ORIGINAL SURVEY

Survey on Face and Name Recognition

What "I recognize the face but can't recall the name" really looks like, based on 1,328 men and women in their 20s–50s.

Key Finding

1 in 3 people can't recall the name.

34.6%

Asked "How often do you recognize someone's face but can't recall their name?", of the 1,328 respondents surveyed, 460 answered "somewhat often," "very often," or "almost every time."

Result 01

How often does this happen

n=1,328 (screening survey)

Almost every time2.6%
Very often13.1%
Somewhat often18.9%
Occasionally52.3%
Rarely13.0%

* Percentages are rounded to one decimal place, so totals may not sum to exactly 100%.

Result 02

Where the name wouldn't come

n=460 (main survey, multiple choice)

Running into someone unexpectedly on the street37.0%

Passing someone in the office27.2%

A reunion or gathering after a long time20.9%

A work social, business dinner, or entertaining a client18.9%

Meeting someone in the neighborhood or apartment building18.3%

A private drinking party or gathering17.0%

A community gathering or neighborhood association event14.8%

A shop you frequent (salon, clinic, regular haunt, etc.)13.7%

* Multiple-choice question asked of the 460 respondents who answered "somewhat often" or more. Top 8 shown.

Survey Overview

Methodology

Survey method: Online survey (conducted via the online research platform "Unerry Research")
Target respondents: Men and women in their 20s–50s
Number of respondents: Screening survey: 1,328 (male: 722, female: 606); main survey: 460
Main survey: Respondents meeting specific criteria were selected from the screening survey to take the main survey
Sampling method: Sample allocated and collected to match the age and gender distribution of Japan's population
Survey date: April 9, 2026

Citing or reporting on these results

The results on this page may be cited as long as the source name and this page's URL are clearly noted. When citing figures, please also include the target population, sample size, and survey date.

Recommended citation

The Name Mnemonic Research Institute (2026). "Survey on Face and Name Recognition." n=1,328, conducted April 9, 2026.

For press inquiries or questions about this survey, please contact us via X (@nmri_jp).

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