Youth suicides in Japan top 500, government. calls for a support network

A report by the Japanese government shows that the number of suicides among children and teenagers in Japan remains high and will reach over 500 cases in 2023. The government is calling for the creation of support networks to prevent young people from feeling alienated.

At its meeting on Tuesday, the Council of Ministers approved the annual white paper on suicide prevention.

The white paper shows that 21,837 people took their own lives in Japan last year, 44 fewer than the previous year. The report found that the number of men who died by suicide increased for the second year in a row, while the number of women fell for the first time in four years.

The number of high school-age and younger people who took their own lives was 513, about the same as last year, when the number reached an all-time high.

A detailed study of the causes of suicide among young people conducted since 2009 has shown that family problems account for a large percentage of school-age children. School-related problems accounted for a large percentage of middle school students and high school boys. For high school girls, health problems accounted for a high percentage.

The report adds that the number of suicides among young people increased in the second half of August and reached its peak on September 1.

Officials say the government will work with municipalities and private organizations to prevent troubled young people from feeling isolated.