Japan's Youth Struggles with Affection: A Decline in First Kisses and Intimacy

Current research indicates a dramatic decrease in the number of Japanese teenagers, particularly boys, experiencing their first kiss, with societal changes and the pandemic potentially influencing this decline.

 

In a revelation that might resonate with societal changes post-pandemic, a survey conducted by the Japan Association for Sex Education (Jase) has uncovered that a staggering four out of five boys aged 15-18 in Japan have yet to share their first kiss. The results from the latest study, which included responses from 12,562 students across junior high schools, high schools, and universities, show that romantically inexperienced youths are not limited to boys alone, as only one in four female high school students reported experiencing the same milestone.

These figures, the lowest since the survey commenced in 1974, are alarming considering Japan's ongoing battle with declining birth rates. Historically, the report has highlighted a consistent drop in first kisses over the last two decades, with a notable decrease observed since 2005. Not only has kissing seen a downward trend, but so too has sexual intercourse among young people. The research noted a fall in the percentage of high school boys who reported having had sexual intercourse, dropping 3.5 points to 12%, while high school girls experienced a more significant decline of 5.3 points, settling at 14.8%.

Experts suggest that the Covid-19 pandemic has played a crucial role in these declines. Yusuke Hayashi, a sociology professor at Musashi University, indicates that school closures and restricted physical interactions likely affected teenagers' expressions of sexuality during a formative time in their lives.

Interestingly, while romantic encounters have been on the decline, the survey did uncover an increase in the number of teenagers who admitted to masturbation, highlighting a potential shift in how young people are engaging with their sexuality.

The implications of these trends are profound, particularly in light of separate findings revealing that almost half of marriages in Japan are sexless. This situation compounds the concerns highlighted by the declining birth rate, with population experts warning that Japan's current demographic of 125 million could dwindle to as few as 53 million by the year 2100.

As Japan faces a dual crisis of an aging population and declining birth rates, various factors, including rising living costs, greater access to education for women, and increased availability of contraception, continue to complicate the issue. In 2023, Japan reported that one in ten people in the country is now aged 80 or older, bringing attention to an imminent demographic shift. Notably, a diaper manufacturer recently pivoted to produce adult diapers due to the aging population's specific needs.

With Asia grappling with similar concerns regarding birth rates, potential strategies to navigate these challenges are increasingly crucial.