The aim of this paper is to clarify the category referring to ‘foreigners’ when the Japanese people are asked about prejudice against foreigners or xenophobia in surveys. Previous studies concluded that age, education, and prior contacts with foreigners have an effect on the Japanese attitudes toward ‘foreigners’.
However, there is diversity within this generic category of ‘foreigners’. The present study is based on a survey conducted in 2006 that contained a questionnaire item that would differentiate the nationality of the foreigner being referred to. The following were found. Those who are positive about any type of foreigners are highly educated and are those who have/had prior contacts with foreigners. And those holding positive attitudes towards all except Asians tend to be younger individuals.
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