A description of people who are disinterested in forming romantic relationships. The term was coined by Maki Fukasawa in 2006 and grew rapidly in popularity as these people became more prevalent.

Japan is facing a herbivore crisis, with recent survey results showing that 36% of 16-19 year old males identify as herbivores, along with 59% of 16-19 year old females. It is thought that Japanese cultural traditions, generally very conservative, have created a society in which relationships are now deemed too risky or difficult to maintain, leading the youth to choose an easier life of solitude.