Public Opinion Concerning the Japanese Constitution, 1962

This study, conducted in August 1962, was the first of two nationwide surveys undertaken by the Japanese government to determine the public's familiarity with the existing constitution, which had been rewritten after World War II, as well as opinions regarding a possible revision of this document (see also PUBLIC OPINION CONCERNING THE JAPANESE CONSTITUTION, 1963 [ICPSR 7075]). A large part of the study investigated the 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.