In Japan, the proportion of high school boys who have experienced their first kiss has reached a record low, with only one in five reporting they have done so, according to the Japan Association for Sex Education (JASE). This survey, which has been conducted every six years since 1974, also showed a decline among high school girls, with just over one in four saying they had experienced their first kiss. The trend points to a stark reduction in romantic interactions among teenagers, a shift that experts attribute, in part, to the COVID-19 pandemic’s restrictive impacts on young people’s formative years.
The survey, which gathered responses from 12,562 students across junior high schools, high schools, and universities in 2023, highlights a sharp cultural shift in attitudes towards romantic relationships and sexual activity among Japanese youth. While previous surveys have shown gradual changes, the most recent results reveal more drastic decreases, particularly among boys, in expressing romantic and sexual interest with others. The pandemic has played a role in this evolution, but broader social dynamics are also at play.
The Pandemic’s Impact on Teenage Romantic Development
For teenagers in Japan, the pandemic’s influence extended far beyond school closures. Restrictions on physical interaction imposed during COVID-19 effectively sidelined many traditional rites of passage, such as school festivals and extracurricular activities, where students often form friendships and romantic relationships. According to Yusuke Hayashi, a sociology professor at Musashi University, the pandemic struck “at a sensitive time when [teenagers were] beginning to become interested in sexuality.” He suggests that this interruption has affected how young Japanese people engage in romantic and sexual relationships, with some hesitant to form these connections and others delaying them altogether.
The results reflect a broader global trend where pandemic-era restrictions stifled social interaction during pivotal developmental years. For Japanese teens, however, the changes have added weight due to Japan’s existing cultural tendencies towards formality and restraint in social and romantic interactions. This has exacerbated the already cautious approach many young Japanese take toward intimacy, leading to a tangible impact on their romantic lives.
Romantic and Sexual Activity on the Decline
The decline in teenage kisses is emblematic of a broader reduction in teenage sexual activity. The JASE survey reported that the proportion of high school boys who say they have had sexual intercourse fell 3.5 points from 2017 to 12%, while for high school girls, it declined 5.3 points to 14.8%. This drop represents not only a change in behavior but a potential shift in attitude and outlook on romantic and sexual relationships among young Japanese.
While sexual activity decreased, the survey noted an increase in masturbation across all age groups, reaching record high levels among junior high school girls and high school students. This rise, experts suggest, may signify a shift toward solitary forms of sexual expression as young people adapt to limitations in social interaction. The trend also hints at a possible cultural transformation in how Japanese youth perceive sexuality, with a shift away from shared intimacy toward more private forms of sexual self-expression.
The Implications for Japan’s Aging Population
The implications of these shifts extend far beyond individual teenage experiences. Japan’s birth rate has been declining for years, and the lack of romantic engagement among teenagers raises concerns about the country’s already waning birth rate. In 2023, Japan reported a historic low in births, exacerbating a demographic crisis as its population continues to age. For the first time, one in 10 Japanese citizens is aged 80 or older, underscoring the urgent need to address population decline.
Falling birth rates and the trend of “sexlessness” are increasingly becoming national issues. A separate study conducted earlier this year found that nearly half of Japanese marriages are “sexless,” defined as couples who engage in sexual activity less than once a month. This trend towards sexlessness, which has gained momentum over the past decade, is leading some sociologists to question whether Japan’s modern lifestyle and work culture are driving its citizens toward lives that are less conducive to family and romantic relationships. The record low level of romantic engagement among Japanese teens adds to the pressure, suggesting that the younger generation may be carrying forward a pattern of limited intimate connection.
Society and Culture at a Crossroads
Japan’s cultural landscape is caught at a crossroads, where societal values around love, work, and personal connection are shifting rapidly. For decades, Japanese culture has prized discipline, formality, and professional dedication, often at the expense of personal and romantic pursuits. The repercussions of this cultural emphasis are becoming apparent. Major corporations, such as diaper manufacturer Oji Holdings, have recently shifted their production from baby diapers to adult diapers, reflecting the reality of Japan’s rapidly aging population and shrinking younger generation.
The younger generation’s hesitancy to engage in romantic relationships may be partially explained by cultural expectations surrounding achievement and professional success. Long work hours, pressure to excel in school, and a focus on career often mean that personal relationships take a back seat. This pattern has become deeply entrenched in Japanese society, and the declining rates of romantic involvement among teenagers may signal the need for a shift in cultural priorities if Japan wishes to reverse its demographic trends.
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