Record number of youth suicides in Japan sparks fear of mental health crisis
Japan’s health ministry have released a report which has led to growing concerns over the mental health of the countries’ youth.
The report was based on statistics provided by the National Police Agency and released on Friday, the number of individuals who died by suicide in Japan during the year 2024 fell to its second-lowest level since records began in 1978.
However, the number of suicides among elementary, junior high, and high school students reached an unprecedented high, which is raising significant concerns regarding the mental health of young people.
The total number of suicides recorded last year decreased to 20,320, which is a reduction of 1,517 from the number reported in the previous year.
The country’s suicide rate, which is defined as the number of individuals who died by suicide per 100,000 people in the population, was recorded at 16.4, a decrease from the 17.6 recorded in the previous year.
Suicides decreased across almost all age groups, with the most significant drop observed among individuals in their 50s, where the rate decreased by 2.6. However, this age group still accounted for the highest number of suicide deaths, with a total of 3,799.
Suicides among teenagers remained relatively stable, although the number of suicides among females aged 19 and younger increased by approximately 13%.
“The number of suicides among elementary, junior high, and high school students has reached 529, which is the highest number since the statistics began,” stated Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi at a press conference held on Friday. “This situation is extremely alarming, and we are taking it very seriously.”
He further added, “The relevant ministries will continue to work together and are fully committed to protecting the lives of children.”
There were 16 additional suicides among school students in 2024 compared to the previous year, with the total number exceeding 500 for the third consecutive year.
School-related issues remained the most frequently cited cause of suicide within this age group, followed by health problems and family issues.
By month, the highest number of suicides, specifically 1,903, occurred in April, which coincides with the start of the academic and fiscal year, a time when many individuals are faced with new environments and transitions.
The number of suicides decreased across both genders, although the number of men who died by suicide remained 2.1 times higher than the number of women.
According to the health ministry’s white paper on measures to tackle suicides, which was released in October, Japan’s suicide rate is the highest among the Group of Seven major industrial nations and the fourth-highest globally, following South Korea, Lithuania, and Slovenia.
Hayashi also reiterated a joint message from the relevant ministries, which was initially released alongside the preliminary figures:
“If you are feeling troubled or anxious, please do not keep it to yourself; reach out and talk to someone. If speaking directly feels difficult, consider using social media counseling services. If you notice someone around you acting differently than usual, check in with them and listen to their concerns.”
Source: Kyodo