In brief
In Japan, a staggering 80% of teen boys aged 15-18 have never had a first kiss, according to a new survey. This decline is attributed in part to pandemic restrictions, with experts noting a worrying trend in youth intimacy and a significant drop in sexual experiences among both boys and girls.
The pandemic's impact is palpable in Japan, where it seems teen love is fading faster than ever. A recent survey conducted by the Japan Association for Sex Education discovered that around 80% of boys aged 15-18 have yet to experience the classic teenage milestone of a first kiss. The girls aren't too far behind, with only about 25% reporting they’ve shared this moment. These statistics are the lowest recorded since the survey began in 1974, echoing a growing concern in a nation already grappling with one of the world's lowest birth rates. The survey polled 12,562 students from various educational levels about their romantic experiences, revealing an alarming trend. Not only are first kisses on the decline, but the number of teens engaging in sexual intercourse has also significantly decreased. High school boys reported a drop to just 12% having had sex, while for girls, the figure fell to 14.8%. Experts attribute this decline in intimate relationships partly to the Covid pandemic. Sociology professor Yusuke Hayashi points out that closure of schools and limitations on social interactions occurred during a critical time when teenagers start exploring their sexuality. However, there’s a surprising upside: the survey indicated that rates of masturbation among teens have hit new highs, indicating a shift in sexual expression.This decline in young people's romantic encounters is troubling for a nation facing severe demographic challenges. Just this year, former prime minister highlighted that the falling birth rate is pushing Japan towards a crisis. With predictions of a plummeting population—potentially dropping from 125 million to under 53 million by century's end—Japan is running out of time to address the issue. Factors contributing to this trend include rising living costs, educational pursuits leading women to postpone motherhood, and improved access to contraception. Japan holds the title for having the oldest population, with recent statistics showing that one in ten people is 80 or older. Even consumer behavior reflects this change, as diaper maker Oji Holdings recently shifted focus from baby products to cater to an aging demographic. As other Asian countries invest in strategies to reverse plummeting birth rates, the question remains: How will Japan navigate this daunting future?
