#Japan #Tokyo #Times Club #Car Ownership #driving habits

Understanding Car Ownership and Driving Preferences in Japan

Park 24 Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has released findings from a recent survey conducted among members of its driver-centric membership service, Times Club. The survey focused on car ownership and driving habits, offering an insightful look into the current trends among Japanese drivers.

Survey Highlights

1. Car Ownership Reasons: The primary motivation for car ownership among respondents is the necessity for shopping and work, especially among older generations. Conversely, the youth primarily enjoy driving itself.
2. Reasons for Not Owning a Car: A significant over 60% of all age groups cite high maintenance costs as the primary reason for not owning a vehicle. Among the younger population, the high price tag of vehicles also plays a major role.
3. Driving Enjoyment: Most drivers enjoy listening to music or conversing with passengers during drives, with an increase in radio listening as age increases.

Detailed Findings

Each month, Park 24 publishes the results of surveys concerning cars and transportation. The recent survey on car ownership saw that 56% of respondents own a car, while 44% do not. Here’s a closer look by age demographic:

1. Reasons for Car Ownership

When asked about their reasons for owning vehicles, 56% reported they needed them for shopping or work purposes, followed by 44% who indicated a love for driving. 40% stated that they needed a car for commuting or school transportation.

• - Younger Generations: Among those under 20, the preference for driving at 55% is notably higher than in other age brackets, indicating a strong enthusiasm for being behind the wheel.
• - Older Generations: In contrast, older generations showed a higher demand for vehicles for professional uses and family transportation, especially those in their 40s where nearly 39% noted that they needed a car for family-related purposes.

2. Reasons for Not Owning a Car

For those who do not own vehicles, the top reasons include high maintenance costs cited by 67% and the adequacy of car-sharing or rental services at 63%.

• - Economic Concerns: Across all age groups, more than 60% mentioned maintenance costs as a prohibitive factor. Interestingly, older individuals, particularly those in their 50s, overwhelmingly felt that car-sharing and rentals meet their needs. In contrast, the younger demographic highlighted high vehicle prices, with 58% pointing it out as a major deterrent, showcasing a desire for ownership hampered by financial constraints.

3. Enjoyment During Drives

When it comes to how individuals enjoy their drives, the most popular activity is listening to music (43%), followed by 29% enjoying conversations with passengers and 15% tuning into the radio.

• - Trends by Age: A significant portion of those below 20 years old prefers listening to music, while older drivers, notably those aged 60 and over, increasingly turn to radio stations during their commutes.

Overall, the survey illustrates that the majority of car owners in Japan do so for practical reasons linked to shopping and work. Conversely, high maintenance costs deter many potential owners, particularly among younger populations who express interest but face economic barriers. As autumn approaches, consider utilizing Times Car, a car-sharing service that allows you to enjoy shopping, travel, and leisure without the burdens of ownership costs such as parking fees or insurance. Embrace the freedom of mobility and explore all that this autumn season has to offer.