世論 What Japan Thinks

As a foreigner in Japan I already have an ID card, but this very short survey from iShare into a national ID system found men in favour but women slightly opposed to such as system.

Demographics

Between the 17th and 20th of May 2010 503 members of the CLUB BBQ free email forwarding service completed a private internet-based questionnaire. 55.5% of the sample were male, 28.2% in their twenties, 35.0% in their thirties, and 36.8% in their forties.

There already is a local ID system, the Juki Net system.

Some of the personal reasons in favour of such a scheme were a simplification of procedures at city hall and more efficient government with an expectation of cost reduction. Furthermore, more than a few hoped that it would stop people who hadn’t paid their taxes, health insurances, etc unfairly getting access to services. Even those in favour worried about personal data leaks or hack attacks. Those opposed worried it would be used for evil, that personal data might leak, and just general discomfort about being watched by Big Brother. Furthermore, people felt the existing Juki Net system was sufficient.

The national ID system was described as a single number for every citizen that would be bring together personal information on tax, pension, nursing, and other social security-related data. Furthermore, it is possible that they will introduce Government Kiosk Terminals at post offices and convenience stores that would print out various resident forms. Finally, health records would be made electronic and patients themselves could use this information, and medical professionals could remotely diagnose people, and old folks would be looked after.

Research results

Q1: The Cabinet established an IT Strategy Office (or High-speed Information Transmission Network Society Strategy Promotion Office to give it its full title), which recommended on the 11th of May 2010 that as part of a new IT strategy, by 2013 they would decide on the policies for the introduction of a national ID system. Did you know about this? (Sample size=503)

	All	Male N=279	Female N=224
Yes	26.4%	26.9%	25.9%
No	73.6%	73.1%	74.1%

Q2: If it were decided to introduce a national ID system, how would you feel? (Sample size=503)

	All	Male N=279	Female N=224
Strongly in favour	8.9%	12.9%	4.0%
Somewhat in favour	39.8%	37.6%	42.4%
Somewhat opposed	33.4%	26.5%	42.0%
Strongly opposed	17.9%	22.9%	11.6%