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News Bulletin

NEWS HIGHLIGHT

Outline of the Housing and Land Survey 2013

   The Statistics Bureau of Japan (SBJ) conducted the Housing and Land Survey as of 1 October 2013.

   This survey aims to obtain basic data for formulating various housing-related policy measures by investigating the actual conditions of dwellings and other buildings inhabited by households, as well as lands owned by households in order to clarify the present circumstances and trends for the entire country, prefectures and cities.

   The survey has been conducted every five years since 1948. The survey of this year placed emphasis on obtaining the following data in consideration of diversification of living styles, and changes in the social and economic situation due to the aging society with low birth rate, etc.

• Housing stocks
• Housing Conditions such as living environment, earthquake-proof, fireproof and energy-saving measures
• Effective utilization of lands

   The survey of this year also puts emphasis on obtaining data about the actual conditions of changing residences caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake which occurred in March, 2011.

Sample Design

   The survey employs a two-stage sampling method. The primary sampling unit is the enumeration area and the secondary sampling unit is dwelling unit.

   The survey units enumerated are dwellings, other occupied buildings, and all households inhabiting those dwellings and buildings located in the enumeration districts (EDs) on the survey date.17 dwellings and buildings are selected in each ED. About 3.5 million dwellings and buildings are surveyed for the entire country.

Survey Method

   This survey used three kinds of questionnaires: long form questionnaires, short form questionnaires and questionnaires on the building. Either long form or short form questionnaires were delivered to the respondents by each ED and filled in by them. The questionnaires on the building were filled in by enumerators.

   E-survey system (using internet online questionnaires) was available for all the respondents from the survey of this year.

Survey Items

   (1) On buildings (4 items)

         Number and area of dwelling rooms (area is measured in the number of tatami mats, with one tatami mat being approximately 1.65 m2), Tenure of dwelling, etc.

   (2) On dwellings (13 items)

         Construction of dwelling, Type of dwelling, Year of construction, Situation of facilities, Extension, Renovation, etc.

   (3) On households (4 items)

         Type of household, Annual income of household, etc.

   (4) On main earner or head of household (6 items)

         Employment status, Commuting time, Actual conditions of changing residences caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, etc.

   (5) On dwelling environment (1 item)

   (6) On housing and land other than the present residence (4 items)

         Area, Use, etc.

Publication

   The preliminary report will be published within a year from the reference date, and the final report will be published within two years.

Use of the survey results (Major examples)

   (1) Basic data for the establishment of the performance index of national or prefectural basic plans for housing.

   (2) Estimation of the System of National Accounts.

   (3) Basic data for various white papers.

   (4) Determination of city planning related to earthquake-resistant and fireproof construction.

   (5) Various studies in universities and other academic organizations.

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