Japan sees record number of student suicides

TOKYO, January 29 — Japan saw a record number of suicides among school pupils in 2024, health ministry data showed Wednesday. The latest data among those in elementary through high school edged up to 527 from 513 cases in 2023, the ministry said.

The total number of people of all ages dying by suicide fell 7.2 percent to 20,268, sharply lower from the record high of 34,427 cases in 2003. The number among people aged younger than 20, including those at school, also fell to 800 in 2024 from 810 in 2023, the latest data showed.

"We regard this very seriously," Keiichiro Tachibana, deputy chief cabinet secretary, told a regular press briefing. "We will continue do our utmost to take measures to protect children's lives and to realise a society where no one is pressed into taking their own life."

The health ministry was expected to issue its analysis of the data in March after more figures become available. Japan annually sees the number teen suicides rise at the end of every summer break in late August through early September, prompting the government and media to heighten public calls for struggling teens to seek help.

The exact reasons for the bulk of student suicides remain unknown. Past analysis has shown teens contending with several pressures, including related to studies, bullying, relationships, career choices and health issues.

At the peak in 2003 the number of men killing themselves in Japan outnumbered women by almost three to one. Rates for men have fallen sharply since, although they are still roughly double those of women.

The drop is credited to aggressive awareness campaigns, mental health services and efforts to improve the rigorous workplace culture.