At the same time, political and economic news reports continue to cover economic growth strategies almost every day, confirming that it is a given fact that economic growth is indispensable to the government, business and industrial sectors. The government sets economic targets such as X percent of year-on-year growth every year, holding fast to its assumption that the economy must continue to grow.
Under these circumstances, what does the public think about economic growth? What image do they have of GDP growth as an indicator of economic scale? Is there any misfit between their thoughts or images and the facts?
Here we introduce the results of a survey on attitudes towards the economy conducted in October 2014 by the Institute for Studies in Happiness, Economy and Society. The survey, conducted on October 25 and 26, 2014 by the Japanese online research company Macromill Inc., was completed by 500 citizens in their twenties through seventies registered with the company as monitors. The percentages of the sample population selected for the survey -- in terms of age, sex, and residence in metropolitan areas, mid-to-small size local cities, and rural areas -- were made proportionate to demographics identified by Japan's national census.
Here we introduce the results for three questions from this survey: "What do people think about economic growth?", "What do people think about the necessity and feasibility of continued GDP growth?" and "What do people think of the so-called 'myths' of economic growth?"
What do people think about economic growth?
To the question, "Do you think economic growth is desirable or undesirable?" more than 80% answered "desirable," or "rather desirable" while fewer than 10% answered "undesirable," or "rather undesirable," and about 8% answered "not sure."
What do people think about the necessity and feasibility of continued GDP growth?
The survey asked people whether they think continued GDP growth is necessary or not, in four different contexts; that is, "for Japanese society," "for the community you live in," "for Japanese businesses," and "for your own life." To all of these questions, about 80% of respondents replied that it was "necessary" or "somewhat necessary."
Specifically, the largest number of people (85.2%) said that continued GDP growth was necessary or somewhat necessary "for Japanese businesses." Those who said "for their own life" were the fewest (70.0%). It is interesting to note that the number of people who said "for Japanese businesses" was larger than those who said "for their own life." If there is a difference in people's perception of the need for economic growth between themselves as individuals and for businesses, what does it mean?
Next, the survey asked about the feasibility of continued GDP growth. In response to the question "Do you think that it will be possible for GDP to keep growing?" about 40% said "possible" or "somewhat possible." The percentage of those who replied "impossible" or "somewhat impossible" was also about 40%. About 17% said "not sure."
Thus, about 80% of people replied that continued GDP growth was "necessary" or "somewhat necessary." However, only about 40% thought that it was "possible" or "somewhat possible." These results are quite interesting as they show that there are people who think that continued GDP growth is necessary but impossible.
To be more specific about these conflicting sentiments, of the total of 500 respondents, 158 people replied that continued GDP growth is "necessary" or "somewhat necessary" but also replied that it is "impossible" or "somewhat impossible." In other words, nearly a third of respondents thought that continued GDP growth is necessary but not possible.
The survey asked people to give reasons for their answers in an open-ended question. "Declining population," "limits to the Earth," and "impacts of globalization" were the most common reasons given by respondents who thought that continued GDP growth is necessary but "impossible" or "somewhat impossible."
On the other hand, many of those who replied that continued GDP growth is "possible" or "somewhat possible" expressed their expectation for future policies, technologies and efforts by people.
What do people think of the so-called "myths of economic growth? "
People consider the "myths of economic growth" to be the assumptions that GDP or economic growth will solve various problems such as unemployment, insufficient wages, economic disparities, misfortune, and environmental problems. The survey also asked what people think about each of these problems.
Results showed that over 60% answered "Yes" or "Generally yes" to the questions "Do you think that unemployment will decrease as GDP grows?" and "Do you think that many people's wages will increase as GDP grows? " Thus, the majority thinks that "the jobless problem and wages will get better along with growth in GDP."
In contrast, only about 20% answered "yes" or "generally yes" to the questions "Do you think that economic disparities will decrease as GDP grows?" and "Do you think that environmental problems will improve as GDP grows?" That is, fewer people think that economic disparities and environmental problems will improve along with growth in GDP.
Concerning the question "will more people become happy as GDP grows," 42% answered "yes" or "generally yes," while 42.2% answered "no" or "generally no." Whether economic growth is associated with happiness or not is an interesting issue that divided people's opinion in half.
Statistics show that, in Japan over that last 30 to 40 years, GDP has grown while the overall unemployment rate, wage coefficient, Gini coefficient (a common measure of income disparity) and life satisfaction have all become worse. All of the "myths of economic growth" turned out to be just that - myths. While only a few people believe in the myth of economic growth concerning economic disparity, why do over half of people still believe the myths of economic growth concerning unemployment and wages? People feel differently about happiness, but what are the reasons for these differences?
We would like to pursue these issues and keep on looking at surveys about economic growth like this one.
Written by Junko Edahiro
Translated by Japan for Sustainability
The alliance is a worldwide network of organizations that share the same interests in global well-being.
The alliance has grown to over 50 member groups, with a combined reach of over two million on Facebook and Twitter.
See the list of alliance members here:
http://postgrowth.org/connect/post-growth-alliance/
For Immediate Release
Japan for Sustainability (JFS) launches revamped website providing environmental,sustainability information from Japan to the world!
(Tokyo, November 15, 2013) Japan for Sustainability (JFS) today announced the launch of JFS's revamped website (http://www.japanfs.org/). The non-governmental organization headed by Chief Executive Junko Edahiro specializes in providing information to the world about the environment and sustainability in Japan.
To celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2012, JFS redefined its mission for the next decade as "Accelerating the move toward a truly happy and sustainable future by facilitating communication between Japan and the world." To put words into action, JFS is committed to continue providing useful information online through its upgraded website, with interactive features and easier navigation and use (see Attachment).JFS press release 15-Nov-2013, English only.pdf
"We are excited to unveil our new website design and hope our online users are inspired by what they see," said Edahiro about the launch. "We hope it serves as an even better tool to move us all toward a better planet."
During the 11 years since its launch in August 2002, JFS has been providing news articles in both English and Japanese to make this world a more sustainable place for current and future generations. The articles inform the world about the latest trends and efforts toward sustainability in Japan.
JFS gathers information about outstanding efforts to promote sustainability in Japan -- in many sectors by many different actors -- and each month posts 30 short articles online and three monthly feature articles. Today, over 4,000 articles are stored in its online database. Besides posting articles online, JFS also releases a weekly digest by e-mail, a compact summary of the short articles, and a monthly newsletter.
JFS's more than 7,700 e-mail subscribers from 184 countries (of the world's total 194) include journalists, businesspersons, educators, researchers, and government personnel interested in the topics of sustainability, environment, happiness, economy and society.
Before JFS, no comprehensive information source was available online in English on environmental and sustainability-related activities in Japan. Information we provide has been highly praised by researchers, government officials, journalists and media around the world who are keen to follow sustainability issues and ideas on how to apply new ideas to their own work.
Inquiries:
Ms. Noriko Sakamoto
Japan for Sustainability
1-11-12 Funabashi Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81-3-6638-6713
Our office moved to the address below on December 25, 2017.
PF Asakusabashi Bldg., 5th Floor
1-19-10 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0053 JAPAN
Tel:+81-3-6638-6713
E-mail: info [at] japanfs.org
Web: www.japanfs.org/
One major new feature of the revamped JFS website is the use of eight themes, listed below. Information on Japanese trends is sorted and presented in terms of these themes, in both English and Japanese.
<Eight JFS themes are always displayed on top of screen>
The renewed website continues to carry a wide range of sustainability information, but also has added interactive features and is easier to navigate and use. Here are more new features:
●Website content: We have added new content, such as eco-cooking and interviews.
●Social networking: Add comments using your social networking accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Disqus, and more. Enjoy discussions with others and share your favorite articles with friends.
●Easier searches, greater variety: The new search function will help find what you want from among over 4,000 JFS daily short and monthly newsletter feature articles. You can now also refine your searches by date and theme.
]]>We hope some of you can meet her at the conference!
http://www.theeconomicsofhappiness.org/conference-program
On May 29, 2012, NHK World (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) broadcasted a report on television (about five minutes long) about Japan's future energy mix options. The story includes an interview with Junko Edahiro.
You can access the video clip for the next 3 or 4 days at the above link.
"Weighing The Options" (May 29 on Air)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/movie/feature201205291209.html
New Report "Life Beyond Growth" Describes an Economic Revolution in the Making
The Tokyo-based Institute for Studies in Happiness, Economy, and Society (ISHES) today released a groundbreaking report, Life Beyond Growth, which documents the rapid rise of new economic ideas once deemed "alternative."
"In just a few short years, leading nations have moved swiftly to adopt frameworks like Green Economy and Gross National Happiness," said lead author Alan AtKisson. "A growing chorus of people, including presidents, prime ministers, and Nobel laureates are calling for better ways to define, and to measure, overall national progress. Life Beyond Growth brings everyone up to speed on these exciting and fast-moving developments."
Referring to recent statements (documented in the report) issued by high-level United Nations panels, by the head of the OECD and other sources, AtKisson noted that their common theme could be summed up in a short phrase: "The GDP just doesn't cut it anymore."
Life Beyond Growth was first commissioned at the beginning of 2011, but its completion was delayed while the authors took stock of the dramatic events of that year, including Arab Spring, the Eurozone crisis, and especially the earthquake and tsunami that shook Japan on March 11. Junko Edahiro, who serves as President of ISHES as well as CEO of Japan for Sustainability (a prominent NGO), believes that world events make the key messages in Life Beyond Growth even more relevant now.
"In the context of growing concern as conditions on Earth worsen, and especially since the Great East Japan Earthquake, more and more people are starting to ask key questions, like 'What is really important?' and 'What kind of economy and society is likely to bring us true happiness?'" Ms. Edahiro said from her home in Tokyo. "I believe this report will provide a good foundation for people of the world to think comprehensively about happiness, economy, and society."
The release of Life Beyond Growth in the English-speaking world is being timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the release of another pioneering study, The Limits to Growth, a book that sold millions of copies. In 1972, the idea that humanity's growing presence on planet Earth would eventually lead to global problems such as shortages of water and other resources, fisheries depletion, or global warming was highly controversial. The Limits to Growth was harshly attacked by leading economists at the time. But in recent years, even some of its original critics -- including, for example, Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz -- have acknowledged the essential validity of its message.
Professor Stiglitz is now one of the leading voices (documented in Life Beyond Growth) calling for new measures of progress to complement or replace the Gross Domestic Product, or GDP, which measures economic growth in terms of official financial transactions. The GDP, says Stiglitz, is "a poor measure of well-being, or even market activity." While economists have known about the GDP's many deficiencies for decades, there seemed to be no alternative to using the GDP as the yardstick for national progress... until now.
Life Beyond Growth "traces the evolution of this revolution in economic thought," said AtKisson. Starting with a historical review, the report then provides an inventory and analysis of the "alternatives and complements to GDP-measured growth" that have taken the national and international policy world by storm in just a few short years. It also maps out the future "geo-political prospects" for ideas like National Wellbeing, Gross National Happiness, Green Economy, Green Growth, and Sustainable Development.
Written for the general reader, Life Beyond Growth is also meant to serve as a briefing paper for decision-makers. Many of them are grappling with the sudden emergence of new economic ideas and indicators, and they are trying to make sense of these rapid developments, which have the potential to redefine national economic policy in the 21st century.
The Life Beyond Growth report is intended to be the first in an annual series of updates, and will be complemented by a new website, www.LifeBeyondGrowth.org.
The PDF version of Life Beyond Growth is available for free download at the publisher's website: http://isisacademy.com/resources/
Life Beyond Growth was commissioned by the Institute for Studies in Happiness, Economy, and Society, Tokyo. The institute, founded Junko Edahiro, engages in activities such as research, publishing, informing public opinion, dialogue, and networking on issues related to human happiness in relationship to economic and social progress.
For more information please see their website in English: http://ishes.org/en/
Interview requests for Junko Edahiro may be sent to this address: inquiry_en[at]ishes.org
The report was produced by the AtKisson Group, a consultancy that advises corporate, government, and NGO clients on sustainability and strategy. For more information on the AtKisson Group and lead author Alan AtKisson, see www.AtKisson.com.
Interview requests may be sent to this address: information[at]atkisson.com
Life Beyond Growth is published in English by the ISIS Academy, which provides knowledge, training, and professional development services on issues related to sustainability and change. See: www.ISISAcademy.com, or write for more information to this address: info[at]isisacademy.com
Telephone inquiries may be directed to Alan AtKisson at +1 917 226 2057.
]]>
"Growth in Transition"
(Edited by Friedrich Hinterberger, Elke Pirgmaier, Elisabeth Freytag, Martina Schuster/Earthscan/2011)
http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/1849713960/ref=as_li_tf_til?tag=junkoedahiro-22
The book was edited by researchers of Sustainable Europe Research Institute (SERI) and others, and includes a wide range of articles on sustainable economy by world-renowned researchers and experts.
Edahiro contributed an article entitled "Good-bye ownership, materialism and monetization in lifestyles: a new era dawning in Japan," analyzing what she calls the "3-De Generation" (referring to de-ownership, de-materialization, de-monetization).
Other contributors include Herman Daly (Maryland University, Former Senior Economist for the World Bank), Tim Jackson (University of Surrey), and Tomoo Machiba (OECD). The authors discuss economic growth and society from a variety of viewpoints such as policy, civil society, and the economy.
]]>On February 20, 2012, NHK World (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) broadcast report on television (about five minutes) on efforts to change the direction of energy policy in Japan, and included coverage of a workshop Edahiro organized for women on the topic, in order to reflect their views in the government's decision making process.
You can watch the streaming video on NHK World website (about 5 minutes) :
"Moves for Change" (Feb. 20 on Air)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/movie/feature201202201118.html
January 24, 2012
Institute for Studies in Happiness, Economy and Society / Japan for Sustainability
The Institute for Studies in Happiness, Economy and Society and non-profit organization Japan for Sustainability jointly announced the results of a public opinion survey on attitudes toward energy, on January 24, 2012.
The survey by online research company Macromill Inc. asked respondents to indicate their opinions on energy and nuclear power. Conducted from January 12 to 14, 2012, the survey was completed by 524 persons registered with the company as monitors. They were aged twenty and over, and the ratios of age group, sex, and domicile (city/town/rural) were in proportion with Japan's total population.
One of the survey questions was about the future of nuclear power. One-third of respondents said that nuclear power should be completely abolished "immediately." Two-thirds said "by 2050," about forty years from now (Fig. 1).
A combined total of 92 percent of respondents felt that nuclear power should be reduced within the next three years, by indicating that it "should be reduced to zero," "should be reduced compared to the pre-March 11 level, even though it is not possible to close all plants," or "should be reduced compared to the pre-March 11 level, but we should keep some plants operating." In effect, the findings suggest that over 90 percent of the public thinks the amount of nuclear power generation should be reduced immediately.
Regarding public perceptions about energy, the survey results suggest that many people put a higher value on security, safety and future generations than on the economic cost. Survey questions posed eight statements to be considered and asked respondents to rank them one to five, from "not important at all" to "extremely important." Statements graded as "extremely important" were as follows: "Should not cause tremendous damage in the case of an accident" (64% of respondents), "Should not emit substances dangerous or harmful to human health and ecosystems, such as waste, radiation, and so on" (69%), and "Should not have a negative impact on future generations" (52%). These all surpassed the statement, "Should be cheap in cost or price"(33%) (Fig. 2).
The statement "Should be cheap in cost or price" is also a factor to be seriously considered, as a combined total 89% of respondents said it was either "extremely important" or "important," but the survey results put a greater emphasis on safety, security and protection of future generations.
Contact: Institute for Studies in Happiness, Economy and Society
c/o e's Inc.
3rd Floor, Sanko Bldg., 1-11-12 Funabashi, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo 156-0055 Japan
Tel: +81-3-5426-1128 Fax: +81-3-6413-3762
(9:00 to 17:00 except weekends and national holidays)
Email: info[at]es-inc.jp
Our office moved to the address below on December 25, 2017.
PF Asakusabashi Bldg., 5th Floor
1-19-10 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0053 JAPAN
Tel: +81-3-5846-9841 Fax:+81-3-5846-9665
See PDF file for the figures.
Website Content
The Dilemma of Economic Growth (http://ishes.org/en/dilemma/)
The website introduces the concept of the "dilemma of economic growth," a key concept when considering the economy, society, and happiness. Can "decoupling" (the separation of economic growth from negative impacts on resources and the environment) solve our problems? The site provides food for thought on these matters.
Timeline (http://ishes.org/en/chronl_table/)
The idea that "money isn't everything" and "economic growth doesn't lead to true happiness," is nothing new, but the search for true happiness not based on economic growth has been attracting new popularity lately. The timeline shows the relevant trends in chronological order, including the progress and affluence of nations, new indicators to measure happiness, related conferences and publications. The Japanese trends will be posted at later date.
Interviews (http://ishes.org/en/interview/)
This page carries interviews by Junko Edahiro with opinion leaders from Japan and other countries. The first interview is with Helena Norberg-Hodge, the author of "Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh" and director of the documentary film "The Economics of Happiness."
The website will also carry information such as the following:
- New lifestyles, initiatives, and movements in Japan
- News about happiness studies in Japan and around the world
- Further reading, related groups, think-tanks, institutes, and more
ISHES engages in activities such as research, publishing, informing public opinion, dialogue, and networking with the world, mainly by disseminating information through the website.
Contact:
Institute for Studies in Happiness, Economies and Society (ISHES)
c/o e's Inc.
Funabashi 1-11-12 Sanko Bldg. 3F
Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-0055, Japan
Phone: +81-(0)3-5426-1128/Fax: +81-(0)3-6413-3762
E-mail: inquiry_en@ishes.org
Our office moved to the address below on December 25, 2017.
PF Asakusabashi Bldg., 5th Floor
1-19-10 Asakusabashi, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0053 JAPAN
Tel: +81-3-5846-9841 Fax:+81-3-5846-9665
The session was organized in response to public requests that the prime minister (PM) promote clean energy, and included participants Takeshi Okada, former coach of Japan's national football team; world-renowned musician Ryuichi Sakamoto; Masayoshi Son, CEO of Softbank Mobile Corp.; Takeshi Kobayashi, representative director of ap bank Co.; and Junko Edahiro, President of the Institute for Studies in Happiness, Economy, and Society (ISHES). On the government side, along with the PM were deputy chief Cabinet secretary Tetsuro Fukuyama and Hiroshi Tasaka, special advisor to the Cabinet.
For further details;
Japan for Sustainability (JFS) Newsletter No.106 (June 2011)
"An Interactive Webcast with Japan's Prime Minister on Renewable Energy Policy: A First for Japan"
http://www.japanfs.org/en/mailmagazine/newsletter/pages/031068.html
TEDxTokyo, has been held annually since 2009, for a total of three times so far. TEDxTokyo 2011 was held after the devastating March 11 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident. The event's focus was altered to respond to the tragedy, with the theme being "to explore practical and inventive ways of rebuilding and renewing Japan, and uplifting the spirits of its people." Junko Edahiro delivered a speech as a message to a younger generation of people who would live in the aftermath of the earthquake and shape the future of Japan.
Junko delivered a speech regarding "3-De" Generation -- De-Ownership, De-Materialization, De-Monetization.
For the text of the speech, go to:
Japan for Sustainability (JFS) Newsletter No.106 (June 2011)
"De-Ownership, De-Materialization, De-Monetization -- Junko Edahiro's Message to Today's '3-De' Generation (TEDxTokyo, May 2011)"
http://www.japanfs.org/en/mailmagazine/newsletter/pages/031069.html
See also:
TEDxTokyo - Junko Edahiro - "De" Generation - [English]
http://youtu.be/y395J6W6i1E
TEDxTokyo 2011: Enter the Unknown
http://tedxtokyo.com/tedxtokyo-2011-enter-the-unknown/
On March 4, 2011, Mr. Alan Atkisson was a guest speaker at a symposium in Tokyo marking the establishment of ISHES. Mr. Atkisson founded Sustainable Seattle in 1992, and has long been committed to promoting social development and innovation that support sustainability. About 200 participants attended the symposium, organized around the theme of "redefining the relationship between happiness, the economy, and society," and listened intently to his lecture.
ISHES plans to develop activities such as conducting research and studies, disseminating study results, shaping public opinion, encouraging dialogue, building networks to respond to world trends, and squarely addressing important questions, including "How should we deal with the limits of the Earth to build a truly happy society without making society and the economy unstable?" and "What indicators should we use to measure society's true progress and happiness?"
]]>