Japan's Reading Habits Revealed: 63% Don't Read Books
Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs released the results of its annual public opinion survey on the Japanese language in September. Over 3,500 people took part in the survey, which included questions on people's reading habits, and was conducted in 2023.
Participants were asked how many books or e-books they read each month. Since the question was first asked in 2008, the percentage of people who said they don't read has been between 46% and 47%. However, in the latest survey, this number has increased to nearly 63%.
Comparing this year's survey results to past surveys also shows a trend for people to read less compared to the past. This year, a record 69% said they are reading less than before.
The most common reason given for reading less — at nearly 44% — was that information devices, such as smartphones and computers, take up too much time. But 39% said they are too busy with their work or their studies.
Participants who do read at least one book a month were asked how they choose the books they read. The most common answer, at nearly 58%, was by selecting a book at a bookstore. This was followed by using the internet at around 33%, and at a library at 25%.
However, comparing these results with those of past surveys shows that the percentage of people who choose books at a bookstore is actually decreasing, while choosing books on the internet is becoming more popular.
When asked if they read e-books, 40% of participants said they do, which includes 15% who said they often read them, and 25% who said they sometimes do. Compared to the results of previous years, it seems e-books are becoming more popular.
However, the preference for e-books is most common among people in their 30s.
