“You’re not alone” Yamanashi Prefecture’s toilet paper for those struggling

“Feeling like you hate yourself, enduring tough days with a smile for someone else, believing it’s over because you’re weak. You’ve done well. You don’t need to express everything or speak perfectly. Why not put a few of those feelings into words?” – Quoted from: Yamanashi in Depth

These words were printed on toilet paper created by Yamanashi Prefecture in 2022 with the aim of preventing young people from taking their own lives.

When you’re burdened by unbearable pain and feel there’s no one truly reliable, what if someone could express these words to you? Even if they can’t completely remove the underlying source of your pain, wouldn’t your heart feel a bit lighter?

Japan’s rising suicide rates and the message on toilet paper

According to a survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, in the year 2022 when this toilet paper was created, the total number of suicides in the entire country was 21,881. This was an increase of 297 people compared to 2021. When looking at suicide rates by prefecture, Yamanashi Prefecture ranked worst in the nation, and notably, the number of young people taking their own lives has been on the rise in recent years.

One major factor believed to contribute to this increase is the spread of the new coronavirus that began in 2019. In reality, during the pandemic, like many others, I also experienced limited social interaction, which naturally led to more time spent alone and a rush of uncertain, anxious feelings.

“Even if I continue living, there’s no hope for the future” — loneliness can sometimes trigger such negative emotions. However, even a little support can put a brake on those feelings.

This toilet paper was jointly developed by the Yamanashi Prefecture’s Health Promotion Division and the Suicide Prevention Center with the heartfelt desire that it might make people reconsider taking their own lives and encourage them to seek help.

The idea behind printing messages on toilet paper stems from the understanding that, in moments of solitude in the restroom, it’s a common place for people to recollect their troubles and worries.

At the end of the messages, a contact phone number for counseling services is provided, and 6,000 rolls of this toilet paper were distributed to 12 universities within Yamanashi Prefecture. After installing this special toilet paper, there have been inquiries from municipalities outside the prefecture.

Fostering a supportive society: Simple words that can save lives

Given the absence of clear answers about where people with overwhelming problems are and what can truly prevent such feelings, it’s challenging to determine if this initiative directly contributes to suicide prevention.

Nonetheless, without halting our steps and while seeking ways to help, isn’t it important to build a society where everyone considers the issue as their own? Toilet paper is something everyone uses. Even if you weren’t carrying a burden, reading these messages might prompt you to consider the feelings of those around you and create an opportunity to reach out.

Your simple words like “Are you okay?” or “Let’s talk for a bit,” can lead to saving someone. A society where you can feel “I’m not alone” might be achievable through the consciousness of each and every individual.

Originally published on IDEAS FOR GOOD.