A new annual survey conducted by the Japan Press Research Institute has revealed a significant shift in how the Japanese public perceives global security threats. According to the data released on Saturday, 26.8% of respondents identified the United States as the primary threat to world peace. This figure represents a sharp increase of 9.3 percentage points compared to the previous year’s findings, where the U.S. was cited by only 6.6% of those polled.

While China has historically been viewed as Japan's primary regional rival, the current survey places the U.S. ahead of China in terms of perceived threat levels. The survey also tracked perceptions of other nations; Russia, which held the top position in the 2025 survey, has seen its perceived threat level decline, falling to third place with 18.3% of respondents naming it as a primary concern.

The report highlights a growing unease among younger Japanese demographics regarding the potential impact of a Donald Trump presidency on international stability. Analysts suggest this change in sentiment may be linked to concerns over shifting U.S. isolationist policies and the potential for trade or security volatility. While the survey provides a snapshot of public opinion, it does not detail specific policy triggers that led to this change in perception. The data suggests that the traditional security alliance between Japan and the U.S. is being viewed through a more critical lens by the Japanese public as global geopolitical tensions evolve.