Survey insights on e-waste and repairability in Japan

A recent survey conducted by Mannen Corporation, a company that recycles electronic devices, highlights consumer attitudes toward electronic device repair. The survey involved 100 male and female participants across Japan and aimed at uncovering insights into consumer behaviour and preferences when purchasing and repairing electronic devices and home appliances.

The survey revealed several trends among Japanese consumers:

Purchase Preferences: When purchasing digital devices, 60% of respondents prioritised “high functionality,” followed by “low price” (50%) and “durability” (42%). Only 13% considered “ease of repair,” demonstrating a preference for cost and performance over long-term repairability. Younger consumers, particularly teenagers, showed a stronger focus on functionality (80%) and price, with no respondents in this age group valuing repairability.

For small home appliances, affordability gained slightly more importance, particularly among consumers in their 30s and 50s. High-cost items like air conditioners and washing machines saw greater emphasis on durability and functionality, with “ease of repair” prioritised by only 14% overall. Among respondents aged 60 and above, this figure rose to 23.53%, indicating a generational difference in repair-related concerns.

Lifespan Awareness: A total of 69.77% of participants reported checking the lifespan of products before purchase, with younger generations (teenagers and those in their 20s) showing the highest interest in this factor.

Repair Behaviour: Of the respondents, 65.12% expressed a desire to repair broken devices. Interest was highest among those in their 40s (85.71%) and lowest among households earning ¥500,000–¥600,000 annually (33.33%). Among those willing to repair, only 58.93% successfully completed repairs. Teenagers had the highest success rate (71.43%), while only 45.45% of those aged 60+ succeeded, highlighting potential physical or informational barriers for older generations.

Barriers to Repair: Among those who did not consider repairs, 63.33% cited the affordability of new products as the primary reason, particularly among respondents aged 20 to 50. Additional reasons included perceptions of repair difficulty (15%), lack of tools (15%), and safety concerns (15%), pointing to both psychological and practical challenges.

Japan must play a role in addressing the global issue of e-Waste

Despite a significant portion of consumers wanting to repair their devices, barriers like product design, lack of information, and affordability of new items hinder their ability to do so. This leaves Japan lagging behind other nations. But it is also a reminder that manufacturers, governments, and recycling industries must collaborate to promote repairability and pave the way for a circular economy.