Insights from the Kitchen Tasks Survey by Cross Marketing
A recent investigation conducted by Cross Marketing, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, surveyed individuals aged 20 to 69 across Japan to explore their perspectives on kitchen chores and cooking. The research shed light on common kitchen responsibilities, tasks people prefer to delegate, and the various advantages of home cooking.
Major Findings
The study found that the most prevalent kitchen tasks performed by respondents are washing dishes and cleaning cooking utensils, along with grocery shopping, each being managed by over 50% of those surveyed. Additionally, nearly 50% engage in cooking processes, indicating a steady participation in these essential household activities.
Interestingly, male participants generally reported performing kitchen duties more than their female counterparts, although household responsibilities still weigh heavily on everyone involved.
When it comes to tasks individuals want others to handle, cleaning the exhaust fan emerges as the most desired delegation, followed closely by cleaning the stove area and walls, the sink, and washing dishes. Approximately 40% of respondents indicated their preference for others to take care of these often-dreaded cleaning tasks. Notably, female participants expressed a stronger desire (10-20 points higher than men) to pass on time-consuming chores, highlighting a significant difference in perception between genders.
The survey also revealed the benefits of cooking at home. Top responses included saving money and the ability to adjust flavors to personal preferences, reflecting a trend where younger participants appreciate the sense of accomplishment from cooking a meal and improving their culinary skills. Conversely, older respondents valued health management and safe ingredient choices.
Concerns About Home Cooking
The study allowed participants to express their concerns regarding home cooking. The rising cost of ingredients ranked as the most pressing issue for 29.7% of respondents. Other notable concerns included a limited variety of recipes, repetitive meal flavors, and ensuring nutritional balance in their diets. Alarmingly, nearly half of the female respondents aged 50 to 60 expressed worries about rising food prices, emphasizing a significant financial factor affecting meal preparation at home.
Tips for Easing Kitchen Work
To make kitchen tasks less burdensome, respondents shared various strategies: cooking multiple dishes simultaneously to save time, minimizing the number of dishes to clean afterward, and creating a more enjoyable atmosphere with music during cooking. Such tips reflect a desire to make meal preparation more efficient and enjoyable.
Survey Details
- - Methodology: Internet research using Cross Marketing's self-administered questionnaire tool, QiQUMO.
- - Scope: Nationwide coverage across all 47 prefectures in Japan.
- - Target Demographic: Men and women aged 20 to 69.
- - Period: Conducted from May 8 to 9, 2026, with 1,100 valid responses collected.
For those interested, further information, including a downloadable cross-tabulation report, can be found on the
Cross Marketing website.
Company Overview
Cross Marketing, Inc.
- - Location: 24th Floor, Tokyo Opera City Tower, 3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- - Established: April 1, 2003
- - CEO: Mikio Igarashi
- - Specializing in marketing research and consulting services related to marketing and research endeavors.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Marketing Department Public Relations Unit
Phone: 03-6859-1192
Fax: 03-6859-2275
Email:
[email protected]
Please Credit: When citing or reproducing this release, kindly reference it to Cross Marketing, a marketing research company.