Suicide in Japan
For Japanese individuals under the age of 30, suicide is considered the leading cause of death. Naturally, and similar to other cultures, suicide typically evolves from depression and social pressure in society. Due to recent economic conditions in Japan, suicidal rates have drastically increased. Apparently, 2005 estimated over 32,000 suicides alone. It is difficult to imagine this number increasing, especially among the financial situation affecting the Japanese economy in the past couple years. Roughly 70%+ suicides are of the male gender.
Methods of suicide that are conducted typically involve leaping into an oncoming train, overdosing on medicine, self inflicted gun shot wounds, hanging, etc. Recently, though, the culture has initiated group suicides called "suicide pacts." These groups primarily adopt similar reasons and attitudes via the process, and eventually engage in mass suicide. These individuals commonly meet via internet. In the past decade, carbon monoxide poisoning of numerous individuals trapped inside an air tight location has become increasingly popular. The bizarre notion that reflects the aforementioned situation is that the Japanese government deems the act "tolerant." In fact, various societies label the acts morally responsible. I fail to acknowledge how the families related to those can interpret it similarly.
I, too, once knew a young girl in Okinawa, Japan who succeeded in committing suicide. Though she was merely a friend of a friend, and a simple acquaintance to me, the signs were easily distinguished. Upon meeting the girl, she appeared quiet and discontent. Naturally, I was not one to judge as I had only recently been introduced. A few weeks later, she was reported dead via self hanging. I was later informed that she was displeased with life and wished for an escape.
Published by Greg Seltz
Looking to stand out...to create flawless forms of art that are appreciated by all personalities...to be noticed, gain publicity, and have the heavens rain gold in my back yard. View profile
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7 Comments
Post a CommentSome useful telephone numbers and links for residents of Tokyo and Japan who speak Japanese and/or English and are feeling depressed or suicidal and need to get in touch with a mental health professional qualified in Japan:
Useful telephone numbers for Japanese residents of Japan who speak Japanese and are feeling depressed or suicidal: Inochi no Denwa (Lifeline Telephone Service):
Inochi no Denwa (Lifeline Telephone Service):
Japan: 0120-738-556
Tokyo: 3264 4343
If you believe that someone may be about to attempt suicide you should call the Japanese police:
Emergency contact numbers:
Both the police and fire/medical assistance are available 24 hours a day.
　
110 is the number to the Police Headquarter Command Post, and 119 is to the Fire Department Command and Control Center. They will take your call, and arrange a police car, fire engine, or ambulance in case of emergency.
　
You can dial 110 and 119 for free. Even from a public phone, you do not need a phone c
Wow, my guest Andrew has definitely provided some good information....Thanks a bunch.
I would also like to suggest that as many Japanese people have very high reading skills in English that any articles dealing with suicide and other mental health issues in Japan could usefully provide contact details for hotlines and support services for people who are depressed and feeling suicidal.
Inochi no Denwa (Lifeline Telephone Service):
Japan: 0120-738-556
Tokyo: 3264 4343
AMDA International Medical Information Center:
http://amda-imic.com/
Tokyo Counseling Services:
http://tokyocounseling.com
http://tokyocounseling.com/english/
http://tokyocounseling.com/jp/
http://www.counselingjapan.com
I am a JSCCP clinical psychologist and JFP psychotherapist working in Japan for over 20 years. I would like to put forward a perspective as a mental health practitioner for some of the reasons behind the unacceptably high suicide in Japan. Mental health professionals in Japan have long known that some of the main reasons for the unnecessarily high suicide rate in Japan is due to unemployment, bankruptcies, and the increasing levels of stress on businessmen and other salaried workers who have suffered enormous hardship in Japan since the bursting of the stock market bubble here that peaked around 1997. Until that year Japan had an annual suicide of rate figures between 22,000 and 24,000 each year. Following the bursting of the stock market and the long term economic downturn that has followed here since the suicide rate in 1998 increased by around 35% and since 1998 the number of people killing themselves each year in Japan has consistently remained well over 30,000 each and every year
This is astoundingly sad Greg. What a waste. I know that there are signs of suicide that surface, long before they actually occur. Maybe that would be a great article for someone with your obvious knowledge and experience as a writer. I, for one, can not forget that young woman from Japan that was a friend of a friend. Again, its just a terrible waste.
I had heard of the high suicide rate in Japan, an odd reflection of their seemingly successful image within the business world.
You have reported this so well, never knew about this! very shocking indeed