Media Use as Predictors of Political Behavior: The Case of Japan

Abstract

This paper attempts to observe media effects on the political knowledge, behavior, and interest of the Japanese younger generation. Employing a sample collectedfrom more than 1100 students in four universities in Japan, the discussion focuses on measuring exposure, attention to and reliance on newspaper and television separately; this enables analysis of certain associations related to specific media in comparison to others regarding political cognition and interest. The findings show that, more than television variables, attention and exposure to print media are the strongest predictors of knowledge, behavior, and interest among Japanese students.