Understanding the Generational Gap: Z世代 and Their Parents Through Values

In today's rapidly evolving society, the differences in values and lifestyles among generations have become more pronounced, especially between the Z世代 (Generation Z) and their parents. Conducted by Japan Information Co., a leading marketing research firm, a recent survey aimed to delve into these differences. It involved 1,015 participants aged between 16 and 69 years across Japan, gathering insights into how both generations perceive their values in areas such as lifestyle, spending habits, and relationships.

Overview of the Survey

The research took place from April 18 to 21, 2025, and aimed to understand the perception of value gaps between parents and their Z世代 children. This report details the findings that highlight the significant differences in mindset, allowing for a deeper understanding and appreciation of each generation’s unique perspective.

Key Findings

1. Parents Perceive Greater Value Differences

Interestingly, the survey indicated that parents generally feel a greater sense of value differences compared to their Z世代 children. While 67.0% of fathers and 64.4% of mothers acknowledged feeling these differences, Z世代 children were more likely to recognize a gap with their fathers, at 60.3%, versus 55.4% with their mothers. This highlights the complexity of intergenerational relationships and the cultural shifts that have shaped these perceptions.

2. Lifestyle and Daily Habits at the Forefront

When it comes to identifying specific areas of value difference, both parents and children pointed to lifestyle choices and everyday habits as the most significant. The concerns shifted from broader topics like education and careers to daily practices such as how time and money are utilized. This indicates a closer connection to everyday life, with unique concerns regarding diversity and gender perspectives emerging prominently from the Z世代.

3. Emotional Connections and Conflict Perception

Another intriguing outcome was that parents perceived their relationships with their Z世代 children as more positive than the children themselves. Over 70% of parents felt they maintained good communication, while 40% of Z世代 reported frequent conflicts. This emotional dissonance suggests that while parents see a supportive connection, children might be vocalizing their frustrations, emphasizing the need for open dialogues.

4. Diverging Views on Relationships and Parenthood

The survey found stark contrasts in attitudes towards dating, marriage, and parenting. While many parents expressed a desire for their children to have ample romantic experiences and to settle down, less than half of Z世代 shared similar aspirations. The preferences regarding partnerships indicated a broader acceptance of diversity. Here, Z世代 demonstrated more flexibility in their views on gender and relationship dynamics, often diverging from traditional expectations.

5. Career Aspirations and Local Employment Trends

With regards to career expectations, there was relatively less discrepancy observed. However, Z世代 displayed a clear preference for local employment over international opportunities, reflecting a more rooted approach to career development—where familial proximity might play a significant role in their job choices.

6. Evolving Views on Beauty Standards

An interesting finding highlighted the contrasting attitudes towards male grooming and appearance. While 30% of Z世代 males showed interest in makeup, many still grappled with acceptance, both personally and among their peers, signifying a cultural evolution that has yet to reach full acceptance in the eyes of many parents.

Conclusion: Bridging the Gap

This survey sheds light on the evolving dynamics between the Z世代 and their parents, demonstrating that despite varied life experiences, an underlying willingness to accept these differences is evident. As both generations navigate their relationship, fostering understanding and respect through communication will be key to bridging these perceived gaps. Japan Information Co. continues to monitor these trends, aiming to provide valuable insights into the rapidly changing perspectives of the Z世代.

For detailed survey results and report requests, visit Japan Information.

Company Overview
Company Name: Japan Information Co.
Location: Ginza, Tokyo, Japan
CEO: Keita Saito
Founded: December 1, 1969
Web: n-info.co.jp
Business: Marketing Research and Consulting