The Agency for Cultural Affairs (Kyoto)
More than 60% of Japanese these days do not read even one book per month. Books are a treasure trove of knowledge. Reading books has also been a popular pastime and hobby through many eras.
Considering the value and role of reading, it is unfortunate that people are increasingly turning away from it. We need to tap our creative wisdom to figure out how to refashion an environment where people can better enjoy books again. Both public and private sector efforts are needed to succeed.
Drop in Reading, Language Knowledge
The Agency for Cultural Affairs has released its FY2023 "Public Opinion Survey on the National Language." It shows that over 80% of respondents do not feel uncomfortable with new expressions such as mofumofu (fluffy) and kyunkyun (emotionally moving). In fact, however, these words have become part of our everyday life.
Meanwhile, another survey conducted once every five years asks the question "How many books do you read per month," including e-books? Surprisingly, 62.6% of respondents answered, "I don't read any books." That was the highest level of non-readers to date in Japan.
What was especially surprising was the surge in the number of self-professed non-readers. In the last survey (2018), the corresponding number was 47.3%. In fact, over three surveys and 15 years, including the 2018 survey, professed non-readers were in the 46-47% range. There was no notable change over time. That made the sharp increase in the latest survey particularly striking.
Revelations from the Survey
During the interval between the previous survey in 2018 and the most recent one, we lived through the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyzing the situation, the Agency for Cultural Affairs concluded:
"Since people were forced to stay at home, the demand for books did increase. But conversely, there have been many opportunities to come into contact with written matter on the internet. It is also undeniable that the sources from which people obtain their information have changed in recent years."
Individuals who said they did not read any books were asked how much written information they read from other sources. Answering that question, 75% said they read written information available on social media, the internet, or other sources "nearly every day." Therefore, the Japanese may be reading fewer books. However, that does not mean they are abandoning reading in general.
In the survey, people were also asked how much overall reading they do. To that question, around 70% replied that they read less than they used to. As for why, 44% said they spent too much time on their smartphones or other information devices. Meanwhile, 39% answered that their work or studies kept them so busy that they did not have time to read.
Preserving a 'Book Culture'
The report paints a picture of people spending less time absorbed in reading books. It attributes this phenomenon to the diversification of smartphone services and other factors.
Meanwhile, the government has launched a bookstore promotion project in response to the nationwide decline in bookstores. Across the country, bookstores vary in size and accessibility, so the types of support need to be adjusted accordingly.
In his book Reading: Then and Now (Dokusho; Konjaku) the physicist Torahiko Terada introduced an apt expression. "Read less, think more," he said. In other words, taking time to think about what you have read is important.
Although the number of books you read may not be a problem, it is worrisome if you do not read even one book. Books are an integral part of human life. Hopefully, we will maintain that culture.
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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)
Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
