In Japan, 'H' is used to refer to s*x. Can anyone explain why?

Question

For instance in Zettai Kareshi, Night asks the girl 'Hしよう？', Meaning 'Lets have s*x'. I was wondering about the origin of the use of the letter in this way.

Answer 1

It is short for Hentai (lit. pervert) and it wasn't employed to refer to sexual intercourse before. however it changed its meaning through time: the word "hentai" was shortend to "H", adapting/loaning the english pronunciation (ecchi) as it was supposed to be a jargon. at some point of time it became a distinctive word that meant s*x as a slang among those who knew the true meaning of "H" (so H shiyou literally means "let's do something pervertible"). since then it has spread all around japan partly because english loan words in japanese have been replacing traditional japanese words (those words that have been borrowed or created under the influence of english are called wasei-eigo [lit. Japanese-made English] and many of them are nonsence in english lexicon). there is a proper word for sexual intercourse in japanese but it's hardly used now, i believe.  

the reason why some other asian countries employ the same word is simply because they have borrowed/loaned it with the spread of japanese pop culture around asia. it has nothing to do with any other languages in asia.

Answer 2

H sounds the exact same way エッチ (Ecchi) is pronounced to the Japanese.

And if you read manga, you should know what "ecchi" means. ;)

Answer 3

Just supporting Toffee's answer.

Ps.

Yes, there's Japanese for sexual intercourse, 性交 (seikou).  Now probably used only in the medical field :D

Answer 4

GO AASK THE j**s