A poll by Japan's Foreign Ministry revealed that 68.0% of respondents believe disinformation about international affairs is spreading online. The results suggest growing concern in the country about manipulation of information by foreign entities. Among those who detected such disinformation, 87.8% relied on Japanese news organizations to verify authenticity.
An opinion poll conducted by Japan's Foreign Ministry from February 10 to 18 among 1,000 people aged 18 and older nationwide via telephone showed that 68.0% of respondents feel disinformation about international affairs is spreading online. In contrast, 26.6% said they had not encountered such disinformation.
When asked how they verify the authenticity of information, with multiple answers allowed, 87.8% of those who detected disinformation online cited reliance on Japanese news organizations. Specifically, 44.0% used newspapers, magazines, television, and radio programs, while 43.8% turned to internet and smartphone news apps. Additionally, 50.3% checked information from the Japanese government.
The poll also indicated that 79.3% of all respondents believe the security environment in East Asia has become more severe in recent years. Among them, 59.3% expressed hopes that Japan should strengthen cooperation with the United States and other friendly nations to prevent further deterioration. Regarding Japan-China relations, the most common response at 52.9% was that Japan should take a strong stance against intrusions into Japanese territorial waters by Chinese vessels, followed by ensuring peace and stability in the region at 46.7%, and securing the safety of Japanese residents at 31.4%.
These findings highlight increasing vigilance in Japan toward potential information manipulation by foreign countries.