Q:

(1) What is the census?

(2) Does the census include foreign residents?

(3) When and how will it be carried out?

 

A:

(1) - The census is the most important statistical survey in Japan. The answers to questions in the questionnaire (the "questionnaire") will be used to examine the situations of people living in Japan and their households.^*1

- The data and statistics from the census results will be widely used in various fields, including the improvement of living environments and as basic information for creating plans to prepare for earthquakes and other disasters.

 

(2) The census includes foreign residents. It covers everyone living in Japan, regardless of nationality, and all households.

 

(3) - It is conducted once every five years. This year is a census year, and the census will ask about your situation as of October 1, 2025.

- Therefore, from late September, an investigator^*2 will directly come to your home to deliver the questionnaire. If no one is home, the questionnaire may be put in your mailbox.

- If an investigator comes to your home to deliver the questionnaire or the questionnaire is put in the mailbox, you can answer the questions using the questionnaire sheet. You can answer the questions online, or fill out the questionnaire sheet and send it by mail or hand it to the investigator.

 

*1 Household: A family or group of people who live in the same house and share living expenses Even if you live alone, you are considered an independent household.

*2 Census investigator: A part-time government employee appointed by the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications

You can answer the census in your native language online and view the content of the questions.

→ https://www.kokusei2025.go.jp/language/