In brief
An alarming survey reveals that the majority of Japanese teenagers, particularly boys, are missing out on their first romantic interactions, with implications for the country’s low birth rate.
In Japan, a rite of passage for many teenagers—sharing their first kiss—has become increasingly rare. Recent findings from a survey conducted by the Japan Association for Sex Education (Jase) revealed that a staggering four out of five high school boys aged 15-18 have yet to experience this milestone. Additionally, only about 25% of high school girls reported having their first kiss, marking the lowest levels since surveys began in 1974.This nationwide survey, which questioned over 12,000 students from junior high to university, indicated not only a decline in kissing but also in the experiences of sexual intercourse. For instance, the percentage of high school boys who reported having had sex decreased to 12%, while the figure for girls dropped to 14.8%. These findings continue a downward trend that began in 2005, when nearly half of teenagers reported having kissed.Experts attribute this decline, in part, to the disruptions caused by the Covid pandemic. Yusuke Hayashi, a sociology professor at Musashi University, suggested that school closures and restrictions on physical contact likely hampered the emotional and sexual development of these teenagers during crucial formative years.Interestingly, while first kisses and sexual experiences are on the decline, the survey noted a rise in the number of teenagers openly admitting to masturbation, showcasing shifting dynamics in sexual expression. These findings come alongside other alarming statistics, including a recent survey indicating that nearly half of all marriages in Japan are sexless. With Japan facing one of the lowest birth rates globally, these trends raise significant concerns for the future. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe previously warned the nation about the implications of a declining population, which could drop from 125 million to beneath 53 million by the century's end if current patterns continue.This demographic shift is further exacerbated by various factors, such as rising living costs, increased educational opportunities for women, and better access to contraceptives, all contributing to delayed parenthood. In late 2023, Japan acknowledged that one in ten citizens is now aged 80 or older, highlighting the pressing need to address the declining birthrates. This demographic crisis reached a noticeable point where diaper-manufacturer Oji Holdings transitioned from producing baby products to focus on adult diapers.As neighboring Asian nations invest in initiatives to boost birth rates, Japan must navigate the complexities of societal changes to encourage a revival in young people's romantic relationships.
