News Discussion

Survey: Inflation Is Still the Public's Top Concern

In a public opinion survey on national life released by the Cabinet Office by December 21, 66.1% of respondents identified "inflation measures" as the government's top policy priority. This represents a 2.0-point decrease from the previous survey conducted in March, but it remains the most frequently cited concern for the second consecutive survey.

Meanwhile, 52.0% of respondents stated they are "satisfied" or "somewhat satisfied" with their standard of life, a 3.0-point increase. This likely reflects the impact of rising prices and wage increases.

In addition to inflation measures, respondents highlighted other key priorities for the government:

Healthcare, pensions, and other social security improvements (64.6%)
Economic stimulus measures (58.7%)
Measures for an aging society (52.2%)
Countermeasures for declining births (39.0%)

Regarding income and earnings, 34.9% of respondents said they are "satisfied" or "somewhat satisfied," up 3.5 points from the previous survey. Meanwhile, those who are "dissatisfied" or "somewhat dissatisfied" fell by 3.5 points to 64.5%.

The survey was conducted via mail in August and September. It targeted 3,000 men and women aged 18 and older and had a response rate of 61.0%.

1. 1. respondent　（アンケートなどの）回答者、応答者
   Some respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their income.
2. 2. inflation measures　インフレ対策
   People hope the inflation measures will reduce living costs.
3. 3. consecutive　連続した、連続する
   She won the championship for three consecutive years.
4. 4. countermeasure　（危険・脅威、相手の策・行動などへの）対抗策、対応策
   The company introduced countermeasures against cyberattacks.
5. 5. fall by X points　Xポイント減少する
   Sales figures fell by 10 points compared to last month.

1. 1. What percentage of respondents identified "inflation measures" as the top policy priority?
2. 2. How did the percentage of people satisfied with their standard of life change from the previous survey?
3. 3. What are some other key priorities for the government mentioned in the survey?
4. 4. Do you feel satisfied with your standard of life? Why or why not?
5. 5. What do you think is the most important problem your government should solve? Why?

内閣府が12月21日までに公表した国民生活に関する世論調査で、政府が力を入れるべきだと考える政策を複数回答で聞いたところ、「物価対策」を挙げた人が66・1％に上った。3月公表の前回調査と比べ2・0ポイント減ったものの、2回連続で最多となった。一方、現在の生活に「満足している」「まあ満足している」との回答は計52・0％で、3・0ポイント増えた。物価高や賃上げの状況が影響した可能性がある。

政府が力を入れるべき政策は物価対策に続いて「医療・年金などの社会保障整備」64・6％、「景気対策」58・7％、「高齢社会対策」52・2％、「少子化対策」39・0％の順となった。

所得・収入に「満足している」「まあ満足している」と答えた人は前回より3・5ポイント増え計34・9％だった。「不満だ」「やや不満だ」は3・5ポイント減り計64・5％だった。

調査は8～9月、18歳以上の男女3千人を対象に郵送で実施し、回答率は61・0％だった。