Record Low in Japan: Only 20% of High School Boys Have Had Their First Kiss

A recent survey links the decline in youth sexual activity to COVID-19 restrictions, raising concerns about Japan's falling birth rate.

The Japan Association for Sex Education found that just 22.8% of high school boys reported having their first kiss, the lowest since 1974.
High school girls also showed a decline, with 27.5% having had their first kiss, marking a significant drop since 2017.
Experts attribute the decline to the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited social interactions during a critical developmental period for teens.
The survey indicates a rise in solitary sexual activities, with increased masturbation rates among students.
Japan faces a declining birth rate, with government plans to expand childcare and promote wage increases to address the issue.