Values, Concerns, and Attitudes Toward the Environment in Japan and Russia

Examination of the Differences and Causes

Abstract

One can relativize one's own environmental values by comparison with those of the people in other countries, thereby recognizing that these values are indispensable for sustainable development in each country. This study, which focused on Russia and Japan, aimed to clarify the commonality, differences, and factors influencing environmental attitudes, concerns, and a sense of value. Within the two countries, we selected seven universities as research sites and interviewed 282 respondents using three questionnaires. Respondents in both Japan and Russia showed a relatively strong concern and positive attitude toward environmental issues. However, those in Russia were relatively more concerned. Both countries showed a high sense of value regarding the maintenance and preservation of ecosystems; however, respondents in Russia generally valued ecocentrism over anthropocentrism. Gender was found to be the strongest influence on indicators, followed by research sites, age, and faculty.