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Paper short abstract

Based on 67 interviews conducted between 2021 and March 2025 as part of the project Daigakusei to Kataru Sei [Talking about Sexuality with University Students], this study examines how Japanese youth communicate about sexuality and its limits.

Paper long abstract

Effective verbal sexual communication is linked to fulfilling romantic relationships and better sexual health. However, research in Asian contexts, including Japan, remains underrepresented. Drawing on 67 interviews from the longitudinal project Daigakusei to Kataru Sei [Talking about Sexuality with University Students] (2021–March 2025), this study analyzes patterns and constraints of sexual communication among Japanese youth.Findings show that sexuality is difficult to discuss openly and is strongly shaped by peer context. Same-sex groups provide safer spaces for such conversations, while topics such as ren’ai (romantic love) or oshikatsu (idol fandom) are more frequent and perceived as more enjoyable. Male participants without experience in committed relationships often framed sexual discussions as “dirty jokes,” myths, or pornography within same-sex groups; a pattern not observed among female participants or those in committed relationships.Despite general discomfort, gender and sexuality lectures fostered more open sexual communication and increased confidence across genders. In committed relationships, gender differences in sexual assertiveness emerged: male participants expressed desire verbally and non-verbally, whereas female participants often defined consent primarily as refusing undesired sex and reported difficulties expressing affirmative desire.