Why Japanese are not having sex?
The question that has been gaining attention in the media in recent years is simple: why are Japanese people not having sex? A new and extensive review on sexual behavior in Japan reveals surprising data and shows that the lack of intimacy is becoming increasingly common among young adults.
The study analyzed 43 surveys conducted between 1974 and 2024 and revealed that about half of Japanese people reach the age of 25 with no sexual experience at all, and approximately 10 percent reach 30 still as virgins. Even among those who have had sex before, sexual activity remains low. Surveys from the 2020s show that nearly half of adults between the ages of 20 and 49 did not have sex in the past year.
These numbers have grown significantly over the past decades. In 2002, just over one-third of young adults aged 20 to 24 reported not having an active sex life. Today, data suggests that this number may reach 60 percent among men and 51 percent among women.
Why Japanese Are Not Having Sex? Possible reasons behind the decline in sexual interest
Despite the large amount of data, researchers say there is no definitive answer explaining why Japanese people are not having sex. However, many social and behavioral factors seem to contribute to the phenomenon.
One hypothesis is that many simply have no interest. A 2020 survey indicates that between 20 and 30 percent of men aged 20 to 39 say they do not want to have sex, while among women the number reaches 40 percent. The study suggests that many single adults avoid relationships because they consider them expensive and not worthwhile unless marriage is the goal.
Many women do not see marriage as appealing, as there is still an expectation that they will handle most household responsibilities. Another point raised is the relative normalization of celibacy. Unlike in Western countries, many Japanese adults do not feel ashamed about remaining virgins or having no active sex life.
Are Anime Characters Reducing Japanese People’s Interest in Sex?
The study also mentions the growing acceptance of fictosexuality, the attraction to fictional characters. A 2017 survey of young people aged 16 to 22 revealed that between 14 and 17 percent had already developed romantic feelings for video game or anime characters. However, this factor is only a small part of a much broader set of reasons and is not considered a main cause.
Japan’s work environment was also highlighted as a major factor. Long working hours make it difficult to build relationships. Currently, around 30 percent of men and 15 percent of women work more than 50 hours a week, drastically reducing time for dating and intimacy.
In addition, the country has limited sex education, low use of hormonal contraceptive methods and little acceptance of sexual minorities, which further affects people’s intimate behavior.
What experts say about the future
Experts like physician Vanessa Apea believe that what is happening in Japan may signal global changes. She points out that the decline in sexual activity does not necessarily reflect a lack of desire but rather deep social shifts, such as long work hours, economic insecurity and new forms of relationships shaped by technology.
The phenomenon still requires more data and analysis, as the surveys reviewed used different methodologies and may vary in how they define sexual activity. Still, the pattern is clear: Japan is experiencing an unprecedented shift in the intimate behavior of its population.