Tokyo, Oct. 23 (Jiji Press)–A Japanese government white paper on Friday emphasized the importance of support aimed at reducing the risks of suicide and self-harm among young people through contacts with medical institutions. The number of suicides among elementary, junior high and high school students last year stood at 538, a record high for the second consecutive year, according to the 2026 white paper on measures to prevent suicides. With this year marking the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the suicide prevention basic law, the white paper analyzed trends in the number of suicides. From 1998, the number remained in the 30,000 range amid worsening economic conditions in Japan, before turning downward in 2010. It hit a record low of 19,188 last year. Over the past 20 years, the number of suicides decreased among housewives and employed men living with others. The suicide rate, which measures the number of suicides per 100,000 people, declined sharply among middle-aged or older men. This is believed to be related to a decline in suicides driven by socioeconomic factors. Meanwhile, a similar declining trend was not seen in the number of suicides among single workers, students and employed women living with family members. Suicide rates were on an upward trend among people aged 19 or younger and women in their 20s. The number of suicides by students including college students last year stood at 1,082, increasing for the second consecutive year. Suicides among junior high school students totaled 172, hitting a record high for the third straight year, while those among high school students reached a record 356. The increase was particularly notable among female junior high and high school students. Motives for suicides among elementary, junior high and high school students are seen mostly related to family, health and school issues. The white paper said that the warning signs are difficult to detect. To shed light on self-harm and suicide attempts, which have been increasing among young people, the white paper analyzed 4,521 cases treated at emergency and critical care centers across Japan between late 2022 and late 2024. The analysis showed that many of the patients were female and that many repeatedly engaged in self-harm. About half had received only information, while only around 20 pct had links with support from local medical institutions and other organizations. The white paper said that intensive measures should be taken for people at high risk and that efforts should be made to ensure they can receive support in their daily lives. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
