A majority of people in Japan want to make domestic trips or dine out with family and friends once the COVID-19 pandemic is contained, a survey by Central Research Services Inc., a Jiji Press affiliate, showed. 

With multiple answers allowed, domestic trips were cited by 64.4 percent of respondents, the largest proportion, when asked what they want to do once the pandemic subsides. Dining out with family and friends were chosen by 62.7 percent, the second largest.

Visits to theme parks, amusement parks or zoos were cited by 32.6 percent, outdoor shopping by 32.4 percentand visits to events or concerts by 31.6 percent.

The findings of the survey, conducted in March 5-14, indicate that many people in the country want to go out apparently tired of staying at home amid the pandemic.

The survey showed that 79.4 percent of respondents said the pandemic had an impact on their life, far surpassing the 16.5 percent who said there was no such impact.

Asked about what impact the pandemic had, with multiple answers allowed, 76.0 percent of respondents said they did not go out frequently and 68.6 percent said they had less interactions with relatives and friends.

Falling income was cited by 27.2 percent of respondents, growing restlessness by 18.3 percent, frequent quarrels with family by 4.9 percent and job losses by 1.9 percent.

The interview-based survey covered 4,000 people aged 20 or older across the country. Valid answers came from 30.0 percent.

JIJI Press