Political Attitudes in Tokyo, Japan, 1959

This was the second in a series of studies conducted by the Social Research Institute of Tokyo on the political attitudes of the voting population in metropolitan Tokyo (see also ICPSR 7068 and 7070). The study first examined the respondents' interest in politics, political party preference, degree of party support, and voting patterns. Respondents were then asked to rate the three political parties on several issues. Respondents' identification with the political ideologies of the capitalist, socialist, and communist systems were also explored, as were views on strikes, government suppression of debates and speeches, violence as a means of political persuasion, and the necessity of compromise and patience within the political sphere. The importance of preserving Japanese customs and traditions of the past was assessed, as well as the respondents' opinions of the authority of the Emperor. Demographic variables cover age, sex, education, occupation, standard of living, and labor union membership.