Self-Harm Cases, Suicide Attempts on Rise in Japan

Tokyo, Sept. 10 (Jiji Press)–The number of people transported by ambulance due to self-harm and suicide attempts is on an upward trend in Japan, reaching 43,631 cases in 2025, a survey showed Thursday. The survey, released on World Suicide Prevention Day, was taken by the Japan Suicide Countermeasures Promotion Center, a general incorporated association designated by the health minister. It analyzed emergency transport data held by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. The study found that an average of 120 people per day were rushed to hospital last year for self-inflicted injuries, including suicide attempts and fatal cases. The annual total rose in most of the years from 2019. Data covering the period from 2016 to 2024 showed a notable increase in such cases involving young people under 40. The figure for those aged 19 or younger rose by 2.6 times. Women made up a larger share of cases than men. The center also examined incidents at emergency medical centers nationwide. Between December 2022 and December 2025, a total of 9,168 cases of self-harm and suicide attempts were confirmed. Women represented 64.8 pct of the total, while people in their 20s accounted for the largest age group at 27.9 pct. Among cases from January 2025 onward, family problems were the leading factor cited in 30.3 pct, followed by health issues at 27.0 pct. Of the 9,168 cases analyzed, drug overdoses were the most common method of self-harm, accounting for 59.5 pct. The proportion was higher, the younger the age group was. Many overdoses involved prescription medications, while 28.5 pct involved over-the-counter drugs. The survey identified 750 cases involving elementary to high school students–20 in elementary school, 246 in junior high school and 484 in high school. Nearly 80 pct were girls. Drug overdoses accounted for 69.5 pct of their cases, with the rate increasing with age. Among student cases reported since 2025, about 40 pct were linked to school-related issues, and around 30 pct to family problems. “Experiencing self-harm or a suicide attempt increases the risk of suicide,” a center official said, adding that responding to such cases is “an important pillar of suicide prevention.” The health ministry encourages people experiencing mental health-related concerns to seek help, including through its unified hotline, whose telephone number is 0570-064-556. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]