Public Opinion Concerning the Japanese Constitution, 1963

This study, conducted in August 1963, was the second of two nationwide surveys undertaken by the Japanese government to investigate public opinion regarding the constitution (see also PUBLIC OPINION CONCERNING THE JAPANESE CONSTITUTION, 1962 [ICPSR 7074]). The study probed the public's familiarity with the existing constitution as well as opinions regarding a possible revision of this document. A series of questions explored respondents' knowledge of the content of the constitution, the changes brought through its postwar revision, and the influence of the United States in rewriting it. Specific questions dealt with the role of the emperor, Japanese self-defense forces, and Japan's position in a world dominated by the United States and Russia. Respondents were further queried about a variety of specific revisions that might be made to the constitution: limitations on the right to strike, reversal of the stand on equality of the sexes, and changes in the bicameral system of the Diet (Japan's legislative assembly). The respondents' exposure to the mass media was also briefly explored. Demographic data include sex, age group, marital status, education, and occupation.

本项研究于1963年8月进行，系日本政府为调查公众对宪法的意见而进行的两项全国性调查中的第二项（亦参见1962年《关于日本宪法的公众意见》[ICPSR 7074]）。该研究旨在探究公众对现行宪法的熟悉程度以及对该文件可能修订的观点。一系列问题旨在考察受访者对宪法内容的了解、战后修订带来的变化以及美国在修订过程中的影响。具体问题涉及天皇的角色、日本自卫队以及在日本受到美国和俄罗斯主导的世界中的地位。受访者还被询问了可能对宪法进行的各种具体修订：对罢工权的限制、性别平等的立场逆转以及参议院（日本立法机构）两院制系统的变化。此外，还对受访者接触大众媒体的情况进行了简要探讨。人口统计学数据包括性别、年龄段、婚姻状况、教育程度和职业。