A recent survey conducted by the Cultural Affairs Agency has revealed a significant shift in reading habits, with many people attributing their decreased book consumption to excessive smartphone use. The fiscal 2023 survey on reading and Japanese language found that among respondents aged 16 to 19, 70.9% reported reading fewer books due to spending more time on smartphones. This trend was also observed among those in their 20s (67.3%) and respondents in their 30s (60.7%).
Interestingly, the survey indicated a decrease in the number of individuals who claimed they were too busy with work or studying to read books. This suggests that people, particularly young individuals, are allocating more time towards using electronic devices.
In an effort to encourage young people to read more, schools have been taking steps such as updating their reading lists and increasing the presence of school librarians. For instance, at Maibara Municipal Sakata Elementary School in Shiga Prefecture, school librarians collaborate with teachers to order reading materials from the city library and assist children in selecting books. As a result of these efforts, there has been a doubling in the number of checked-out books.
Principal Masaaki Yamaguchi expressed his satisfaction with this development by stating that older students are now seen reading aloud to younger ones.
Kazuhiro Nakamura, a professor specializing in Japanese language education at Tokyo Gakugei University emphasized the importance for schools to expose students to various books and educate them about the significance and benefits of reading. These benefits include enhancing critical thinking skills and improving self-expression abilities.
this survey sheds light on how smartphones have impacted book consumption patterns while highlighting initiatives taken by educational institutions aimed at promoting literacy among young individuals.
