世論 What Japan Thinks

Well, not literally (although I’m sure some are) but garbage collection and recycling is the most common thing looked up, according to a survey reported on japan.internet.com, conducted by JR Tokai Express Research into the use of local government web sites.

Demographics

On the 3rd of April 330 members of JR Tokai Express Research’s online monitor panel successfully completed a private internet-based questionnaire. 52.7% of the sample was female, 23.3% in their twenties, 35.5% in their thirties, 22.1% in their forties, 11.8% in their fifties, and 7.3% in their sixties.

One “other” from Q1SQ2 that I had need of was to look up what to do about a bees’ nest, as a new family of wasps decided to move in along with us a couple of years back. Most, if not all, councils will send someone round for free if it is not too big a nest, apparently, and not located in a difficult-to-reach location

Research results

Q1: Have you ever visited the local government (either prefectural or district) web site for the area you live in? (Sample size=330)

Yes (to SQ1)	65.2%
No	34.8%

Q1SQ1: For what reasons did you visit the local government web sites? (Sample size=215, multiple answer)

	Votes	Percentage
Had things I wanted to know, wanted to look up (to SQ2)	205	95.3%
Download application forms	38	17.7%
Apply for various services	33	15.3%
Electronic data submission	13	6.0%
No particular reason	12	5.6%
Giving my opinion, asking question to local government	10	4.7%
View video library	8	3.7%
View internet broadcast of meeting	2	0.9%
Other	4	1.8%

Q1SQ2: What sort of matters did you want to look up? (Sample size=205, multiple answer)

	Votes	Percentage
Recycling, refuse collection	77	37.6%
Tourism	71	34.6%
Residency certificates, family register	69	33.7%
Sports, cultural facilities	59	28.8%
Schools, libraries	53	25.9%
Tax	49	23.9%
Town planning-related	36	17.6%
Hospital, medical facilities	35	17.1%
Care-giving, welfare	27	13.2%
Birth certificates, child-care	26	12.7%
Disaster-related	25	12.2%
Passport	24	11.7%
National insurance	24	11.7%
Volunteer activities	21	10.2%
Consultation services	21	10.2%
Pensions	20	9.8%
Electricity, gas, water boards	18	8.8%
Council (city) housing	15	7.3%
Elections	13	6.3%
Marriage, divorce certificates	10	4.9%
Other	24	11.7%

You may note that death certificates were perhaps deemed too delicate a matter to ask about, so would presumably fall under the “other” services.