The Nippon Foundation 18-Year-Old Consciousness Survey Results: 79th Theme "National Security"
The Nippon Foundation conducted its 79th 18-year-old consciousness survey on "National Security," polling 1,000 individuals aged 17-19. Compared to the 53rd survey in January 2023, the results indicate that the turbulent international situation, including the war in Iran following Ukraine, is changing the awareness of young people.
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- 📰 Published: April 30, 2026 at 23:00
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The Nippon Foundation (Minato-ku, Tokyo; Chairman Takeshi Ogata) conducted its 79th 18-year-old consciousness survey in March, focusing on "National Security," and asked 1,000 individuals aged 17-19 about their views on national security. Compared to the 53rd survey conducted on the same theme in January 2023, the results suggest that the turbulent international situation, such as the war in Iran that began in the Middle East following Ukraine, is causing a shift in the awareness of young people.
First, regarding the current situation surrounding Japan, 48% responded that "Japan is peaceful," a decrease of 16 points compared to three years ago. While the "existence of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles" continues to be the top reason for Japan's peace, the "existence of the Japan-U.S. Alliance," which was third three years ago, dropped by 7 points to fifth place. Conversely, the "existence of the Self-Defense Forces" increased by 9 points to second place.
Regarding the increase in defense-related expenditures, which has continued for over 10 years, 35% were "in favor" (including "somewhat in favor") and 24% were "against." Both figures decreased compared to three years ago, while "don't know" increased by more than 10 points to 41%, particularly by 15 points among women, suggesting that young people are perplexed about how the country should be in a complex international situation.
Regarding methods for increasing defense-related expenditures, "raising tax rates for corporate taxes" and "reducing expenditures in other areas" both exceeded 30%, ranking first and second. "Reducing social security costs" and "issuing new government bonds" each accounted for around 20%, ranking third and fourth.
While 51% consider U.S. military bases in Japan important, which is a majority, this figure decreased by nearly 10 points compared to the previous survey. Also, regarding opinions on the debate over introducing a conscription system, 24% were "in favor" and 76% were "against," with the "in favor" percentage increasing compared to three years ago.
If Japan were to reconsider its stance on nuclear weapons, the methods considered "acceptable"—"domestic production," "import," and "deployment by allies"—all remained at just under 30%, showing almost no change from before. However, an increase in affirmative opinions among women is notable.
Please refer to the detailed results page for each question in the report.
*The 53rd "National Security" (conducted in January 2023) Survey Report
[Excerpts from Survey Results]
●Situation surrounding Japan
●Main factors for Japan's peace
*Excluding "Other" and "Don't know," listed in descending order for the 79th survey.
●Views on the policy of increasing defense-related expenditures
■Survey Overview
79th 18-Year-Old Consciousness Survey "National Security"
Target: 1,000 males and females aged 17-19 nationwide
Period: March 19 (Thu) - March 25 (Wed), 2026
Method: Internet survey
For detailed survey results, please see the report.
https://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/who/news/pr/2026/20260430-121687.html
■What is the 18-Year-Old Consciousness Survey?
With the revision of the Civil Code, the age of adulthood also became 18 in April 2022, increasing the importance of understanding and recording the consciousness of 18-year-olds who will bear the next generation. Triggered by the lowering of the voting age, The Nippon Foundation has continuously surveyed the values, attitudes towards politics and elections, and understanding of social issues among young people around 18 since October 2018. For past survey results and more details on the 18-year-old consciousness survey, please refer to the following.
https://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/what/projects/eighteen_survey
[About The Nippon Foundation]
Together in pain, hope, and future.
Since its establishment in 1962 as Japan's largest foundation,
The Nippon Foundation has been promoting activities in a wide range of fields, including children, people with disabilities, disaster relief, ocean affairs, and humanitarian aid, transcending race and borders, funded by grants from boat race proceeds. https://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/
First, regarding the current situation surrounding Japan, 48% responded that "Japan is peaceful," a decrease of 16 points compared to three years ago. While the "existence of the Three Non-Nuclear Principles" continues to be the top reason for Japan's peace, the "existence of the Japan-U.S. Alliance," which was third three years ago, dropped by 7 points to fifth place. Conversely, the "existence of the Self-Defense Forces" increased by 9 points to second place.
Regarding the increase in defense-related expenditures, which has continued for over 10 years, 35% were "in favor" (including "somewhat in favor") and 24% were "against." Both figures decreased compared to three years ago, while "don't know" increased by more than 10 points to 41%, particularly by 15 points among women, suggesting that young people are perplexed about how the country should be in a complex international situation.
Regarding methods for increasing defense-related expenditures, "raising tax rates for corporate taxes" and "reducing expenditures in other areas" both exceeded 30%, ranking first and second. "Reducing social security costs" and "issuing new government bonds" each accounted for around 20%, ranking third and fourth.
While 51% consider U.S. military bases in Japan important, which is a majority, this figure decreased by nearly 10 points compared to the previous survey. Also, regarding opinions on the debate over introducing a conscription system, 24% were "in favor" and 76% were "against," with the "in favor" percentage increasing compared to three years ago.
If Japan were to reconsider its stance on nuclear weapons, the methods considered "acceptable"—"domestic production," "import," and "deployment by allies"—all remained at just under 30%, showing almost no change from before. However, an increase in affirmative opinions among women is notable.
Please refer to the detailed results page for each question in the report.
*The 53rd "National Security" (conducted in January 2023) Survey Report
[Excerpts from Survey Results]
●Situation surrounding Japan
●Main factors for Japan's peace
*Excluding "Other" and "Don't know," listed in descending order for the 79th survey.
●Views on the policy of increasing defense-related expenditures
■Survey Overview
79th 18-Year-Old Consciousness Survey "National Security"
Target: 1,000 males and females aged 17-19 nationwide
Period: March 19 (Thu) - March 25 (Wed), 2026
Method: Internet survey
For detailed survey results, please see the report.
https://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/who/news/pr/2026/20260430-121687.html
■What is the 18-Year-Old Consciousness Survey?
With the revision of the Civil Code, the age of adulthood also became 18 in April 2022, increasing the importance of understanding and recording the consciousness of 18-year-olds who will bear the next generation. Triggered by the lowering of the voting age, The Nippon Foundation has continuously surveyed the values, attitudes towards politics and elections, and understanding of social issues among young people around 18 since October 2018. For past survey results and more details on the 18-year-old consciousness survey, please refer to the following.
https://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/what/projects/eighteen_survey
[About The Nippon Foundation]
Together in pain, hope, and future.
Since its establishment in 1962 as Japan's largest foundation,
The Nippon Foundation has been promoting activities in a wide range of fields, including children, people with disabilities, disaster relief, ocean affairs, and humanitarian aid, transcending race and borders, funded by grants from boat race proceeds. https://www.nippon-foundation.or.jp/