1. Project Overview
This project is a questionnaire survey conducted with the aim of visualizing factors and initiatives that contribute to enhancing the wellbeing of Shibuya residents (including those residing in Shibuya, visitors to the area, and others with connections to Shibuya).
2. Background and Issue Recognition
Through the OASIS training program on developing wellbeing policies, we identified Shibuya’s strengths and weaknesses in comparison to other local authorities and formulated hypotheses regarding the happiness levels of Shibuya residents. This survey aimed to understand the characteristics of Shibuya residents' wellbeing, the factors contributing to it, and the differences in perceived wellbeing between residents and visitors to Shibuya, based on the aforementioned hypotheses.
Furthermore, by understanding the wellbeing of Shibuya residents, we believe we can contribute to measures for improving wellbeing implemented by this organisation, Shibuya City, and other stakeholders.
3. Implementation
The questionnaire was conducted as follows:
・Title: Shibuya Wellbeing Survey・Survey Participants: Shibuya City residents (hereafter "city residents"), commuters/students, those who visit the city at least once every 2–3 months
・Survey Period: 19 March 2024 to 25 March 2024
・Survey Items: 66 questions
・Valid Responses: 739
4. Findings
This questionnaire survey yielded the following results (survey results available here):
● Respondents to this survey reported higher levels of happiness compared to the national average. Happiness levels were particularly high among those in their twenties. Residents' happiness levels were significantly higher than those of visitors. Residents also reported greater satisfaction with the time spent in Shibuya than visitors did.
● Residents perceive Shibuya as "convenient", "livable", and "resident-friendly.” Visitors perceive it as a “youthful” town, while also experiencing urban drawbacks such as “noisy” and “crowded.”
● Shibuya’s characteristics receiving high ratings include freedom of movement via public transport, personal health status, and an atmosphere conducive to young people's activity. Conversely, ratings are lower for community interaction and local support networks, such as having someone to consult within the area.
● The 'satisfaction with Shibuya' contributing to happiness is explained by various factors, with particularly high correlations observed for public spaces (such as the town's atmosphere), impacts on health status, and civic pride.
Key factors by visitor type: For those visiting for work or school, human relationships within the town and the active participation of women are important. For those visiting for leisure, freedom of movement is important.
5. Future Outlook
The findings from this questionnaire survey will be disseminated to administrative bodies, companies, and organizations operating in Shibuya, as well as residents of Shibuya. By fostering a shared understanding of residents' wellbeing, we will promote initiatives to enhance it through public-private partnerships.
