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

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