The “sex recession” has been well documented in the United States and continues to draw attention in the media, public health, and sexuality fields. National surveys show clear declines in partnered sex across age groups—not only among young people, but among adults more broadly. Americans are having less sex than they did 10 or 20 years ago, shaped by changing relationships, growing stress, digital life, and shifting social norms.
But the U.S. is not alone. Around the world, sexual activity is changing in noticeable and sometimes dramatic ways. One country receiving increasing attention is Japan, where rising rates of sexual inactivity have become a major societal and public health concern.
A new scoping review examining sexual inactivity in Japan sheds light on why these trends are accelerating—and what they reveal about modern sexuality across cultures.
Japan’s Sexual Inactivity: What the Research Shows
The scoping review synthesizes decades of studies documenting Japan’s trends of partnered sex. Generally, there is indication that sexual activity has dropped and it is not driven by one single factor. Instead, it emerges from a mix of economic pressures, cultural expectations, emotional well-being, gender roles, and evolving relationship patterns.
Some key findings include:
Sexual inactivity has increased over time: While there have been fluctuations since the 1970s, the general trend shows more people—both single and married—having less sex.
Singlehood is rising: Among adults ages 25–39, singlehood has increased, with slightly higher rates among men.
Sexual dissatisfaction is common: A recent study showed that half of married men and one in four of married women ages 40–89 reported dissatisfaction with their sex life
Many remain sexually inexperienced into adulthood: About half of people in their mid-twenties reported no sexual experience, and ~10% had not had sex by their 30s.
Engagement with sex work varies widely: Due to different legal and cultural norms, (non-penetrative) sex work is less stigmatized in Japan, with engagement ranging from 3% to 60% depending on age, gender, and sample.
Language reflects cultural nuance: Japanese includes separate slang terms for male virgins depending on whether they have or have not engaged with commercial sex workers—a distinction not commonly seen in Western contexts that may
Interest in sex is declining: Between 1% and 50% of people (depending on the sample) reported having no or limited interest in sex, while pornography use has stayed the same or increased.
These findings highlight profound shifts in how people relate to intimacy, desire, and relationships.
Social and Economic Stressors Are Major Contributors
Many studies point to work stress and economic pressure as central reasons for declining sexual activity. Long work hours, job insecurity, and chronic stress reduce opportunities for connection and diminish desire for partnered sex.
Even though average work hours in Japan have decreased slightly over recent decades, the workload remains intense: nearly 1 in 3 men and over 1 in 7 women still work more than 50 hours a week.
Japan’s labor culture is well known for its demands—but its impact on sexuality is rarely discussed. The review shows that economic stress affects not only frequency of sex but also people’s ability to form relationships and sustain emotional intimacy.
Rising Social Isolation and Shifts in Dating Norms
A growing number of people in Japan report limited social interaction outside work and home. This includes:
fewer opportunities to meet potential partners
more time spent alone
declining participation in dating or romantic activities
Digital technology provides entertainment, connection, and escape—but can also reduce in-person interaction and contribute to intimacy avoidance.
Some individuals shared that dating feels emotionally taxing or time-consuming. Others described a sense of “dating fatigue,” or reluctance to pursue relationships in a society already marked by high stress and competition.
(Some) Shifting Cultural Norms
Cultural norms strongly shape how people understand sexuality. In Japan, sexual inactivity has become increasingly normalized, especially among women.
Other cultural factors include:
Limited sex education: Some young people report low levels of sexual health knowledge, and there are ongoing debates about when and how sex education should be taught.
Limited contraception access: Public health insurance does not cover oral contraception or IUDs, which may affect sexual decision-making.
Limited acceptance of LGBTQ+ relationships: Social stigma and lack of legal recognition may influence how queer individuals navigate or avoid partnered sex.
These factors interact in complex ways with personal, relational, and societal expectations.
The Role of Pornography, Solo Sexuality, and Changing Desires
Several studies explored the role of pornography and masturbation in sexual activity patterns. Generally, porn and masturbation are sometimes used as a substitute for partnered sex due to:
convenience
emotional safety
avoidance of stress or expectations tied to relationships
However, the review emphasizes that pornography alone cannot explain the decline in partnered sex; rather, it interacts with broader social, cultural, and economic shifts.
What Japan’s Trends Reveal About Global Sexuality
Japan’s rising sexual inactivity is often sensationalized in the media, but the research offers a more nuanced perspective: sexual behavior is shaped by societal pressures, mental health, cultural expectations, and relational opportunities.
When compared to the U.S., several parallels emerge:
rising economic insecurity
increased loneliness and isolation
shifts in partnership norms
changing gender expectations
declines in mental health
the normalization of sexual inactivity
increased solo or tech-mediated sexuality
While the U.S. is not seeing changes at the same scale, the underlying patterns reflect broader global shifts.
Interestingly, there is evidence to suggest that Japan’s average age of sexual debut is older than many Western countries. But, because most research focuses on Western populations, it can be difficult to understand these patterns in a wider global context.
Why This Matters for Sexual Health Professionals
For sexual health professionals, Japan’s data serves as a powerful reminder:
Sexual inactivity is not simply about libido or personal choice—it is deeply connected to the cultural, economic, relational, and psychological conditions in which people live.
Understanding these patterns helps us:
better support clients who feel shame about sexual inactivity
recognize the role of stress, isolation, and cultural expectations
challenge myths that sexual inactivity reflects personal failing
adopt more compassionate, context-driven approaches to care
As professionals, we can help individuals and couples navigate changing sexual landscapes while promoting connection, communication, and well-being.
Looking Ahead: A Global Shift in Sexuality?
The question of why people are having less sex is far more complex than most headlines suggest. Japan’s data offers a window into how modern life—its pressures, technologies, and evolving values—shapes intimacy.
As more countries report similar trends, the conversation should focus less on “crisis narratives” and more on:
how people form meaningful connections
what emotional and relational needs look like today
how social conditions shape intimacy
what supports people need to thrive
SHA will continue exploring these themes and offering research-informed, sex-positive perspectives on global sexuality.
Interested in how other cultures understand sexuality, relationships, and gender? Check out SHA’s upcoming study abroad trips.
Looking to help clients navigate changing sexual landscapes? SHA’s comprehensive certification programs offer deep, inclusive, and practical training.
Written by Emma Sell-Goodhand, MPH
Emma is a doctoral student and Global One Health Fellow at North Carolina State University studying adolescent sexual health. She brings prior experience as a Technical Advisor at the World Health Organization.
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