there is trouble ( 1.0) (f) There is no need for socializing in the local community ( 0.2) Other ( ) ( 1.0) I do not know

2. Awareness of the current state of society

Q8. [Response Sheet 7] If you were to sum up the positive image of the current social condition in a few words, which expression do you think would be suitable? Please select all applicable answers. (M.A.) (61.1) (a) Peaceful (10.7) (b) Affluent (25.4) (c) Stable ( 9.5) (d) Values a sense of responsibility ( 6.9) (e) Has a sense of solidarity (18.8) (f) Compassionate (10.0) (g) Cheerful ( 7.2) (h) Has a sense of vitality ( 0.1) Other ( ) (12.8) None in particular ( 1.5) I do not know

(M.T.=164.0)

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Q9. [Response Sheet 8] If you were to sum up the negative image of the current social condition in a few words, which expression do you think would be suitable? Please select all applicable answers. (M.A.)

(23.0) (a) There is much to be anxious and frustrated about (33.7) (b) Not affluent (13.7) (c) Fickle and superficial (42.2) (d) Strong trend of irresponsibility (26.6) (e) Weak sense of solidarity (36.9) (f) Self-centered ( 7.7) (g) Gloomy (17.9) (h) No sense of vitality ( 0.6) Other ( ) ( 4.5) None in particular ( 1.2) I do not know

(M.T.=208.1)

Q10 [Response Sheet 9] What do you take pride in with respect to Japan and the people of Japan?

Please select all applicable answers. (M.A.)

(46.6) (a) Long history and traditions (49.9) (b) Excellent culture and arts (55.4) (c) Beautiful nature (35.0) (d) Humanity and loyalty of the people (41.3) (e) Diligence and talent of the people (22.9) (f) High educational standards (28.1) (g) High standards in science and technology (12.8) (h) Economic prosperity ( 9.6) (i) Unity as a nation (19.3) (j) Stability of society (56.6) (k) Good public safety (28.9) (l) Free and peaceful society ( 0.2) Other ( ) ( 1.9) None / I do not know

(M.T.=408.5)

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Q11. [Response Sheet 10] In which aspects are you satisfied with the current society? Please select all applicable answers. (M.A.)

(42.7) (a) A high-quality living environment has been developed (17.3) (b) It is easy to choose a working style ( 6.5) (c) There is economic affluence and prospects for the people ( 7.5) (d) It is easy to find opportunities (17.1) (e) It is easy for people to accept and interact with one another (17.9) (f) It is easy for people to strengthen their ambition and motivation to learn (27.0) (g) It allows us to maintain a healthy mind and body ( 3.9) (h) It is easy for young people to aim to gain independence in society ( 9.1) (i) It is easy for families to raise children (12.6) (j) It is easy for women to aspire toward success in society (12.8) (k) It is easy for the middle-aged and elderly to be involved in society ( 0.1) Other ( ) (19.6) None in particular ( 1.7) I do not know

(M.T.=195.8) Q12. [Response Sheet 11] In which aspects are you not satisfied with the current society?

Please select all applicable answers. (M.A.)

( 9.5) (a) A high-quality living environment has not been developed (21.7) (b) It is difficult to choose a working style (44.4) (c) There is no economic affluence or prospects for the people (15.8) (d) It is difficult to find opportunities (14.7) (e) It is difficult for people to accept and interact with one another ( 8.3) (f) It is difficult for people to strengthen their ambition and motivation to learn (11.7) (g) It does not allow us to maintain a healthy mind and body (37.1) (h) It is difficult for young people to aim to gain independence in society (28.5) (i) It is difficult for families to raise children (23.5) (j) It is difficult for women to aspire toward success in society (25.2) (k) It is difficult for the middle-aged and elderly to be involved in society ( 0.6) Other ( ) ( 9.5) None in particular ( 1.3) I do not know

(M.T.=251.8) Q13. [Response Sheet 12] Are you satisfied with the current society on the whole?

Please select one answer from the following.

( 7.1) (54.9) (31.0) ( 6.3) ( 0.7)

(a) (b) (c) (d)


Somewhat dissatisfied

Dissatisfied I do not know

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3. Evaluation of the government’s policies

Q14. [Response Sheet 13] Overall, to what extent do you think that the ideas and views of the people are reflected in the government’s policies? Please select one answer from the following.

( 1.6) (28.3) (52.2) (14.6) ( 3.3)

(a) (b) (c) (d)

To a large extent To some extent To a small extent Mostly not reflected

I do not know

(To Q15.) (To Q15.) (For those who responded “(b) To some extent,” “(c) To a small extent,” and “(d) Mostly not reflected” in Q14.)

SQ [Response Sheet 14] What do you think can be done to improve the extent to which the ideas and views of the people are reflected in the government’s policies? Please select one answer from the following.

(N=5,590)

(25.6) (a) By having politicians listen carefully to the people (22.0) (b) By having the people hold an interest in the government’s policies ( 4.8) (c) By having the mass media communicate the views of the people adequately (16.7) (d) By having the people gain awareness to vote during elections (15.6) (e) By having the government listen carefully to public opinion (12.8) (f) By expanding the spaces of civic participation ( 0.6) Other ( ) ( 1.9) I do not know

(For all respondents) Q15. [Response Sheet 15] With regard to the current situation in Japan, which are the areas that you think are

heading toward a positive direction? Please select all applicable answers. (M.A.)

(13.4) (a) Diplomacy (29.1) (l) Science and technology ( 7.3) (v) National character (10.3) (b) Defense ( 8.9) (m) Resources/Energy ( 1.9) (w) Social climate ( 1.7) (c) Government finances ( 8.9) (n) Food products ( 3.5) (x) Regional disparities( 3.0) (d) Commodity prices ( 9.6) (o) Natural environment (17.5) (y) Internationalization ( 7.3) (e) Business conditions ( 8.2) (p) Living environment ( 0.1) Other ( ) ( 6.4) (f) Economic power (19.1) (q) Disaster prevention (15.1) None/I do not know( 7.4) (g) Employment/

Labor conditions (19.8) (r) Public order ( 2.4) (s) Land/Housing

(29.2) (h) Medicine/Welfare (15.4) (t) Communications/ Transport

(16.7) (i) Education (15.3) (j) Culture (13.7) (u) Traffic order (M.T.=291.4)

Q16. [Response Sheet 15] With regard to the current situation in Japan, which are the areas that you think are

heading toward a negative direction? Please select all applicable answers. (M.A.)

(18.6) (a) Diplomacy ( 1.5) (l) Science and technology ( 8.0) (v) National character (24.2) (b) Defense (15.9) (m) Resources/Energy (17.5) (w) Social climate (38.0) (c) Government finances (12.5) (n) Food products (27.9) (x) Regional disparities(24.6) (d) Commodity prices (15.6) (o) Natural environment ( 4.5) (y) Internationalization (29.5) (e) Business conditions ( 7.5) (p) Living environment ( 0.3) Other ( ) (19.4) (f) Economic power ( 4.0) (q) Disaster prevention ( 7.5) None/I do not know(26.8) (g) Employment/

Labor conditions (17.8) (r) Public order ( 5.0) (s) Land/Housing

(14.2) (h) Medicine/Welfare ( 1.5) (t) Communications/ Transport

(11.1) (i) Education ( 1.7) (j) Culture ( 5.0) (u) Traffic order (M.T.=360.0)

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<<Respondent’s Profile>> Finally, please provide us with the following information about yourself, in order to facilitate the statistical analysis of your responses. F1 [Sex]

(47.1) Male (52.9) Female F2 [Age]How old are you?

( 3.3) 20 - 24 ( 8.5) 45 - 49 ( 9.6) 70 - 74 ( 4.0) 25 - 29 ( 8.1) 50 - 54 ( 7.2) 75 - 79 ( 5.4) 30 - 34 ( 7.9) 55 - 59 ( 7.4) 80 or above ( 7.3) 35 - 39 ( 9.7) 60 - 64 ( 8.9) 40 - 44 (12.8) 65 - 69

F3 [Response Sheet 16] [Employment status] Which of the following applies to your employment status? (48.1)(a) Employed (including executive officer) ( 8.9) (b) Self-employed (including home-based work) ( 2.1) (c) Family worker (40.8)(d) Unemployed (including homemaker, student) (To SQ-b.) ( 0.0) No response (For those who responded “a. Employed (including executive officer)”, “b. Self-employed (including home-

based work) ”, “c. Family worker” in F3.) SQ-a [Occupation] What is your occupation? (Write down specific details, and circle the applicable job category below.) (N=3,476)

( 6.8) Administrative or Managerial Worker (15.4) Professional or Technical Worker (19.1) Clerical Worker (30.1) Sales, Service, or Security Worker ( 3.5) Agriculture, Forestry, or Fishery Worker (25.0) Production, Transportation, Construction or Related Worker ( 0.0) No response

(For those who responded “d. Unemployed (including homemaker, student)” in F3.) SQ-b [Homemaker, other unemployed] Are you a homemaker? (N=2,400)

(48.7) Housewife ( 2.5) Househusband (48.9) Other (For those who responded “a. Employed (including executive officer)” in F3.) SQ-c [Response Sheet 17] [Type of Employment] Which of the following is applicable to you? (N=2,827)

( 5.0) (a) Executive officer (60.4) (b) Regular staff/employee (34.3) (c) Non-regular staff/employee (including contract staff and staff dispatched from worker dispatching agencies) ( 0.3) No response

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(For all respondents) F4. [No. of people in the household] What is the number of people who share the family budget in your

household, including yourself? (Not including domestic helpers)

(10.6) (31.7) (24.2) (19.7) ( 8.0) ( 3.9) ( 1.6) ( 0.2) 1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people

or more No

response F5 [Response Sheet 18] [Household] Which of the following categories is applicable to your household?

(10.6) (a) One-person household (26.4) (b) One-generation household (married couple only) (49.9) (c) Two-generation household (parents and child/children) (11.7) (d) Three-generation household (parents, child/children, and grandchild/grandchildren) ( 1.4) (e) Other household types ( 0.1) No response

F6 [Response Sheet 19] [Marital status] Are you married? Please select one answer.

(71.2) (12.9) (15.8) ( 0.1) (a) (b) (c)

Married (with spouse)

Married (divorced/widowed)

Unmarried No response

F7 [With/Without child/children] Do you have any children? Please include grown child/children or

child/children who do not live with you.

(76.6) I have a child/children (23.3) I do not have any children (0.1) No response

F8 [Person supporting the household] Are you the person mainly supporting the household, or is it someone else?

(52.2) (47.7) ( 0.1) Yourself Other than yourself No response

(To F9.)

SQa [Response Sheet 20] [Employment status of the person supporting the household] Which of the following is applicable to the person mainly supporting the household?

(N=2,802) (58.2) (a) Employed (including executive officer) (15.2) (b) Self-employed (including home-based work) (26.3) (c) Unemployed (To F9.) ( 0.3) No response

SQb [Occupation of the person supporting the household] What is the occupation of this person?

(Write down specific details, and circle the applicable job category below.) (N=2,057)

(11.0) Administrative or Managerial Worker (14.2) Professional or Technical Worker (15.2) Clerical worker (24.8) Sales, Service, or Security Worker ( 4.8) Agriculture, Forestry, or Fishery Worker (29.1) Production, Transportation, Construction, or Related worker ( 0.9) No response

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(For all respondents) F9. [No. of years of residence] How many years have you lived in this city (ward/town/village)?

( 3.2) ( 6.4) ( 7.8) (15.1) (67.5) ( 0.0)

Less than 2 years

2 years - Less than 5 years



20 years or more

No response

F10. [Response Sheet 21][Degree of satisfaction with life]

Overall, how satisfied are you with your current life? Please select one answer from the following.

(17.3) (63.8) (13.5) ( 3.7) ( 1.5) ( 0.2) (a) (b) (c) (d)


Somewhat dissatisfied

Dissatisfied Neither I do not know

F11. [Response Sheet 22][Troubles and anxiety in everyday life]

Do you feel worried or anxious in your everyday life? Please select one answer from the following.

(13.7) (50.1) (24.6) (11.3) ( 0.2) (a) (b) (c) (d) Yes To some extent Not really Not at all I do not know

F12. [Response Sheet 23][Living standards]

Compared to the general public, what do you think is the standard of living for your household? Please select one answer from the following.

( 1.1) (14.0) (58.2) (20.6) ( 4.3) ( 1.8)

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) High Upper-middle Middle Lower-middle Low I do not know

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F13 [Response Sheet 24][Internet usage] Do you use the Internet on a regular basis, for work or private use, such as web browsing or the sending and receiving of e-mails?

(46.3) (13.5) ( 4.2) (35.9) ( 0.1)

(a) (b) (c) (d) I use it almost

every day I occasionally

use it I mostly do not

use it I do not use it

at all I do not know

(To F15.)

F14 [Response Sheet 25][Dissemination of information using the Internet] This question relates to posting on the Internet. Do you use websites, blogs, online bulletin boards,

and/or social networking services (SNS) to add/update information about events related to you or your everyday thoughts and ideas? Please exclude the exchange of information via e-mail.

(N=3,761)

(8.5) (a) I add/update information almost every day (14.1) (b) I add/update information sometimes (12.9) (c) I mostly do not add/update information (64.4) (d) I do not disseminate any information ( 0.3) I do not know

(For all respondents) F15 [Ownership of fixed-line phone] Do you have a fixed-line phone for family use in the house that you are

residing in?

(87.4) Yes, I have a fixed-line phone (12.6) No, I do not have a fixed-line phone ( 0.0) I do not know

F16 [Ownership of mobile phone/smartphone] Do you have a mobile phone/smartphone for personal use?

(87.9) Yes, I have a mobile phone/smartphone (12.0) No, I do not have a mobile phone/smartphone ( 0.1) I do not know

Overview of the Public Opinion Survey on Social Awareness · Overview of the Public Opinion Survey...

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