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- Japan’s suicide rate, relative to its population, is one of the highest in the world.
- Suicide in Japan is prevalent across different age groups.
- The experts have identified multiple reasons.
- Reason 1: Lack of social contact.
- Research by the government in 2015/16 estimated that nearly 40% of men and women between 20-39 are single and not interested in a relationship.
- Mental illness is a social taboo, and there is also a reported acute shortage of psychiatrists.
- Reason 2: Japan’s once prevalent job-for-life culture no longer exists, and being jobless has a social stigma.
- When Japan hit a recession in 2009, the unemployed accounted for 57% of suicides.
- Many people overwork to retain their jobs, leading to depression and suicide.
- In Japan, acceptance and conformity are valued above one’s individuality.
- So, how one is perceived by society is very important and being jobless spoils the social image.
- Reason 3: Culturally, Japan has had a long tradition of honourable suicide.
- Suicide is not seen as a sin in Japan but as a way of being responsible.
- The insurance in Japan is lax towards suicide cases, and families get the insurance amount comfortably in suicide cases.
- So, when people cannot provide for their families, they commit suicide.
- Reason 4: Japan has a culture where society is above individuals, so people are expected not to complain, leading to frustration, anger and suicide.
- Reason 1: Lack of social contact.
Image courtesy of Pixabay through Pexels
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