More than 50 percent of those who responded to a recent government survey said they perceive Japanese society as being unsafe, compared with some 40 percent who consider it safe.
The survey -- the first of its kind -- was conducted on 2,136 people in their 20s and older between June 10 and 20.
Some 55.9 percent of them said Japan is "not safe," while 39.1 percent said it is.
When allowed to give multiple answers, 65.8 percent said Japan is threatened by an increase in social problems such as juvenile crime, suicides and child abuse.
Sixty-four percent voiced concern over deteriorating public safety due to a rise in crime, while 55.6 percent voiced concern over issues such as employment and pension programs. Meanwhile, some 51.4 percent expressed concern over global peace.
By contrast, 42.9 percent of those who said Japan is safe said it has maintained stable order, followed by 42.3 percent who noted the small possibility of Japan being targeted by terrorists or involved in war.