Suicide in Japan

Abstract

Although Japan's population has the greatest longevity in the world (Mathers, et al., 1999), its suicide rate is high (24.1 per 100,000), ranking 9th in the world (Bertolote, 1999; WHO). The incidence of reported suicide has risen dramatically from 22,000 suicides to 32,000 for the years 1995-2004 (WHO) (Figure 24-1). In 2004, suicide ranked 6th as a cause of death among the Japanese population as a whole (6th in men and 8th in women) (Community Safety Bureau, National Police Agency, 2003). Some studies have reported that this dramatic increase is closely related to the Japanese economic depression that occurred during the same decade (Yamasaki, et al, 2004). Many employees are being forced to work harder because of ongoing business restructuring, and a number of workers who committed suicide have been officially acknowledged as victims of depression caused by overwork over the past ten years. The main reasons for suicide are health-related problems, followed by financial or living problems, and family problems (Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, 1994). The numbers of suicides specifically related to financial and living problems, work-related problems and unemployment have been increasing in recent years. © 2012 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.