7 out of 10 Japanese Citizens Say "I Am Middle Class"... Similar to 60 Years Ago

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] A survey revealed that 7 out of 10 Japanese people perceive themselves as middle class. Although the survey methods differ, the scale of middle-class perception is almost the same as the results of a public opinion survey conducted over 60 years ago in the 1960s.

According to a postal public opinion survey on social awareness conducted and released by Yomiuri Shimbun on the 29th, targeting 2,130 Japanese voters in March and April, 72% of respondents evaluated their living standards as middle class when asked to classify their lifestyle into upper, middle, or lower class.

Yomiuri analyzed, "In a survey conducted in December of the same year, right after the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, 74% of respondents identified themselves as middle class," adding, "This shows that the Japanese people's perception of their living standards has not changed significantly over more than half a century."

During the same period, there were significant changes in awareness regarding relationships with neighbors and family. When asked about the level of interaction with neighbors, 70% responded that they have a light relationship, such as exchanging greetings when they meet, nearly doubling from 36% in a survey conducted in November 1968. However, the percentage of those who said they visit each other's homes and maintain close relationships decreased from 61% to 22%, which is interpreted as a reduction in such interactions.

Regarding the issue of supporting elderly parents, the response that all children should share responsibility increased from 30% to 50%, while the response that the eldest son should take care of them significantly decreased from 37% to 4%. Yomiuri analyzed, "In the 1960s, Japan was a 'young country' with an average national age of 29, but as of last year, the proportion of the population aged 65 and over reached 28.4%, more than four times higher," suggesting that demographic changes have influenced perceptions of family relationships.

A culture that values leisure over work has also emerged. The percentage of respondents who said "work is a human duty" decreased from 13% in 1968 to 7%, while those who emphasized leisure with the view that "work is work, and rest is rest" increased from 33% to 41%.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.