2011-05-31-皮尤-Japanese_Resilient,_but_See_Economic_Challenges_Ahead_17页_272kb

Summary of the 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Public Response Survey

The Pew Research Center Global Attitudes Project surveyed Japanese adults 7-65 years old from April 8 to 27, 2011, assessing their views amidst the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Key findings include widespread resilience and criticism of official responses, along with economic concerns and shifts in international perceptions.

Public Response and Well-being

• Resilience: A majority (58%) believe Japan will become stronger, though personal pessimism slightly increased (31% in 2011 vs. 24% in 2010), with life satisfaction rated unchanged.
• Disaster Impact: Around 41% were affected, reporting issues like food/water shortages (26%) or blackouts (18%), with minor job loss or evacuation factors.
• Criticism of Authorities: The Self Defense Force received overwhelming positive feedback (95%), while the national government (20%) and TEPCO (10%) got predominantly poor marks for their responses.

Economic Outlook

• A high level of pessimism exists: 88% view the economy negatively, with 52% expecting deterioration over the next 12 months, up from earlier 2010 figures. Only 10% see good prospects for rebuilding.

International Assistance and Opinion Changes

• U.S. Support: The public overwhelmingly lauds U.S. aid (57% view assistance as "great"), boosting favorable opinions to 85%. This trend mirrors post-disaster volunteerism, resonance with ongoing reconstruction needs.
• Views on Allies: Fewer praised UN (32%) and EU (17%) aid; against this, China’s image modestly improved, whereas overall dissatisfaction with the EU and UN persists, perhaps reflecting incompetence in crisis response.

Nuclear Concerns and Policy Debates

• Radiation Worry: Nearly 60% are worried about radiation exposure from Fukushima, with localized problems like concerns for women or education levels increasing.
• Nuclear Policy: 44% favor reduced reliance, while roughly half (46%) want maintained use; opinions closely align with exposure fears.

The survey used random-digit dial telephone interviews for adults, analyzed with a 1000 respondent sample; its margin of error is ±4.5%. Notably, media and government criticism indicate public mistrust challenges rebuilding efforts.