Japanese resilient, but see economic challenges ahead

• Pew Research Center’s Global Attitudes Project

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06 June 2011In the aftermath of the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami that struck the northeast coast of Japan, the Japanese public is resilient. Indeed, a majority believe that as a result of the disaster, Japan will become a stronger, rather than weaker nation. And while personal pessimism about the future has crept up slightly, on balance the public's overall sense of personal well-being appears little changed by the calamitous events of 2011.

The poll also finds that while the Japanese are broadly unhappy with their own government's handling of the March 11 catastrophe, there is considerable praise for the United States in assisting Japan with the impact of the earthquake and tsunami. More than eight-in-ten Japanese (85%) have a favorable opinion of the U.S., up from 66% last year.

Most Japanese, however, foresee a rocky economic road ahead. And while hopeful about the long-term future of the country, few Japanese see the current economy as a solid foundation for rebuilding after the March tragedy.

These are the principal findings from a survey by the Pew Research Center's Global Attitudes Project, conducted by telephone with 700 adults in Japan between April 8 and April 27, 2011.