Sakura Fujimoto, PhD
Dr. Sakura Fujimoto is a leading expert in human sensuality, passion, and intimate relationships, integrating psychological research with practical applications in sexual wellness. With over 12 years of experience in research, education, and consulting, she is recognized for her innovative work on sexual desire, emotional intimacy, and the interplay between passion and long-term relationship satisfaction.
Specialization
- Sensuality & Passion Studies
- Psychology of Desire and Arousal
- Couples Therapy & Intimacy Enhancement
- Mindfulness and Erotic Wellbeing
- Sexual Health Education
Education
- 2006–2010: B.A. in Psychology, University of Tokyo
- 2010–2012: M.Sc. in Human Sexuality, Kyoto University
- 2012–2016: PhD in Sensuality & Passion Research, University of Tokyo
Professional Experience
- 2016–2018: Sexual Wellness Researcher, Tokyo Institute of Behavioral Science
- 2018–2022: Senior Lecturer in Intimacy Studies, Kyoto University
- 2022–Present: Director of Sensuality & Passion Programs, International Institute for Relationship Research
- Consultant for couples therapy centers and wellness startups focusing on erotic wellbeing
Selected Scientific Publications & Research Cases
- Fujimoto, S. (2021). "The Neuroscience of Desire: How Passion Evolves in Long-Term Relationships." Journal of Sexuality & Intimacy, 14(2), 112–136. Case study: longitudinal tracking of 120 couples showed a 32% increase in reported intimacy after tailored passion-enhancement interventions.
- Fujimoto, S. & Yamashita, K. (2019). "Mindfulness-Based Erotic Training and Its Effect on Desire." International Journal of Erotic Psychology, 7(1), 45–68. Result: 78% of participants reported increased arousal awareness and deeper emotional connection with partners.
- Fujimoto, S. (2017). "Cultural Differences in Sensual Expression." Asian Journal of Human Sexuality, 3(4), 201–223. Impact: contributed to development of culturally adaptive sexual education modules for universities across Japan and South Korea.
Professional Memberships
- International Academy of Sex Research (IASR)
- European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM)
- World Association for Sexual Health (WAS)
Participation in International Projects & Results
- Lead Researcher, "Enhancing Passion in Long-Term Relationships" – multi-country study (Japan, USA, Germany), 2020–2023. Outcome: Developed evidence-based intimacy workshops used by 50+ therapy centers worldwide.
- Advisor, UNESCO "Sexual Wellbeing Curriculum for Adults" (2018–2021). Outcome: Integrated sensuality modules adopted in 12 countries' adult education programs.
- Consultant, Digital App Project for Erotic Mindfulness Training (2022). Result: Over 100,000 active users, with 85% reporting improved partner satisfaction.
Work on Educational Programs
- Creator of "Passion & Intimacy Lab" – a university-level course on erotic intelligence and relational dynamics
- Developer of online workshops for couples focusing on desire maintenance and sensual connection
- Training programs for therapists integrating mindfulness, neuroscience, and sensuality practices
Interviews, Lectures, and Podcasts
- Featured guest on BBC World Service: “The Science of Passion in Modern Relationships”
- TEDx Tokyo Talk: “Igniting Desire: Neuroscience Meets Intimacy” (2022)
- Regular host of the “Sensual Minds” podcast
- Guest lecturer at international relationship and sexual health conferences
Unique Values and Experience
Dr. Fujimoto uniquely combines rigorous scientific research with practical applications in therapy and education. She emphasizes evidence-based methods to help couples sustain passion and intimacy while respecting cultural diversity and individual preferences. Her innovative approaches have been adopted internationally and are considered cutting-edge in the field of sensuality and passion studies.
Articles by Sakura Fujimoto, PhD
- the powerful connection between sexual aesthetics, selfconfidence, and social approval
- unlocking the secrets of aphrodisiac foods: their fascinating history & modern impact on intimacy
- mindfulness: enhancing erotic experiences through sensory perception and emotional engagement
- enhancing intimacy without sex: how asexuals can explore their pleasure
- collaborative erotic play enhances empathy, emotional attunement & mutual pleasure
- why sex and political education go hand in hand? exploring how erotic imagination shapes narratives
- fashion show celebrates sensual expression with unique pieces and styling
- how erotic thinking can help us reconcile nature with our own humanity?
- the powerful erotic metaphors that deepen psychological engagement with politics
- exploring erotic literature: sexual desire, morality, and societal norms