Statistical investigator pinch What should I do ... November 8, 20:21

Statistical data that reflects the state of our lives and economy.

The statistical investigator who collects the data is now in a pinch.

In addition to the increasing number of cases where we cannot meet the target of the survey, there is a lack of players, making it difficult to continue the survey as before.

Next year, when the national census is held once every five years, it will be a milestone of just 100 years from the start, but many local governments are worried about whether to be able to secure researchers.

We interviewed the forefront of statistical surveys for difficult times. (Ministry of Economic Affairs, Asami Terada)

The field of statistical research that is becoming increasingly severe

Mr. Tatsuko Watanabe (71) who lives in Kamakura City has been working as a statistical researcher for over 30 years.

So far, I have worked on national statistical surveys such as national census and labor force surveys.

When I was in my late 30s, I searched for a job that I could do in my spare time while raising my child.

Recently, I have been involved in about two types of surveys a year, explaining the contents of surveys and collecting survey forms while visiting houses and companies one by one. When there are many, it means that it may go as many as 50 houses in one day.

Mr. Watanabe says that being able to work for the public interest is attractive and proud.

“Study what kind of data is reflected in the survey I am involved in, and try to carefully explain its importance. Statistics show that the state knows the current situation, It ’s important information that forms the basis of the company.

However, Mr. Watanabe has recently felt the changes that appear in the field of statistical surveys.

Even if you go 50 times a day, you can meet about half of the people surveyed.
Only one out of ten people can meet people living in a studio apartment.
It is said that 10% of the people do not want to cooperate in the survey even if they meet.

“If we can't meet on weekdays, we visit again on Saturdays and Sundays, and we try to visit at least three times, but recently there are more people who don't cooperate in the survey. Many people are reluctant to fill in as personal information.In the past, many people were aware of cooperating with national surveys, but in the past 30 years I feel that their awareness of statistics has changed significantly. "

Census pinch due to lack of researchers! ?

In addition to the difficulty of obtaining cooperation in statistical surveys, the shortage of statistical researchers is also becoming increasingly serious.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the number of people registered as statistical investigators is approximately 143,500 nationwide as of 2017.
As the population ages and the number of researchers continues to decline, next year's census says that 700,000 researchers are needed temporarily.

How to secure personnel is a common issue throughout the country.

Kamakura City, where Mr. Watanabe serves as a statistical researcher, is no exception.

In 2015, there were 109 statistical investigators in Kamakura City, but now it has decreased to about 70.
On the other hand, the number of investigators that the country needs for the census next year is about 800. In one year, more than 700 investigators must be gathered.

In Kamakura City, the last four years ago, the national census was plagued by a shortage of statistical researchers.
At that time, it was about 200 people short of the number shown by the country, and it was forced to increase the area covered by one investigator.

Will the necessary number of people be gathered by next year's census? Here, a big wall that did not exist in the last time stands up.
Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

In fact, the census briefing coincides with the Olympics.
There is a risk that it will be difficult for people to gather because the Olympic volunteers will be handed over.

Shin Ota, who is in charge of statistical work at the General Affairs Division of the Kamakura City Hall, is concerned about the following.

“In the previous census, we had a hard time securing researchers, but this time we feel a sense of crisis like never before. We put forward measures such as moving ahead with PR activities to call for recruitment, I think we have to secure as many human resources as possible ”(Mr. Ota)

A way of life for young power

While it is difficult for Japan to find a statistical researcher, the situation is nationwide, but university students are expected to become new leaders in the survey.

Shimane Prefecture has requested Shimane Prefectural University in Hamada City to cooperate in the national census.

In fact, we will have students attend a lecture on the theme of statistical surveys, and next year's census will have around 40 students.
Students who act as investigators are expected to earn university credits.

The person in charge of the Statistics Research Division in Shimane talks about the purpose of collaboration with the university as follows.

“Depopulation and aging are progressing in the prefecture, and the shortage of investigators is a serious problem, but I would like to maintain a system that can continue the survey by having young people cooperate with the survey. I hope that the students who will lead the future will be involved in statistical surveys so that they can understand the significance of the surveys and the challenges they face in the field of research. ''

Aomori Prefecture is also trying to gather students to collaborate with the local Hirosaki University for statistical research.

The university is looking for students who can take part in the survey from students taking statistics courses.

In Chiba Prefecture, students who have been recommended by Chiba University of Science in Choshi City and Josai International University in Togane City are working as investigators.

On the other hand, the country has also adopted a system for responding via the Internet in order to make the statistical survey work more efficient, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications wants to raise the Internet response rate to 40% in the next census.

Securing statistical researchers is an urgent issue

I myself have the opportunity to handle statistical data in economic news, but I learned for the first time through this interview that the statistical investigators in the field had a hard time and effort to complete the data.

Statistical data reflects the actual state of our lives and provides the basis for economic measures and social security policies.
Therefore, I felt it was an urgent task to secure a staff of statistical researchers to support accurate statistics.

Economic Department reporter Asami Terada Entered the Kochi Broadcasting Station in 2009 and was in charge of the distribution industry in the Economic Department.
Currently, he covers a wide range of fields, from on-site consumption to statistics.