Exploring Asexuality in Japan: Insights from Ace Arrow Survey 2020
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- A Brief History of Asexuality in Japan
- The Role of Nijirogako in Raising Awareness
- Terminology and Meanings of Asexual in Japan
- Public Awareness and Misconceptions
- Herbivore Men and their Relationship to Asexuality
- Overview of the Ace Arrow Survey 2020
- Demographics of Survey Respondents
- Comparison to the Ace Community Survey 2016
- Romantic Orientation and Identity
- Sexual Orientation and Identity
- Desire for Relationships
- Sexual Desire and Attraction
- Touch Aversion and Personal Boundaries
- Desire for Partners or Close Groups
- Anxiety and Difficulties Faced by Asexual Individuals
- Conclusion
- Contact Information
Introduction
Welcome to this presentation by Nijirogako, a non-profit organization supporting aromantic and asexual people in Japan, in collaboration with Ace Spec Japan. In this presentation, we will explore various aspects of asexuality and sexuality in Japan, including insights from the first large-scale survey of asexuals conducted in 2020.
A Brief History of Asexuality in Japan
The recognition of asexuality in Japan can be traced back to 2002, which coincided with increased awareness of the phenomenon in English-speaking countries, following the establishment of the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) in 2001. Individual efforts, particularly by Nijirogako's founder Haruka, played a significant role in promoting visibility and understanding of asexuality in Japan. In 2016, Nijirogako, meaning "rainbow school," was founded as a registered non-profit organization with the aim of raising awareness about asexuality, aromanticism, non-binary identities, and more.
Terminology and Meanings of Asexual in Japan
In Japan, the discussion surrounding asexuality has primarily focused on romantic attraction rather than sexual behavior or orientation. This has led to some variations in terminology. For example, the term "asexual" in Japan may refer to a person who doesn't experience sexual or romantic attraction, akin to a "romantic asexual" in English-speaking countries. Additionally, the term "non-sexual" is used to describe individuals who experience romantic attraction but not sexual attraction, which aligns with the concept of a "romantic asexual." However, the usage and meaning of these terms are still evolving and can vary among individuals.
Public Awareness and Misconceptions
Public awareness of asexuality has been increasing in recent years, with some news articles featuring discussions about asexuality by notable individuals. However, there can be confusion among the public regarding the terminology and understanding of asexuality. It is important to note that the term "herbivore men" or "soushoku danshi" is often discussed in relation to the low birth rate issue in Japan but does not necessarily align with asexuality. The terms "social gay" or "social kudansai" emerged in 2006 and have gained general recognition, albeit different from asexuality.
Overview of the Ace Arrow Survey 2020
The Ace Arrow Survey 2020 was conducted from June 1st to June 30th, targeting individuals on the asexual and/or aromantic spectrum who were able to read and write Japanese and were at least 13 years old. With 1685 valid responses, this survey became the largest of its kind in Japan. It was promoted through various channels, including the websites of organizations like Nijirogako and social groups on platforms like Line.
Demographics of Survey Respondents
The survey collected demographic information from the respondents. The median age of respondents in the Ace Arrow Survey 2020 was 25, while the Ace Community Survey 2016 had a median age of 21. In terms of gender demographics, the Ace Arrow Survey had around 68% women, 6% men, and 26% other. Comparatively, the Ace Community Survey had around 63% women, 11% men, and 26% other.
Comparison to the Ace Community Survey 2016
When comparing the Ace Arrow Survey 2020 to the Ace Community Survey 2016, there are notable similarities in the demographics of respondents. However, it's important to mention that the surveys were conducted in different languages and locations. The data provided in this presentation offers a partial overview of the results, with a comprehensive analysis available at the provided URL (currently only available in Japanese).
Romantic Orientation and Identity
The Ace Arrow Survey 2020 gathered data on respondents' romantic orientations. A significant percentage of respondents identified as aromantic, followed by romantic, demiromantic, questioning, and more. The proportion of aromantic respondents in the Ace Arrow Survey 2020 was notably higher compared to the Ace Community Survey 2016.
Sexual Orientation and Identity
Regarding sexual orientation, the majority of respondents in the Ace Arrow Survey 2020 identified as asexual, with smaller percentages identifying as sexual gray, sexual demisexual, and others. A comparison with the Ace Community Survey 2016 showed similar proportions for asexual, gray sexual, and demisexual orientations.
Desire for Relationships
The survey explored respondents' desires for relationships based on their romantic orientation. A majority of aromantic respondents had little to no desire for a relationship, while most romantic respondents expressed some level of desire. Other orientations, such as demiromantic and gray-romantic, tended towards not desiring a relationship.
Sexual Desire and Attraction
Around 65% of respondents identifying as asexual reported experiencing some level of sexual desire, indicating that identification with asexuality in Japan is not necessarily linked to a lack of sexual desire. The data also showed variations in the experiences of sexual attraction and thoughts about sexual activity among different orientations.
Touch Aversion and Personal Boundaries
Contrary to common misconceptions, being asexual in Japan does not necessarily imply aversion to touch. The survey revealed that many respondents had no repulsion towards touch, including non-sexual and potentially sexual touch. This suggests that asexuality and touch aversion are not inherently linked.
Desire for Partners or Close Groups
The survey explored respondents' preferences for having a partner or being part of a close-knit group. A significant number of individuals expressed a desire for a special relationship with a partner, while a quarter of respondents had no desire for either a partner or a close-knit group.
Anxiety and Difficulties Faced by Asexual Individuals
Approximately half of the respondents reported experiencing some degree of anxiety or uneasiness due to their identity as an aromantic or asexual person. Various difficulties were highlighted, including challenges in relationships and facing unpleasant questions or remarks. These difficulties underscore the need for greater awareness and acceptance of asexuality in society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this presentation has provided insights into asexuality and sexuality in Japan, highlighting the history, terminology, public awareness, and findings from the Ace Arrow Survey 2020. While progress has been made in raising awareness, challenges and misconceptions persist. It is crucial to continue fostering understanding and support for asexual individuals. For more information, please refer to the contact details provided.
Contact Information:
- Nijirogako: info@nijiicole.com, Twitter: @niji_cole
- Ace Spec Japan (English Language Group): Contact: Tedra - elliott.tedra@gmail.com
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