Abstract
Japan is famous for long working hours. For decades the Japanese government has tried to influence how people spend their
free time. In 5-yearly surveys since 1986 the government has surveyed “quality of life,” gauging how much time people spend
daily in various activities, including “leisure.” Analyzing results from these time use surveys, from 2006 back to 1986, and
controlling for labor market conditions, this study determines whether time spent on leisure activities has actually changed.
Gains in some types of leisure have been fleeting. Yet in other respects leisure has been enhanced, with significant increases
occurring in active recreational pastimes. Nevertheless, leisure remains elusive for mid-career employees. Moreover, there
is a pronounced gender gap for leisure time.
free time. In 5-yearly surveys since 1986 the government has surveyed “quality of life,” gauging how much time people spend
daily in various activities, including “leisure.” Analyzing results from these time use surveys, from 2006 back to 1986, and
controlling for labor market conditions, this study determines whether time spent on leisure activities has actually changed.
Gains in some types of leisure have been fleeting. Yet in other respects leisure has been enhanced, with significant increases
occurring in active recreational pastimes. Nevertheless, leisure remains elusive for mid-career employees. Moreover, there
is a pronounced gender gap for leisure time.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10834-012-9305-4
- Authors
- Scott M. Fuess, Department of Economics, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE
- Journal Journal of Family and Economic Issues
- Online ISSN 1573-3475
- Print ISSN 1058-0476