Public Opinion Poll on Japan in Canada
May 27, 2009
Japanese
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs commissioned a Canadian research company to conduct an opinion poll on the image of Japan in Canada from March 12-19, 2009.
- Regarding Japan-Canada relations, 77% of the respondents answered affirmatively
that Japan was a trustworthy friend. Among the Asian countries, Japan was
perceived as sharing common values the most with Canada. However, the percentage
of responses to the question of whether Canadian and Japanese people have
a good understanding of each other was “poor” (51%) over “fair” (41%).
This shows that, while Canadian people have generally a favorable image
of Japan, they have limited knowledge about Japan.
- In response to the question of which Asian country is the most important
partner of Canada, the respondents answered China (55%), Japan (20%), and
India (6%) in order of responses. Regarding which country will become the
most important partner of Canada in the future, the United States was the
first (42%), China was the second (19%), and India was the third (17%),
and Japan ranked the seventh (2%) in the world.
- Canadian perceived Japan as “a country with high technology” (97%),
“a country that has great traditions and culture” (96%), and “an economically
advanced country” (90%), in order of multiple responses. This shows that
Canadians have a strong image of Japan being a technologically, advanced
country with great traditions and culture. The top responses regarding images
of the Japanese people included “respectful of tradition,” “hard-working,”
“efficient,” and “polite.”
- With regard to the question of Japan’s international role, 54% of the
respondents answered that Japan played an important international role commensurate
with its economic strength (Japan's science and technology and contributions
to the international economy were cited as particular reasons).
- As for the question of whether Japan should be a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, 73% of the respondents answered affirmatively.
(Note)
This poll was carried out online with approximately 1,500 Canadian citizens aged 18 and over. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has commissioned similar polls in Canada seven times in the past (1973, 1976, 1980, 1985, 1988, 1994, and 1999).
(END)
Related Information (Summary [PDF]
)
Related Information (Japan-Canada Relations )
(Open a New Window)