Japan experienced a record high in suicides among school-aged children in 2024, according to data released by the health ministry on Wednesday.
The figures indicate an increase in cases among students from elementary to high school, rising to 527 in 2024 from 513 in 2023, as reported by the ministry.
Conversely, the overall number of suicides across all age groups decreased by 7.2 percent, totaling 20,268, a significant decline from the peak of 34,427 cases recorded in 2003.
For individuals under the age of 20, including students, the number of suicides also decreased, falling to 800 in 2024 from 810 in the previous year, according to the latest statistics.
Keiichiro Tachibana, the deputy chief cabinet secretary, emphasized the seriousness of the situation during a regular press briefing, stating, “We will continue to do our utmost to take measures to protect children’s lives and to realize a society where no one is pressed into taking their own life.”
The health ministry is anticipated to provide a comprehensive analysis of the data in March, once additional figures are available.
It is noted that Japan typically witnesses an increase in teenage suicides following the summer break, particularly from late August to early September, which prompts heightened public awareness and calls for support for struggling adolescents.
The specific causes behind the majority of student suicides remain unclear. Previous analyses have indicated that teenagers often face multiple pressures, including academic challenges, bullying, relationship issues, career decisions, and health concerns.
In 2003, the number of male suicides in Japan was nearly three times that of females. Although the rates for men have significantly decreased since then, they still remain approximately double those of women.
