Child suicides in Japan rise to highest level since 1980

The highest figure since records became available in 1980 came despite an overall reduction in suicides across the country, with the number of people taking their own lives declining to 19,097, falling below 20,000 for the first time.

Suicides among children have remained above 500 cases annually since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.

In the reporting year, 352 senior high school students died by suicide, followed by 170 junior high school students and 10 junior school pupils, according to the ministry.

By gender, females accounted for 277 cases, down 13 from a year earlier, and males for 255 cases, up 16.

School-related issues were cited in 316 of the suicides among people 19 and younger, with health issues cited in 315 cases and family problems in 181.