Suicide in Japan Part I: State of health awareness in Japan

This is part one of a 3-part series on suicide in Japan, where we explore where Japan stands on the issue of suicide today. We see a decrease in the numbers in the past decades, but the hidden truth about how it is affecting Japan’s young is a warning for its citizens.

Japan is well-known for its suicide rate in other countries. If you speak to other westerners from places such as Germany or the U.S., they will often bring up stories they’ve heard about Japan’s Suicide Forest in Aokigahara or the country’s high rate of suicide among workers. However, they would have only just scratched the surface. There is an unfamiliarity with the underlying issues and cultural influence regarding suicide in the world’s third largest global economy. The recent sudden spike in rates as a consequence of COVID-19 is also an area of concern.

Japan has seen a rapid increase in its suicide rate since the early 1900s. Looking at the rates between 1900 and 2000, approximately 1,300,000 people took their own lives. Among them, there were more than 800,000 men and less than 500,000 women. Furthermore, Japan saw a 102% increase in its rates over the 20th century.

Japan saw some of its highest numbers in 1997, mainly due to the collapse of the country’s economic bubble. Between 1997 and 2009, the rates were at a staggering high, reaching approximately 8,000 deaths per year. Therefore, it is vital to note that Japan’s suicide rate hike was partially due to its stagnated economy. There was a feeling of despair and hopelessness fueled by a fear of a never-ending downward spiral. Although economic factors could take a huge share of the blame for the suicide rate, let’s not forget the social and cultural aspects that should also be taken into account.

The unique social environment in Japan

On a social level, many argue that the island country may have had a tolerance toward suicide for a long time. Part of it comes from Japan’s different cultural structure.

Western countries tend to praise a more individualistic mindset, whereas group mentality takes precedence in Japan. Harmony among coworkers, groups of friends and club members is held to a higher standard than the West. Maintaining the social balance between groups is a social priority.

However, this may sometimes lead to social isolation and exclusion of individuals who may break away from the status quo. It may lead to mental issues such as depression or exacerbate existing problems an individual already faces. Speaking about mental health or depression in Japan may be considered taboo due to the reasons mentioned above. Furthermore, seeking help may not be as easy as it is in countries such as Germany.

Japan is still lagging behind in mental health awareness

Developed nations have been tackling the issue of mental health and depression aggressively over the past 50 years. It is now easier to seek help and therapy than it was many years ago. Speaking about it publicly has also become easier. However, Japan is still behind its counterpart nations when offering mental health solutions for its people.

Individuals suffering from suicidal tendencies and depression often keep this fact to themselves out of fear of being shunned from social groups or employment. Many citizens in Japan believe that mental issues are generally caused by having a weak character. Some believe these issues are easily overcomed. Even though these attitudes are beginning to change in Japan, the change could have been much sooner for Japan’s youth, since they may be suffering the most under mental pressures, depression and bullying in schools.

The tightening grip of suicide on Japanese youths

Suicide rates began to fall after 2009 thanks to more aggressive measures and a spotlight on the problem over the next decade. However, this does not hold true concerning young people. Although Japan saw a steady decline in its suicide rate, suicides among juveniles and young people have only increased since that time.

The Japanese government quickly realized the problem and enacted the Anti-Bullying Act, which required schools to create anti-bullying guidelines of which the students are to follow. However, suicides among young Japanese people reached an all-time high in 2017, totaling 250 among elementary, middle school and high school students. Japan isn’t the only country with this issue, but there lies the underlying stigma against depression and speaking out against bullying and school pressures.

A case that received national attention was of a boy from Otsu city in Shiga Prefecture who took his own life in 2011. After an investigation by an independent panel initiated by the parents, it was found that the boy was bullied at school, and his standing amongst his peers had deteriorated. The boy was forced to eat a bee, was told to “go die,” and faced other forms of harassment. The boy eventually took his life, and his bullies were forced to pay compensation to the grieving parents. Moreover, the school was well aware of bullying against the student, but no action was taken until it was too late. The board of education in Otsu began taking preventive measures to inhibit bullying at school. As of 2019, schools in the city will report instances of bullying within a 24-hour period.

A decade of decrease in suicide rate shattered by COVID-19

However, COVID-19 has unfortunately shattered these figures, and now the rate among adults and children are on the rise. The coronavirus is unraveling the work Japan has taken over the past decade. We need to inspect how the coronavirus affects Japan, what actions taken, and what ideas are available to truly make a difference in lowering the country’s suicide rate.