Japanese men aren’t known for being the most romantically aggressive bunch. Many young Japanese women lament over having to take the lead just to get out of the dugout and onto first base.
If Japanese guys are so reluctant to get touchy-feely, you’ve got to wonder: at what age do Japanese people have their first kiss?
Japanese mobile company NTT Docomo conducted an online poll that asked respondents to divulge when they first closed their eyes and puckered up. The poll was conducted during the two weeks of September 6-19 and received 36,818 entries.
Before we looks at the results, it’s important to realize that dating and kissing as we know it in the Western world is still something relatively new to Japan, a country where arranged marriages still exist and, until recently, kissing was something traditionally reserved for the bedroom. While Japanese women may be ready to adopt the kiss as a form of showing affection, their male counterparts might just need some time to adjust.
That said, here are the juicy details you’ve been waiting for:
■ When did you have your first kiss? (36,818 votes total)
1. High school (9878 votes)
2. Never kissed (6119 votes)
3. Middle school (6021 votes)
4. After entering workforce and before 31 (5771 votes)
5. College (4262 votes)
6. Preschool/Kindergarten (2423 votes)
7. Elementary school (2029 votes)
8. After 31 (331 votes)
Putting together high school, middle school, college, preschool/kindergarten and elementary school, a little over 60% of respondents had their first kiss by their early 20s.
On the other hand, some 6000 respondents didn’t have their first kiss until after they entered the workforce, and another 6000 or so have never kissed at all. Perhaps these people just place more value on their first kiss than others. But looking at the growing ranks of frustrated Japanese women, general apathy towards romantic relationships seems the more likely suspect.
Alright kids, it’s time to compare answers. Let us know when you had your first kiss in the poll below!
Source: Goo Ranking

Do Japanese people kiss on the first date? Survey investigates
When do Japanese women have their first kiss? Survey finds gap between different parts of Japan
Japanese women reveal their ideal kiss scenarios【Survey】
What jobs would make a woman an attractive wife to Japanese men?【Survey】
Smooching survey: Finding out what age Japanese women had their first kiss
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
Osaka hotel has amazing all-you-can-eat takoyaki and kushikatsu breakfast buffet
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Mikado Coffee is a 76-year-old coffee chain with a major celebrity connection
Shiratani Unsuikyo: The breathtaking anime setting where Princess Mononoke was born
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Why is there a wrestling ring in the Underground Arena fighting bar in Kabukicho?
Harajuku’s new permanent Tamagotchi shop is filled with cuteness and a surprising lack of poop
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
“Scholar” tops list of what Japanese boys want to be when they grow up, “restauranteur” for girls
Survey shows drop in Japanese highschoolers who’ve kissed someone, girls still more experienced
Kiss and Tell: Japanese lipstick company conducts survey on first kisses!
Survey asks Japanese women if they could date a man who earns less money than they do
Virgin majority for surveyed Japanese college students, and 30 percent have never gone on a date
Japanese women in survey reveal surprisingly low hurdle men have to clear to get a Christmas date
Japanese women list the top 10 romantic scenarios by which they’d like to meet a new boyfriend
Japanese survey asks exactly why people broke up with their partners
Roughly 40 percent of single Japanese men in their 20s have never been on a date, survey says
What do Japanese kids want to be when they grow up? Businesspeople
Young Japanese women sound off on what does and doesn’t constitute cheating on their boyfriend
31 percent of Japanese women admit to cheating on lover, six percent say they got caught【Survey】
Survey asks Japanese women if they’d rather date a guy who’s experienced with women or not
How do Japanese women feel about going Dutch on a date? Survey investigates, finds gap
Japanese women tell how they like to be hugged in survey of girls’ manga readers
Leave a Reply