Spatial analysis of subjective well-being in Japan

This study investigates subjective well-being in Japan using a survey of 22,539 respondents in 46 prefectures in December 2019. We applied a Bayesian hierarchical model to the self-reported well-being respondents, supposing that well-being is decomposed into regional and individual factors. As a result, regional heteroscedasticity and individual factors are identified jointly, which clarifies the interesting features of Japanese subjective well-being. From the identified regional factors in prefectural levels, we find that coastal areas damaged by the 2011 tsunami and nuclear plant accidents have the lowest subjective well-being. This finding suggests that residents in the regions have not recovered and require additional mental and physical public support.