A government survey conducted last year revealed that 44 percent of respondents were interested in discussions about surname systems for married couples.
This figure represents a 2.7 percentage point increase from the previous survey conducted in 2022, according to a report released by the Cabinet Office on Feb. 4.
The nationwide survey, conducted from September to November, involved 5,000 Japanese nationals ages 18 and over. The government received responses from 2,673 people, or 53.5 percent of everyone polled.
Results showed that 45 percent of women and 42.8 percent of men have given thought to the surname issue.
Respondents in their 30s showed the highest interest at 52.7 percent. All age groups over 30 exhibited an increase in interest compared to the last survey.
Amid growing calls for a legal change that would allow married couples to retain different surnames, only 1.9 percent of respondents said they were unaware of the discussions.
The survey revealed that 43.3 percent of those polled preferred to continue going by their original last name at work even after legally adopting their spouse’s surname, a common practice in Japan. This represents a 4.2 point increase from 2022.
Again, respondents in their 30s had the highest preference rate at 57.8 percent, a 6 point increase.
The ratio varied between 31.4 percent and 48.2 percent among other age demographics, with all groups over 30 showing an increase.
Government officials noted that the growing preference for retaining original surnames does not necessarily indicate stronger support for a legal change to allow separate surnames.
However, they acknowledged that the trend reflects an increasing public interest in the proposal.
This survey did not include specific questions about the proposed selective surname system for married couples to ensure consistency with the 2022 version; another reason for the exclusion was that there is a separate survey addressing the issue.
INEQUALITY IN SYSTEMS, TRADITIONS
Respondents also answered broader questions about gender equality.
The survey found that only 16.7 percent of respondents believed that men and women in Japanese society are equal, a modest 2 point increase from the previous survey.
Meanwhile, 64.8 percent opposed the idea that husbands should have a career while wives should stay at home, a figure that remained largely unchanged.
A full 84.3 percent of survey respondents agreed that wives spending more time than husbands on child care, housework and caring for elderly family members is a factor preventing women from thriving in society. The figure also remained unchanged.
When asked to list what support was necessary, 37.7 percent of respondents cited leave for child and elderly care, reduced working hours and similar programs.
An improved working environment, including options for working from home and addressing the corporate culture of working overtime, was cited by 26.5 percent of respondents.
