Suicides in Japan down for 9th straight year to 37-year low in 2018

How does that compare with the population decline?

Roughly 56 suicides a day, what a horrendous statistic. Every year they produced statistics, but no question and answers why, or how to prevent. They will probably just create another committee like previously , to look into the findings of that committee. More has to be done to bring awareness of mental health issues, starting in schools. No age group is exempt from these findings, and Japan has to overcome this cultural issue of shame. There is no shame in asking for help, and there should always be someone to listen, wether it be a parent, a sibling, a family member, a friend or coworker. People should be encouraged to come forward if they have a problem, I admire the volunteers that man 24 hour hotlines, but they to need more help and resources, they can't be expected to do it alone. Ten minutes of your time to listen to someone, just might save a life. Mental health issues are not just a problem in Japan, but a worldwide problem.

Well done to Japan! They now finally have a better suicide rate than most EU nations. Keep up the good work!

They will probably just create another committee like previously , to look into the findings of that committee.

I know you mean well, but your remarks ignore the incredible work that the people of Japan have put into this problem. The number of suicides has fallen from 34,000 to 21,000 in 15 years; That's an incredible success story, and if those figures were crime stats people all over the world would be inviting Japanese cops to their cities to run their departments.

I live in a suicide hot spot, and I know a few who work tirelessly in the community to help people stop killing themselves. The suicide rates are still high I know, but let's not forget that the act of suicide has a unique position in Japanese culture quite unlike anywhere else in the world.

Fantastic news! What a great effort on the part of the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry and the local communities.

Including foreigners....so just how many foreigners committed suicide here?

The suicide rate in this country is DIRECTLY in the hands of the government. You want to lower the rate, just give people free time. It's all up to you, Abe.

Overall good news except that there is an increase in young people committing suicide. That will not help the population decline.

@that person

Suicide is a very difficult thing to judge. Free time alone will not stop suicide. There are far too many reasons why someone might commit suicide. Also, the history of suicide in Japan is something you have to take into account where it was once seen as an acceptable way to go follow failure or other situations. Also, changing a culture that has taken thousands of years to shape is not a simple task that can happen over night.

Much better than before so that’s excellent news. In general things and work conditions, and also equality and harassment are much better than before as well.

Real positive news. Even one suicide is too many. The economy is ticking along nicely, record low unemployment = less financial problems for middle aged men (who are most of suicide victims).

The fact that it is going down can only be good news but jet plane is right, changing the cultural attitude to suicide is a very hard ship to steer.

Merryanne - Well done to Japan! They now finallyhave a better suicide rate than most EU nations. Keep up the good work!

Are you sure about that? Perhaps the over all statistics are compatible, but the youth suicide rate in Japan is still the highest of all the G7 countries. Around 35% of the suicides in this article were under 25 years old. They release these statistics as a good thing, but never show the demographic breakdown.

Great news. Finally something to celebrate.

Despite the numbers being high its not outside the averages for modern countries Australia 11.7 (2016), South Korea 20.2 (2016), America 13.7 (2016), France 12.1 (2016) there really isn't a huge difference in number per 100,000.

@JJ Jetplane

I don't believe giving people free time will get the suicide rate down to zero. Don't get me wrong. But far too many people in Japan would have a much greater outlook on life if they could spend time with family or go on holiday. Too many people work 15 hour days 6 days a week without holiday. I really wish this wasn't so acceptable.