In this study we sought to demonstrate the reliability and validity of the Japanese Herth Hope Index (HHI) 12, a psychometric instrument for measuring hope, in a general urban population, and to investigate factors correlated with the HHI score. Anonymous written surveys were collected from 255 male and female residents living in Tokyo "N" ward and Saitama "T" township aged 20-69. The Cronbach α coefficient was 0.89, and confirmatory factor analysis showed three-dimensionality. We also observed hope to strongly correlate with having reasons for living and benefit-finding, confirming the reliability and validity of the Japanese HHI scale. Mean HHI score was 35.5. Stratified multi ple linear regression analysis on factors which correlated with the HHI score showed HHI scores to correlate positive with age, the presence of a spouse, and sufficient psychosocial support. We also found that younger subjects receiving sufficient social support enjoyed HHI scores equivalent to older subjects, while women's higher HHI scores appeared attributable to extensive social support networks. No correlation was observed with adverse experiences or history of illness. This study shows that HHI scores in the general urban population are not unexpectedly high compared with pre viously studied subjects with serious disease, that advanced age correlates with higher HHI scores, and that receipt of social support may mediate positive influences on the HHI score.