Population Census in Japan: A Historical Survey and Preparations of 2010 Census

Abstract

The results of 2005 Population Census in Japan are now in the process of publications. And, on May 23rd in 2009, The New Statistics Act in Japan was promulgated and partly came into effect on and after that day. 2010 Population Census, which is 19th Census in Japan, will be scheduled under the New Statistics Act. And necessary preparations for 2010 Census have been in steady progress.

In this paper, I will briefly survey Population Censuses in our country historically and describe the present situations of preparations of 2010 Census. From viewpoints of worsening of statistical-survey environment and people's sense of privacy, I will point out that the 2010 Census is at the crossroads and stands in need of reform and change in its methods.