A new study suggests that the number Japanese teenagers who have experienced a first kiss is a record low. A national survey was conducted the Japan Association Sex Education. High schoolers answered questions their sexual experiences and behaviour. The researchers found that just one five high school boys has experienced kissing. This is the lowest figure since records began 1974. The number of girls who have kissed is also the decline. Just a quarter 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 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 others during the coronavirus outbreak may have lowered the rate sexual activity among junior and senior high school students." Researcher Professor Yusuke Hayashi said there was a "combination school closures and restrictions face-to-face contact" the pandemic. Professor Hayashi said another reason could be smartphones. More young people are choosing to interact their phones rather than each other. This trend could worsen Japan's already low birth rate.
