THE SASAKAWA PEACE FOUNDATION

The Japan-China Public Opinion

5,000,000 yen [Grant project]
Genron NPO (Japan)

Relations between Japan and China have been facing unprecedentedly complex problems. Negative chain reactions such as frigid political states and a deteriorating public mood in both countries have been taking place despite the growing dynamic relationship in economic areas. It is urgent to rebuild trust between the two countries based on the idea of the Japan-China relationship starting point such as $B%a(BMutually communicate and mutually learn$B%b(B. To rebuild trust between the two countries, it is essential to study public opinions on the relationship between the two countries, and discuss the future relationship based on the study.

In this project, the implementation NPO will study Japanese public opinion on China, and the results of the study will be disclosed at Tokyo-Beijing Forum in August, 2006, as a topic for discussion. The results will also be disclosed to both the Japanese and Chinese media to facilitate Japan-China exchange.

Preparation for public opinion study (July, 2006)
The contents of the survey will be planned in cooperation with the China Daily and Peking University. The survey will include specific questions about media coverage of the relationship between the two countries, as well as Japanese public opinions on China, the Japan-China relationship, and historical issues.
Survey (July to August, 2006)
The Implementing NPO will commission the task of surveying the Japanese public opinions to Public Opinion Research Center
(1) Target: Individual Japanese men and women aged 20s to 60s
(2) Number of samples: 1,000
(3) Survey method: Direct-visit and self-completion questionnaire
(4) Sampling method: Assignment method based on percentages of men and women in each generation
Disclosure of the survey results
The survey results will be disclosed at a meeting of learned people organized by the implementing NPO. The survey results and reports will be delivered to the media for basic reference in Japan-China exchange and discussion.

(A one-year project)