This volume examines the properties of statistics on household behavior
in Japan. This work is an essential guide for all researchers who are
interested in household decision making and the Japanese economy. Many
household surveys are conducted in Japan reflecting the fact that
household activities have various aspects such as income earning, timing
and pattern choice of expenditure and consumption, asset portfolio
choice, labor supply decision, time use, and health status. Moreover,
the contents of each survey overlap in a complex manner to present a
serious obstacle for potential survey users. In this book, the basic
information from each survey such as sampling methods, survey
techniques, and available variables is provided and then compared to
check the consistency across the same variables reported in different
surveys. Exploring strengths and weaknesses of each survey, this book is
highly recommended to readers who seek comprehensive, up-to-date
information about Japanese surveys and want to use appropriate data for
their analysis.