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Examines response rates of several large-scale Japanese public opinion surveys, including some of the most important recurring personal surveys (the Kokumin Seikatsu ni kansuru Yoron Chosa, the Shakai Ishiki ni kansuru Yoron Chosa, the Nihonjin no Kokuminsei, & the Toshi Seikatsu ni kansuru Yoron Chosa). Since the mid-1970s, overall response rates in Japanese surveys have declined by about 10% points. Males had lower response rates than females by about 10% points. Younger persons' response rates were lower than those of older persons, the lowest being those of persons in their 20s. There were differences in the size of the decline for males & females of different age groups. Metropolitan areas had the lowest response rates & showed steeper declines than rural areas. Also, the components of nonresponse were compared across the years. Most noteworthy was the increase in the number of refusals. The findings are discussed, & recommendations are made. 2 Tables, 4 Figures, 1 Appendix, 25 References. Adapted from the source document.

Analyzes topical areas, sampling frame, administration methods, and response rates of surveys; 1975-90.

Compares topics addressed in public opinion surveys conducted in Japan 1975-1990. The use of the Basic Residents Registers as a sampling frame has increased. The plurality of surveys drew their samples from a single city. The proportion of mail surveys increased, whereas personal interviews & drop-off self-administered surveys decreased. Response rates (RRs) for all major questionnaire administration methods decreased. Despite the decline, the median RR was 75.2% during this period. Other findings include: (1) RRs of urban areas declined more sharply than those of rural areas; (2) overall RRs of males were about 10% lower than those of females; (3) RRs of females in their twenties had the steepest decline; & (4) refusals almost doubled. Reasons for these changes are discussed & it is noted that the decreasing RRs probably reflect changes in lifestyles & attitudes toward surveys. 6 Figures, 20 References. Adapted from the source document.