In brief
A recent study shows that four out of five teenage boys in Japan have never kissed, reflecting a worrying trend amidst the nation's declining birth rate. Experts attribute this phenomenon partly to the impacts of pandemic restrictions and shifting societal norms.
Empty lineIn Japan, a rite of passage blossoming into adulthood is taking a backseat as new findings reveal significant declines in intimate experiences among the nation’s youth. A recent survey by the Japan Association for Sex Education (Jase) indicates that four out of five boys aged 15-18 have yet to share a kiss, while only one in four high school girls has shared the same experience. These figures, marking the lowest since data collection began in 1974, reflect deeper societal concerns, particularly in a country grappling with one of the lowest birth rates globally.The comprehensive study surveyed 12,562 students across various educational institutions and found a steady decline in intimate behavior since 2005. Notably, the number of high school boys who report having had sexual intercourse has dropped to 12%, while the figure for girls stands at 14.8%. This decrease, attributed to the societal disruptions caused by the Covid pandemic, is particularly alarming as it coincides with critical developmental years for adolescents. Yusuke Hayashi, a sociology professor at Musashi University, emphasized that such restrictions took place at a pivotal moment for these teens as they began to explore their sexuality.Interestingly, while physical intimacy appears on the decline, the survey found that more teenagers are admitting to masturbation than ever before. In stark contrast to this trend, a different study earlier this year noted that a significant portion of marriages in Japan are devoid of sexual activity, raising eyebrows among sociologists.As Japan faces a demographic crisis, this decline in romantic relationships is increasingly concerning. The country is already grappling with an aging population, where one in ten people are now in their 80s, alongside plummeting birth rates. Predictions suggest that if current trends continue, Japan's population may shrink from approximately 125 million to fewer than 53 million by the century's end.Various elements contributing to this demographic decline include escalating living costs, increased female participation in higher education and the workforce, and broader access to contraception, allowing women to postpone childbirth. As attention turns towards solutions, questions arise about whether Asian countries can effectively navigate the mounting challenges of dwindling populations and revitalize their birth rates.
