What are the characteristics of Japanese people? What are the recent trends? Are you hardworking? [Announcement of survey results] *Dream Planning Co., Ltd.*
Press release: September 3, 2024
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What are the characteristics of Japanese people? What are the recent trends? Are you hardworking? [Announcement of survey results] *URUHOME, a real estate problem-solving site operated by Dream Planning Co., Ltd. (Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Prefecture/Representative Director: Juto Takahashi), conducts a survey on the theme of “Japanese characteristics and recent trends.” Conduct a survey*
* [Please regarding quotation and reproduction of data] *
When using the survey results and images in this release, please use the URL of URUHOME (URUHOME) where survey results are published. Please provide a link to https://uruhome.net/japanese-spirit/
*Publication permission from our company is not required.
* [Survey overview] *
〇Survey target: “People who are interested in issues of daily life” 〇Valid responses – 500 people
〇Investigator – Dream Planning Co., Ltd.
〇Research method – Internet questionnaire survey
〇Survey period-July 15th to July 17th, 2024
What do you think is the best characteristic of Japanese people? What do you think is the best characteristic of Japanese people? n=500 (Number of answers: 1140, multiple answers possible)
1st place was “polite” 46.4%
* ★ 1st place: I think Japanese people are polite 232 people (46.4%) ★*
The politeness of the Japanese people is one of their world-famous characteristics, and many Japanese people have come to realize this as well.
* -1st place・Comment that I think Japanese people are polite-* “It’s good to be polite because relationships begin with politeness. (Male, 60s)”
“I think it’s great that I’ve learned to follow good manners (queuing in line without crossing, stopping at red lights, etc.) and it’s great.” (Female, 50s)
“Japanese people are proud of the national character of politeness. (Male, 40s)” “I’ve been seeing more and more foreigners who don’t know any manners, such as cutting in line without any problem, so every time I see them, I realize and reaffirm the politeness of Japanese people. (Female in her 60s)
In recent years, etiquette has tended to be neglected due to the emphasis on freedom and individuality, but we would like to pass on the virtues of the Japanese people to the next generation.
2nd place was “Hardworking” (39.6%)
* ★ 2nd place: I think Japanese people are hardworking 39.6% ★*
Just under 40% of respondents cited diligence as a characteristic of Japanese people.
The fact that we were able to gain trust in Made in Japan products is largely due to the diligence of the Japanese people.
* -2nd place・Comments that think Japanese people are hardworking-* “Seriousness is a good thing about Japanese people, but it also makes Japan feel stuffy, so I think it’s best in moderation.” (Female, 50s) “I often work in foreign countries, and I think Japanese people are hardworking and easy-going. When it comes to work. (Male, 40s)” “I believe that hard work allows us to provide excellent services and products, and enjoy the convenience of daily life.” (Male, 50s) “I think Japanese people are serious and polite. I can really trust things made in Japan. (Female, 20s)”
On the other hand, there are some comments that view hard work as suffocating, so we need to be careful.
3rd place was “cooperative” (36.8%)
* ★ 3rd place: I think Japanese people are cooperative 184 people (36.8%) ★*
Many people cite cooperativeness and the power of unity as
characteristics of the Japanese people, and their true worth has been demonstrated in times of emergency.
* -3rd place: Comment that Japanese people are cooperative -* “I think that people who are able to avoid trouble and respect others are excellent people. Being able to pay close attention to detail is also a virtue. (Female, 30s)”
“Even in times like earthquakes, we can all work together and respond. (Male, 60s)”
“I think it’s amazing that order and hygiene can be maintained through the simple concept of “manners” without strict laws and penalties like in the United States and Singapore. (Female in her 40s) “I think the attitude of being able to cooperate without disrupting the circle when necessary is unique to Japanese people, and I’m glad I was raised as a Japanese myself.” (Female, 30s)
On the other hand, there are quite a few opinions that avoid cooperativeness as peer pressure, and this also needs to be moderated.
4th place: “Compassionate” (30.8%)
* ★ 4th place: I think Japanese people are considerate 154 people (30.8%) ★*
Japanese people are said to be kind and considerate. There are some people who don’t, but they seem to be able to show this quality by helping each other when they are in trouble.
* -4th place・Comments that make me think Japanese people are considerate-* “I’ll never forget how grateful I was to be helped when I was in trouble. I think this is a race with fundamentally wonderful characteristics from a global perspective. (Female, 50s)”
“I think a characteristic of Japanese people is that they always have a sense of compassion, even in the smallest things.” (Male, 40s) “I think it’s because it’s Japan that you can drop your wallet and come back safely. I thought it was great. (Female, 20s)”
“When someone asks for directions, they can’t say no, and it seems to be unique to Japanese people to think about it together with them, so I was surprised.” (Male, 20s)
As the old saying goes, “Compassion is not for others (if you are kind to others, it will be returned to you)”, and if everyone can create a virtuous cycle of kindness, Japanese society will show signs of improvement.
5th place was “Humble” (26.8%)
* ★ 5th place: I think Japanese people are humble 134 people (26.8%) ★*
It has long been said that Japanese people cannot express themselves. It is an expression of humility and modesty, and has created a unique culture.
* -5th place: Comment that Japanese people are humble -*
“Not showing off your abilities too much is both a good thing and a bad thing… (Female, 50s)”
“I like being modest and not making people feel bad. (Female, 20s)” “I think there are many people who are humble, but lack confidence (female, 30s).”
“I think it’s good that I’m modest about myself… (Female, 40s)”
If you can say the right thing when it’s time to say it, I think your social life will be more harmonious if you’re more modest about it.
How do you feel about Japanese people these days?
What is happening to Japanese people these days? [n=500, single answer] It appears that over 60% of people feel that the virtues of the Japanese people, such as “politeness,” “compassion,” and “cooperation,” have been lost, and that they are “deteriorating.”
Let’s see what everyone thinks!
How do you feel about Japanese people these days? n=500 (958 answers, multiple answers possible)
1st place was “Lack of courtesy” (27.2%)
* ★ 1st place: Japanese people have lost their manners 136 people (27.2%) ★*
Unfortunately, everyone seems to feel that the Japanese politeness, which was once considered a virtue, has been lost.
* -1st place: Comments that show a lack of Japanese etiquette -* “The number of people with proper manners and etiquette is decreasing. I think the level of civility is declining. (Female, 20s)”
“I feel like politeness is disappearing. Even if you greet someone, some people won’t respond, saying, “If you’re a strange person…” I feel like a dozen years ago, everyone was livening up the town. (Female in her 30s)
“For better or worse, I think more and more people are starting to value individuality, and are beginning to mistake selfishness, selfishness, and rudeness for individuality (female, 30s).”
“Maybe the definition of etiquette is changing, but I sometimes think that etiquette has not changed.” (Female, 30s)
As mentioned in the comments, it’s not just that the level of civility is declining, but it may also be that they are being careful not to get into trouble.
2nd place was “Lack of compassion” at 26.4%.
* ★ 2nd place: Japanese people have lost compassion 132 people (26.4%) ★*
Perhaps due to the economic downturn and the hardships of living, Japanese society seems to be becoming more and more unstable and losing its kindness and compassion.
* -2nd place: Comments that show a lack of compassion among Japanese people-* “When I look at social media, I see so many comments that look down on others, slander, ridicule, and other comments that show no trace of humility, and I realize how low the level of citizenship of the Japanese people is. (Male, 40s) I don’t know if the situation has changed or if it has always been the case, but the anonymity of SNS has just made it more obvious.
“I’m sensitive to being hurt, but I feel like there are many people who hurt others without any hesitation. (Female, 30s)”
“When I look at social media and Yahoo! comments, I see a lot of mean, selfish, and inconsiderate comments that don’t consider other people’s feelings and situations, which makes me surprised, angry, and very sad. (60s) ·woman)”
“There are more and more people who are self-centered, and I feel like that makes it hard to respect others. (Male, 30s)”
With the spread of the Internet, we are now seeing cases of people spouting abusive language that would never be said face-to-face. I want to remember to respect and treat others with the same respect I have for myself.
Tie for 3rd place: “Decrease in cooperativeness” 20.6%
* ★ 3rd place tie: Japanese people are less cooperative 103 people (20.6%) ★*
There were many opinions that Japanese people’s sense of cooperation has been diminished, perhaps because individualism has become pervasive.
* -3rd place tie – Comments that Japanese people’s cooperativeness is decreasing -*
“I think there is a feeling that young people are being ignored. (Female in her 50s)”
“I am no longer able to understand things without being told what to do if this is the case.” (Female, 50s)
“As times have changed, individuality has come to be respected, and I think there is less cooperation than before.However, I think there are both good and bad aspects to this, and it is not necessarily a bad thing. (Female in her 40s)
“I think diversity is important, but I feel like more and more people are becoming less cooperative and unable to accept others.” (Male, 50s)
It’s troubling if we don’t help each other when it’s needed, but it’s also troubling if we interfere too much, so we need to be careful.
Tie for 3rd place: “I have lost my humility” 20.6%
* ★ 3rd place tie: Japanese people have lost their humility 103 people (20.6%) ★*
As a result of being told that Japanese people should assert their rights more, they have become selfish.
* -3rd place Thailand – Comments that made the Japanese lose their humility -* “Perhaps it’s because of the influence of digitalization, but I feel like there are more people who want approval.” (Male, 40s)
“Many adults are unable to look at other people’s behavior and change their own behavior.” (Male in his 50s)
“I think it’s good to express one’s opinion, but there are many situations where opinions are expressed without consideration, and I feel that the Japanese people have lost their humility, which is said to be a virtue.” (Female, 40s) )”
“I think I’ve lost my modesty, but maybe it’s because of my ethnicity. (Female, 50s)”
As mentioned in the comments, it seems that the result of pushing through selfishness without consideration is one of the reasons why Japanese society is in turmoil.
5th place: “Diligent has been lost” (19.0%)
* ★ 5th place: Japanese people have lost their industriousness 95 people (19.0%) ★*
The comments made me feel that hard work, which was a virtue of the Japanese people, is being lost year by year.
* -5th place – Comments that show that Japanese people are losing their industriousness -*
“If you don’t study, you will be left behind in society, but I feel that there are many people who are steering their lives in a direction that is comfortable for them.” (Female, 30s)
“I think fewer people are willing to work harder than others because they rarely get rewarded even if they work hard.” (Female, 30s) “We are often being surpassed by other countries in terms of technology and sales, and it seems like we are trying to become smaller and smaller without really wanting to study.” (Female, 30s) “I feel it’s dangerous in Japan, where people who are hard-working and highly cooperative are less valued. (Male, 50s)”
Even if you work diligently, it is often not reflected in your pay or benefits, and there are probably not many people who try to be diligent.
What do you think about Japanese people and your own hard work? What do you think about Japanese people and your own hard work? n=500 (single answer)
1st place: “Japanese people are hardworking & I am hardworking too” 26.2% * ★ 1st place: Japanese people and myself are hardworking 131 people (26.2%) ★*
When we conducted an attitude survey regarding industriousness, the most common opinion was that both Japanese people in general and themselves are industrious.
* -1st place: Both the Japanese and myself are diligent comments-* “I think Japanese people are generally serious. (Female, 50s)” “I’m a very average Japanese person, and the only quality I have is my hard work.” (Male, 50s)
“I think I live every day to the fullest. (Male, 40s)”
“I don’t try my best to do things that seem pointless, but I think I’m as diligent as anyone else.” (Male, 30s)
In the comments, he humbly says, “It’s all about hard work,” but I think that hard work is the strength of Japanese society.
2nd place: “Japanese people are hardworking, but I am not hardworking” (17.4%) * ★ 2nd place: Japanese people are hardworking, but I am not one 87 people (17.4%) ★*
Everyone said they were hardworking, but many said that they were not like that.
* -2nd place: Comments that Japanese people are hardworking but I am not so diligent-*
“I’m not a very hard-working Japanese person, so I’m always looking for ways to have fun as much as possible. (Female, 40s)”
“You could say I’m the representative of a lazy person because I’m not a hard worker…” (Sweat (Female, 50s))
“I think it’s best not to judge for yourself whether or not you’re a hard worker. (Female, 40s)”
“I can only live a mediocre life because I am not diligent (40s, female)”
In order to lead a normal life, you need a certain amount of diligence. Also, I think the comment that you shouldn’t judge yourself as being diligent (that’s impudent) is certainly correct.
3rd place: “Japanese people are hardworking, but I’m below average” (17.2%) * ★ 3rd place: Japanese people are hardworking, but I am below average 86 people (17.2%) ★*
I’m doing my best in my own way, but everyone else is working even harder. This answer shows the politeness typical of Japanese people.
* -3rd place – Comment that Japanese people are hardworking but I am below average -*
“I don’t really understand myself. I think Japan is what it is today because Japanese people are hardworking. (Male, 50s)”
“I don’t think I’m particularly diligent just doing what I have to do.” (Female, 50s)
“When I work hard, I try really hard, but when I don’t want to work hard, I can’t say anything because it’s so heavy that I can’t lift my hips. (Female, 30s)”
“I’ve been working hard so far, but I think I’m not trying hard enough. (Male, 30s)”
Today’s Japan is the result of everyone doing their best, so I think we should have more confidence.
* 4th place tie: “Japanese people are not diligent, but I am diligent” 9.2%* ★ 4th place tie: Japanese people are not diligent, but I am diligent 46 people (9.2%) ★
While others around me are losing their diligence, I am working hard. I could feel from the comments that they are struggling to raise the average value of Japanese people.
* -4th place Thailand – Comment that Japanese people are not diligent, but I am diligent -*
“The average study time for Japanese people is 6 minutes, but I personally study for more than an hour every day on things that interest me.” (Male, 30s)
“Humans believe that they study until they die, so they want to make an active effort to learn what they don’t know, and believe that what they will take with them when they die is the result of such knowledge and efforts.” (Female, 50s)
“I think I’m a hard worker, but many of the people around me aren’t so hardworking, so I think it’s difficult to keep it that way.” (Female, 30s)
“This applies to many things, but I have a habit of aiming to be better than the average. Also, I don’t want to be able to do what I need to a certain extent, so I study hard. (Male, 20s)
The average study time of 6 minutes is based on 2016 data (Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications), and the 2022 data (same) is 13 minutes.
4th place tie: “Japanese people are not hardworking. I’m better, but I can’t say I’m hardworking” 9.2%
* ★ 4th place tie: Japanese people are not diligent, and although they are better, they are not diligent 46 people (9.2%) ★*
Japanese people have completely lost their industriousness, and there were many comments saying that although they are better than others, they are not at a level where they can be satisfied with their industriousness.
* -4th place Thailand – Japanese people are not diligent, comments that they are better but not diligent -*
“I would like to be diligent, but it is quite difficult. (Male, 40s)” “I don’t want to work too hard because I don’t feel like this is a country where hard-working people can be happy.” (Female, 20s) “Spending effort on meaningless work is not diligent.” (Male, 40s) “I don’t think you can be called a hard worker just because you work long hours without proper instructions.” (Male, 50s)
I believe that just coming to work diligently and completing the work without excessively slacking off is enough to be diligent, but everyone’s comments suggest that they are motivated to improve further.
summary
This time, we conducted a survey of 500 people regarding “Japanese characteristics and recent trends” and announced the results. What do you think are the characteristics of Japanese people? What do you think about recent trends?
At Dream Planning, we will continue to conduct and present
questionnaire surveys from various perspectives on the characteristics of the Japanese people, so please use them as a reference.
* ■About the niche real estate problem solving site “URUHOME”* URUHOME https://uruhome.net
is a site that provides columns to solve problems related to niche real estate (so-called negative personal property) that is generally difficult to sell. We also provide free appraisals and sales consultations for niche real estate.
* ■About Dream Planning Co., Ltd.*
Dream Planning Co., Ltd. operates a vacant house matching site ( Real estate SNS Uchikatsu
) is a pioneer real estate venture that is addressing social issues in Japan through the management of businesses and the revitalization of negative personal property.
* ■Company profile*
Company name: Dream Planning Co., Ltd.
Address: 10F, Granbell Yokohama Building, 252 Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023
Phone number: 045-641-5480
Representative: Representative Director Tatsuhito Takahashi
Established: July 2005
URL: https://dream-plan.com/