Public opinion concerning the Japanese constitution, 1962

The study, conducted in August 1962, is the first of two nationwide surveys taken by the Japanese government to determine the public's familiarity with the present constitution which was re-written after World War II, as well as opinions of the populace regarding possible revision of this constitution. A large part of the study investigates the respondents' knowledge of the content of the constitution, changes which are characteristic of this new revision, and the influence of the United States in the re-writing of it. Specific variables deal with the position of the Emperor, Japanese self-defense forces, and Japan's position in a world dominated by the United States and Russia. Respondents are further questioned about a variety of specific revisions which 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 present Diet's bicameral system. The respondents' exposure to the mass media is briefly explored as are a number of demographic factors.