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Outline of the System of Social and Demographic Statistics of Japan
1. The System of Social and Demographic Statistics of Japan
The System of Social and Demographic Statistics of Japan is a system in which statistical data in a wide range of fields are collected, normalised and organised. The system describes the lives of Japanese people in various fields. The purpose of the system is to provide basic data useful for various kinds of administrative programmes, policy-making and analysis of regional differences. It was started by the Statistics Bureau in fiscal 1976.
What is characteristic of the system is that the data are organised for each of the prefectures (To, Do, Fu and Ken) and municipalities (Shi, Ku, Machi and Mura), thus enabling regional comparison and analysis.
2. Basic Data collected in the System
In the system, basic data are collected in 13 fields from "A. Population and Households" to "M.Daily Time". The number of basic data items is about 2,720 for prefectures, about 650 for Shi and Ku, and about 630 for Machi and Mura respectively (as of Fiscal Year 2024).
3. Compilation of the System
The system is compiled by the following process:
(1) Determination of basic data to be collected
(2) Collection of basic data
- Statistical Data quoted from report books and computer readable media
(3) Input and evaluation of basic data
(4) Systematisation of basic data and indicator calculation
(5) Provision of the results by report books, computer readable media, and online
4. Dissemination of the Data of the System
Data organised in the system are provided in computer readable media and publications, for free online.
(1) Computer readable media
- Basic Data by prefecture (time series from 1975)
- Basic Data by municipality (time series from 1980)
- Data in "Social Indicators by Prefecture"
- Data in "Statistical Observations of Prefectures"
- Data in "Statistical Observations of Municipalities"
(2) Publications
- Statistical Observations of Municipalities (2025 edition)(bilingual, published annually; 89 basic data for municipalities)
- Statistical Observations of Prefectures (2025 edition)(bilingual, published annually; 408 social indicators)
