Aim Sociodemographic correlates of Japanese attitudinal barriers to mental health services might be different from previous studies in Western countries, reflecting a different culture. We investigated sociodemographic correlates of attitudinal barriers to mental health services in a community population in Japan, based on data collected in the World Mental Health Survey Japan surveys. Methods An interview survey was conducted of a random sample of residents living in 11 communities across Japan during 2002-2006. A total of 1359 participants were analyzed. The variables on attitudinal barriers to mental health services were measured by using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview 3.0. The association between these variables and sociodemographic variables were analyzed by using multiple logistic regressions. Results Being male was significantly associated with willingness to go for professional help and feeling comfortable to talk with a professional. Compared to the youngest group (20-34 years old), those aged from 35 to 49 years had a significantly lower prevalence of feeling embarrassed about friends knowing about their getting professional help, while the oldest group (aged over 65 years) had a significantly higher prevalence of being embarrassed. Being currently married was significantly associated with higher expectations about mental health services, but it was significantly and negatively associated with willingness to go for professional help. Conclusion These results suggest that demographic patterns of attitudinal barriers to mental health services in Japan are unique, compared with previous studies in Western countries. An anti-stigma campaign may need to consider such country-specific patterns in a particular country. © 2013 The Authors. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences © 2013 Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology.