Japan sees record number of student suicides

Japan recorded a record 527 student suicides in 2024, the highest ever, even as overall suicide rates continued to decline, government data showed Wednesday.

The number of suicides among elementary, middle, and high school students rose from 513 cases in 2023, according to the health ministry. Meanwhile, total suicides across all ages fell 7.2% to 20,268, a sharp drop from the peak of 34,427 cases in 2003.

"We regard this very seriously," Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Keiichiro Tachibana said at a press briefing. "We will continue to do our utmost to protect children's lives and build a society where no one is driven to take their own life."

Youth suicide concerns

Although the total number of suicides among people under 20, including students, fell slightly from 810 in 2023 to 800 in 2024, officials remain alarmed by the rising trend among school pupils.

The government and media regularly issue warnings at the end of summer break in late August, a period that typically sees a surge in student suicides. However, the reasons behind most cases remain unclear.

Past studies have linked student suicides to pressures related to academics, bullying, relationships, career concerns, and health issues.

Long-term trends

Japan has historically struggled with high suicide rates, particularly among men. In 2003, male suicides outnumbered female cases nearly three to one, prompting a national push for mental health awareness and workplace reforms.

In 2023, male suicides totaled 13,763, marking a 45% decline from 2003, while female suicides stood at 6,505, down 31%.

The health ministry is expected to release a more detailed analysis of the 2024 figures in March as additional data becomes available.