(No) Sex in Japan

This book presents a sociological perspective on (non-)sexual intimate relationships in contemporary Japan. The phenomenon of sexlessness in intimate relationships has gained increasing attention in popular culture. However, few scholarly investigations exist in examining this striking trend in Japan. This book presents an analysis of the socio-structural elements within both academic and public discourses in Japanese culture relating to sexlessness in intimate relationships. Drawing from original interview research, the author provides insights into individuals’ experiences and investigates the connection between sexual inactivity, sexuality and Japanese couples’ satisfaction and well-being in their relationships. The book discusses how work environment, childbirth, infertility treatments, as well as past sexual experiences, extramarital affairs, and both unmarried and married couple relationships influence individual sexual behavior and consciousness. A broad overview of the meaning of sexuality through a cultural comparison with discourses on sexuality and interview results in Germany and Austria is also provided. To this end, the book calls into question whether sexlessness is a unique Japanese phenomenon or whether parallels and similarities might also be found in Western societies. Bringing together academic and public discourses on sexless couples, this book engages a rethinking of the meaning of sexuality, love, intimacy and relationships, both in and outside of Japan. It is of interest to students and scholars of Japanese studies, gender, sexology and sociology.