１００年前の秋、国中がお祭り騒ぎに包まれた。
There was an air of excitement and anticipation all over Japan in the fall 100 years ago, as the date of the first national census survey drew near.
「国勢調査は文明国の鏡」「調査に漏れては国民の恥」。そんな標語が街に貼られ、初めての国勢調査を迎える。
Signage appeared on the streets bearing slogans such as, "A census is a mirror of a civilized nation" and "Failure to participate in the survey is a national disgrace."
１０月１日当日、人々は家で調査員を待ち構え、繁華街は静まりかえった
On Oct. 1, census day, even the usually busy entertainment districts were deserted. Everybody stayed home to await the census taker.
戦前から調査員が各戸を訪ね、住民と対面するのが基本だった。
From the start, the basic format for conducting the survey was that census takers would visit every household for face-to-face interviews.
税の交付額や選挙区の区割りなどに欠かせないと政府は言う。
The government explained that the survey was crucial for determining the allocation of taxes and drawing electoral maps.
質問項目には時代が映る。戦後すぐは引き揚げ経験の有無を、平成に入ると通勤時間を尋ねた。
The survey questions reflected the era. In the immediate aftermath of World War II, citizens were asked if they had been repatriated from overseas. During the Heisei Era (1989-2019), people were asked about the length of their daily commute to and from work.
初婚かどうかを問うた年もあり、思わず赤面した
One year, people were asked if they'd been previously married. I blushed inadvertently over this episode.
５年に１度、２１回目となる国勢調査が来週から始まる。
Conducted every five years, this year's census survey--the 21st in the series--starts next week.
対面できない例が増え、さらにコロナ禍も加わった今回は、オンラインや郵送による非接触型の回答が推奨されている
With the growing number of households unable to participate in face-to-face interviews, not to mention the COVID-19 pandemic going on now, the government is recommending non-contact surveys by mail or online.
統計調査は続けてこそ意味があろう。それでも、そのやり方は柔軟に変えていかざるをえない。
Without continuity, there is no point in conducting a census. Still, the way it is done must be flexible to be changed as needed.
１００年先の人々は、いまの私たちの質問と方法のつたなさに赤面するのだろうか。
One hundred years from now, I wonder if people are going to cringe at the awkwardness of the questions we are asked and how we answer them.