Awareness Survey of 18-Year-Olds – National SecurityResults of 79th installment announced – Less than half of respondents say Japan’s international situation is ‘peaceful,’ large increase in those citing ‘existence of Self-Defense Forces’ as requirement for peace

The 79^th installment of the Awareness Survey of 18-Year-Olds was carried out in March 2026 on the theme of “National Security,” asking young people about their thinking regarding Japan’s national security. Compared with the 53^rd Survey, carried out on the same subject in January 2023, the results suggest that ongoing conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East and Iran are changing the way young people view the international situation.

Regarding Japan’s international situation, 48% of respondents described it as “peaceful,” a 16 percentage-point decline from the survey three years ago. On the question of reasons for Japan’s peace, the “existence of the three non-nuclear principles” remained the top response, but the “existence of the U.S.-Japan alliance” declined by seven percentage points, dropping to the No. 5 response from No. 3 in the previous survey, while the “existence of Self-Defense Forces” increased by nine percentage points, rising to the No. 2 response.

When asked about the increases in Japan’s defense spending that have continued for more than 10 years, including “somewhat” responses, 35% of respondents approved of the increases while 24% disapproved. Both rates were lower than three years earlier, but the percentage replying “don’t know” grew by more than 10 percentage points, to 41%. The increase was particular high among women, with a 15 percentage-point increase, suggesting that young people are unsure of what course Japan should pursue against the backdrop of this complicated international situation.

On the subject of how defense-related spending should be carried out, the No. 1 and No. 2 responses respectively were “an increase in the corporate tax rate” and reduced spending in other areas, with both cited by more than 30% of respondents. The No. 3 and No. 4 responses were “decreases in social security expenses” and “issuance of new government bonds” at roughly 20% each.

The percentage of respondents who considered U.S. military bases in Japan to be important declined by close to 10 percentage points from the previous survey, but was still a majority at 51%. When asked their opinions on the introduction of military conscription, 24% approved while 76% disapproved, marking an increase from three years ago in those approving of the idea.

Of respondents replying that they would support a review of Japan’s stance with regard to nuclear weapons, the methods cited were roughly unchanged from the previous survey, with “domestic production,” “imports,” and “deployment by allies” each cited by close to 30% of respondents. There was, however, a noticeable increase in the number of affirmative replies from women.