A new study suggests that the number of Japanese teenagers who have experienced a first kiss is at a record low. A national survey was conducted by the Japan Association for Sex Education. High schoolers answered questions on their sexual experiences and behaviour. The researchers found that just one in five high school boys has experienced kissing. This is the lowest figure since records began in 1974. The number of girls who have kissed is also on the decline. Just a quarter of Japan's female high school students have done so. The numbers for both sexes have been on the decline since their peak in 2005. Researchers analyzed data from 12,562 questionnaires.

The researchers said there were several reasons why fewer and fewer Japanese teens are kissing. A big reason is the coronavirus pandemic. A researcher suggested that: "The limited contact with others during the coronavirus outbreak may have lowered the rate of sexual activity among junior and senior high school students." Researcher Professor Yusuke Hayashi said there was a "combination of school closures and restrictions on face-to-face contact" during the pandemic. Professor Hayashi said another reason could be smartphones. More young people are choosing to interact with their phones rather than with each other. This trend could worsen Japan's already low birth rate.