Athlete, Cake Shop Worker Among Dream Jobs Of Japanese Kids

Athletes, cake shop, and bakery workers ranked high as dream jobs for children in Japan, according to a private-sector survey reported by Jiji Press.

Athletes topped the list among boys for the first time in four years, while cake shop and bakery workers ranked first for girls for the 26th consecutive year since the survey started in 1999. I Photo: 井上尚弥 Naoya Inoue X

In the survey conducted by major chemical maker Kuraray Co., children enrolling in elementary school in fiscal year 2024 were asked what they wanted to be when they grow up, with 4,000 kids giving answers online.

The survey results were announced ahead of Children’s Day in the country.

Athletes topped the list among boys for the first time in four years, while cake shop and bakery workers ranked first for girls for the 26th consecutive year since the survey started in 1999.

This was according to Kuraray, the maker of the Clarino brand artificial leather, used in products including “randoseru” backpacks for elementary school children.

Athletes were chosen by 16.2% of all boys in the survey. A Kuraray official attributed athletes' return to the top position to people's ability to fully enjoy sports following the end of the COVID-19 crisis.