JAPAN: Japan Aims to Reduce “Critical” Suicide Rate by 30% over 10 Years

The Japan Times

The Japanese government has announced a plan to reduce the national suicide rate by 30 percent over the next decade. While the country’s suicide rate has been falling for the past seven years, it is still among the highest in the world. Under the new guidelines, the government aims to cut the suicide rate from 18.5 to 13 per 100,000 by 2025. The plan includes measures to improve mental health and reduce overwork among employees, address postpartum depression among new mothers, and prevent discrimination against sexual minorities. In an effort to address high rates of youth suicide, it also calls for educational interventions to increase help-seeking in schools. According to Health, Labor, and Welfare Minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki, Japan is committed to addressing the underlying social factors that may be associated with suicide risk.

Spark Extra! Read more about suicide prevention in Japan.