An analysis by a research group at the Institute of Social Sciences led by Distinguished Professor Hiroshi Ishida of the University of Tokyo has found that the most important factor related to people's happiness level is the quality of life. It was also found that people who already have more socio-economic resources are more willing to sacrifice their current happiness for greater future happiness.
According to the University of Tokyo, the analysis covers the 2007 follow-up survey of the ``National Survey on Work Style and Lifestyle Changes,'' which has been conducted every year since 2019, and the ``Refresh Sample Survey,'' which was newly launched in 2023. . We analyzed people's level of happiness, the distribution of answers to the question ``Would you be willing to sacrifice your current happiness for greater happiness in the future,'' and related factors.
The results showed that the most important factor associated with happiness was the quality of life, and the more economically affluent people were, the higher the level of happiness they felt. Next to living conditions was subjective health, and third was social connections.
Social connections tend to greatly increase people's happiness when they have someone they can turn to or ask for advice when a problem arises. For this reason, the research group believes that building a network of social support and help increases happiness.
Regarding the ability to sacrifice one's current happiness, college graduate education, professional managerial position, lifestyle, and social connections are relatively important factors, and people who already have socio-economic resources are more likely to sacrifice their current happiness. seem to be more tolerant of sacrificing some of their happiness.
This survey also analyzed the following topics: ``Who is most likely to feel pressured for time?'' ``By what age do people want to get married and have children?'' and ``desired nursing care.''
