Roles of Official Statistics in the Historical Development of Statistics in Japan

Abstract

This paper reviews the path of historical development of statistics and statistical science in Japan from the Meiji Restoration (1868) until the early Showa Era (mid 1930's) from a viewpoint of contribution of official statistics. It discusses the interaction of official statistics with other fields of statistics, and considers the future prospects of the relationship of official statistics with overall statistics and statistical science. Since the introduction of statistics to Japan in the early Meiji era, official statistics contributed to the development of statistics at large by providing materials and resources for statistical analysis and applications of statistical methodology. It also took roles in statistical education and training, which contributed to dissemination of statistical knowledge to the society at large and academia, as well as government institutions. Further, it gave impetus to the foundation of the statistical society. The roles of official statistics in the development of statistics and statistical science remain to be essentially the same in the present day. Those who are engaged in official statistics should continue their efforts to contribute to promotion of statistical knowledge in the society and the development of statistical science.