Key Facts
• On October 28-29, 2024, a nationwide opinion poll was conducted by Mainichi Shimbun.
• Opinion polls target citizens aged 18+ and aim to reflect the national demographic.
• Surveys like street or magazine polls focus on specific regions or topics of interest.
• Mainichi Shimbun uses the “d-Survey” system for smartphone-based internet polling.
• d-Survey targets NTT Docomo’s d-Point Club members and began in October 2024.
• Respondents are randomly selected from 74 million citizens aged 18+.
• Question phrasing impacts results; Mainichi avoids follow-up questions to ensure neutrality.
• Mainichi’s polls often show lower approval ratings due to the inclusion of “no interest” options.
Summary
Mainichi Shimbun’s opinion polls differ from general surveys by targeting a demographically representative sample of citizens aged 18 and above, ensuring results reflect national sentiment. Unlike street or magazine surveys, which focus on specific groups, these polls use the “d-Survey” system, introduced in October 2024, to conduct smartphone-based internet polling. Respondents are randomly selected from a pool of 74 million eligible citizens. The phrasing of questions plays a critical role in shaping results, with Mainichi Shimbun avoiding follow-up questions and offering a “no interest” option, often leading to lower approval ratings compared to other outlets. This method ensures statistically reliable and unbiased data, providing a snapshot of public opinion on political and social issues.
