An internet survey of Japanese web surfers suggest that the average Japanese citizen is more worried about the possible consequences of the Y2K issue than their North American counterparts. The survey, conducted by Matsushita Electronic Industrial Co Ltd via its Panasonic Hi-Ho web access site, found that whereas 49% of American respondents said they were somewhat or very uneasy about Y2K glitches, 78.6% of Japanese responded in this way.
Matsushita believes that the both responses indicate a high level of unease, and the worry cannot be attributed to ignorance. Some 88.4% of Japanese respondents said they were very interested in Y2K issues, compared to 63.9% of Americans. This suggests that both communities have been monitoring Y2K information and generally understand the issues involved, said Matsushita.
The higher level of concern displayed by Japanese people compared to their American counterparts may be a cultural phenomena. Matsushita found that 36.6 of Japanese thought that measures should be taken at a national level to combat Y2K problems, compared with only 14.3% of Americans. By contrast, 62.5% of Americans believe each individual should take action, compared with only 36.5% of Japanese. The Japanese respondents also had a different perspective on what actions to avoid because of Y2K threats. For them, overseas travel ought to be avoided, whereas Americans felt a more appropriate precaution would be to ensure the availability of a working radio, and a flashlight.
