Kissless in Japan: Alarming Trends in Teenage Relationships

A survey by the Japan Association for Sex Education reveals that 80% of boys aged 15-18 have yet to have their first kiss, while the number of sexual encounters among youth is also declining. Experts attribute these trends to pandemic-related restrictions and cultural shifts, exacerbating Japan's ongoing demographic crisis.

In Japan, the teenage rite of passage of a first kiss appears to be fading, as highlighted by a recent survey conducted by the Japan Association for Sex Education (JASE). The study reveals that a staggering 80% of boys aged 15 to 18 have never experienced this milestone. For girls, the situation isn’t much better; only about 26% of female high schoolers have shared a kiss. These statistics represent the lowest recorded figures since JASE commenced its investigations into teenage sexual habits back in 1974.

The survey covered 12,562 students across various educational levels, including junior highs and universities. It shows a concerning downward trend in first kisses since 2005, when the proportion of boys reporting their first kiss was closer to 50%. Alongside kissing, the report indicates a notable decline in sexual activity among Japanese adolescents. The percentage of high school boys who have engaged in sexual intercourse has dropped to just 12%, down 3.5 points since 2017, while for high school girls, the figure has decreased by 5.3 points to 14.8%.

Experts suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted this demographic, as social distancing and school closures coincided with a crucial phase of sexual development for many young people. Sociology professor Yusuke Hayashi, cited by Mainichi, notes that the pandemic disrupted their opportunities for physical interaction at a critical time.

Interestingly, while romantic interactions are on the decline, admissions to masturbation among teenagers have reached record highs across all demographics. This complex situation contributes to wider worries in Japan, where nearly 50% of marriages have been reported as sexless—a trend that raises further alarms about the nation’s plummeting birth rate.

As Japan grapples with a declining population, experts predict that the current figure of 125 million could plummet to less than 53 million by the century's end unless significant changes occur. Contributing factors include rising living expenses, increasing educational and career opportunities for women, and better access to contraception, which collectively lead to smaller family sizes.

Japan's situation is further complicated by demographic trends revealing that it already possesses the world's oldest population. In late 2023, reports indicated that 10% of the population is aged 80 or older. This has prompted notable shifts in the market, exemplified by Oji Holdings—the diaper manufacturer—ceasing production of baby diapers to focus on adult care products. As the country confronts its population crisis, the question remains: how can Japan reverse these alarming trends and cultivate a culture conducive to raising birth rates?