Running head: SUICIDE IN JAPAN A MULTIFACETED ISSUE

Suicide in Japan A Multifaceted Issue

Kathleen R. Minor
Western Washington University

SUICIDE IN JAPAN A MULTIFACETED ISSUE

Suicide in Japan A Multifaceted Issue

According to the World Health Organization, Japan has one of the highest
suicide rates in the world. Japan ranks ninth worldwide and third in developed countries
just after Greenland and South Korea. The most recent figures show 19 out of 100,000
citizens taking their own lives every year, averaging one individual approximately every
17 minutes (World Health Organization, 2012). In 2012 alone, 29,442 people committed
suicide, which puts Japans rate of suicide well above the global average by 60%.
Comparatively, Japans annual suicide rate is three times greater than those occurring
in the UK while two times greater when compared to the US (WHO, 2012).
Male Japanese are much more likely to commit suicide than females. Of the
29,422 individuals who took their lives in 2012 only 8,544 were women or
approximately 28% (WHO, 2012). Two specific age ranges are found when analyzing
the suicidal male demographic: 20-44 and 70 years or older. Suicide was found to be
the number one killer of men ages 20-44 in 2015 (Wingfield-Hayes, 2015). Suicide may
be the number one killer of men ages 20-44, but nearly 40% of the overall suicides
reported by the WHO in 2012 in Japan were males over the age of 70.
Historical Undertones
To gain understanding and perspective of Japans suicide issue, one cant ignore
significant historical and cultural practices viewed as honorable in a culture thousands
of years old. More specifically, two common themes with corresponding practices and
rituals arose while researching suicide in Japan: The Samurai warrior and Kamikaze
pilots of World War II.

SUICIDE IN JAPAN A MULTIFACETED ISSUE

Japan was ruled by the Samurai from 1185-1868, spanning over 600 years. The
Samurai warrior itself is a well-known, identifiable figure in both history and modern
media (Columbia University Asia for Educators, 2009). While researching the culture of
the Samurai, a common finding was the notion of an honorable death by Seppuku, also
known as Hari Kari. Seppuku is described as a form of ritual suicide practiced most
commonly in front of an audience.
The individual first stabs themselves in the left side of the abdomen with a
tant, or short blade. The blade then moves from left to right, ending with an upward
motion, resulting in disembowelment (Mccallister, 2011). Death by Seppuku was
originally only practiced by Samurai who had been taken prisoner, committed a crime or
suffered a personal defeat which brought dishonor to themselves, their peers, or family
(Mckenna, 2015). Death by disembowelment is slow and painful, and was believed to
demonstrate great bravery, self-discipline and determination. Shame is the common
theme found throughout all three circumstances deemed suitable for death by Seppuku.
Seppuku was viewed as honorable and would spare shame to both the individual and
affected family.
A more recent example of suicide in Japanese culture would be that of the
Kamikaze pilots of World War II with the term Kamikaze roughly translating to Divine
Wind. During World War II, over 5,000 Japanese pilots willingly flew their military
aircraft into enemy ships (Powers, 2011). As described by BBC historian David Powers,
Although some Japanese were taken prisoner, most fought until they were killed or
committed suicidewhat inspired Japanese men in the prime of their youth to act in
such a way was a complex mixture of the times they lived in, Japan's ancient warrior

SUICIDE IN JAPAN A MULTIFACETED ISSUE

tradition, societal pressure, economic necessity, and sheer desperation (2011).

Hundreds of years after the time of the samurai, death by suicide was still preferred and
valued over the shame of capture or defeat. The quote from David Powers illustrating
Kamikaze mentality for committing suicide still holds relevance in Japans society today
and will be further explored in this text.
Religion and Societal Norms
Japan practices two major religions that are frequently intermixed within its
society: Shinto and Buddhism. Unlike Christianity, Judaism and Islam where suicide is
viewed as taboo and explicitly stated in religious text as sinful in every circumstance,
neither Shinto nor Buddhism specifically condone suicide (Mckenna, 2015). According
to Buddhist religion, the primary teaching is to refrain from the destruction of any sort of
life (Mckenna, 2015). Although committing suicide constitutes as a destruction of life
and therefore deviates an individuals path towards enlightenment, there are cases
where suicide is deemed acceptable such as ending immense suffering (Mckenna,
2015). Shinto has similar views of suicide, with the idea that death provides the
vehicle by which a person transitions into unity with nature once moreregardless of
the manner in which it is achievedwhile Buddha himself was recorded as showing
express sympathy with two suicides in his lifetime (2015). In comparison to the
predominately Christian United States, Japans suicide rates are twice as high. While
this does not imply religion as a primary motivating factor, it is worth considering how
each faith perceives suicide and the potential influence this might have on its followers.
In addition to the religious component of Japanese society, Dr. Wataru Nishida, a
psychologist at Tokyo's Temple University, provides insight into the societal norms of the

SUICIDE IN JAPAN A MULTIFACETED ISSUE

Japanese people and its cultural practice of not complaining when faced with an array
of issues. In an interview with BBC news Tokyo in July of 2015, he states "There are not
many ways to express anger or frustration in Japan. This is a rule-oriented society.
People are molded to fit in to a very small box. They have no way to express their true
feelings (Wingfield-Hayes 2015). In turn, an increase in stressors with no socially
acceptable outlet to discuss problems results in feelings of isolation and inadequacy
which according to Dr. Nishida, is a precursor to suicidal ideations. The idea of
inadequacy in modern Japan leads not only to isolation but feelings of shame, mirroring
the primary motivator of suicide in Japans more ancient times.
Common Stressors
As stated previously, there are two main demographics of individuals committing
suicide in Japan: young males ages 15-29 and elderly males age 70 and over (WHO,
2012). Although there are differences across the male demographic many common
themes are found throughout both age groups -- financial instability, mental illness, and
their subsequent effect of isolation.
Japan was greatly affected by the global financial crisis of 2008. Prior to 2008,
Japan was a country where lifelong employment for its citizens was common and
relatively attainable. In Japan currently, the younger demographic is facing what is
described as precarious employment where jobs for young people are short lived
(Wingfield-Hayes 2015). The outcome of hiring young Japanese citizens, especially
males, on short term contracts has resulted in over 40% of these individuals unable to
find and retain steady jobs (Wingfield-Hayes 2015). The lack of financial stability and

SUICIDE IN JAPAN A MULTIFACETED ISSUE

societal pressure to succeed at a young ages proves to be a significant factor in suicide

for the younger male Japanese demographic.
The older demographic faces financial instability stressors of their own. While
older males may have at one time held steady employment, expensive medical
problems can deplete financial resources. Many view lack of monetary resources late in
life as a burden to their loved ones and view suicide as the best way to relieve their
families of providing care, (Wingfield-Hayes, 2015). Unlike the US, life insurance
companies in Japan are not strict and will compensate the family with little to no
investigation of cause of death of an elderly individual (Wingfield-Hayes, 2015). This
lack of investigation into unexpected elderly death has caused speculation that the
number of suicides in the geriatric age group is much higher than reported.
Japans taboo views of mental illness as a weakness combined with its poor
mental healthcare system greatly contribute to its high suicide rate. A study conducted
by Ono et al. in 2008 found that an individual in Japan with a preexisting mental illness
is at an increased rate for considering, planning and attempting suicide thus making it
a serious comorbidity when combined with other stressors. In addition, the article
suggested that 90% of those who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental disorder
(Ono et al., 2008).
The lack of psychologists and psychiatrists in Japan also plays a key role in
suicide rates. Hospital staffing levels in Japan show that there are only 0.4
psychologists available for every 100 patients in need (Tsuchiya &Takei, 2004). If an
individual does choose to see a psychologist or psychiatrist, they can be prescribed
psychotropic drugs but frequently do not receive the follow up counselling or other

SUICIDE IN JAPAN A MULTIFACETED ISSUE

mental health services as practiced in the United States (Wingfield-Hayes, 2015).

Despite the significant shortage of mental health care providers in Japan, there is no
government regulated training to be a certified mental health services counselor.
Because of this, an individual on psychotropic drugs desiring additional counseling may
discover finding credible counseling to be difficult (Wingfield-Hayes, 2015).
Cultural Phenomena
Hikikomori
Social isolation and withdrawal is not strictly a Japanese phenomenon. However,
an extreme form termed Hikikomori or pulling inward, currently affects hundreds of
thousands of young males in Japan. Although Hikikomori is diagnosed using the
following criteria: (1) no motivation to participate in school or work; (2) no signs of
schizophrenia or any other known psychopathologies; and (3) persistence of social
withdrawal for at least six months (Norasakkunkit & Uchida, 2014).
As of 2010, an estimated 700,000 individuals (80% male) are living in true
Hikikomori conditions with an average age of 31, although symptoms of social
withdrawal often present in late adolescence (Hoffman, 2011). Furthermore, another
1.5 million males are found to be on the margin of the Hikikomori lifestyle, with very few
ventures outside the home (Hoffman, 2011). The condition is so extreme that individuals
cut off all contact with peers and family members, remain in one room, and turn to
computers or video games to keep occupied (Norasakkunkit & Uchida, 2014). Although
cut off from family members, most living the Hikikomori lifestyle depend on parents to

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leave food and other supplies at their residence while they remain confined (Hoffman,
2011).
The cause of such extreme social withdrawal is not fully understood. Hikikomori
in itself is not a disorder, but rather a group of behaviors. A vast variety of hypotheses
have been discussed from autism to mental illness, with most experts agreeing
depression must play a role (Norasakkunkit & Uchida, 2014). Ultimately, researchers
found through discussions with individuals who left the Hikikomori lifestyle that a variety
of factors contribute to social withdrawal. Most notably, societal pressure to succeed at
a young age and/or failure to achieve or maintain obtain employment were too great
and led to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety (Hoffman, 2011).
Aokigahara Forest
The Aokigahara forest, described as the sea of trees is a forest found at the
base of Mount Fuji. The forest also goes by a more sinister name -- the suicide forest,
where over 100 people per year commit suicide (most often by hanging). Although well
known by locals, the forest gained notoriety when covered by the online news group
Vice in 2011. The short documentary follows a local geologist in search for human
remains as well individuals residing in the forest, preparing to take their own life.
Throughout the forest there are countless government posted signs encouraging
individuals to contact suicide hotlines. The viewer also sees personalized signs directed
at potential victims describing life as a precious gift, as well as flowers or other memorial
tokens placed in various places throughout the forest by loved ones. The video has over
14 million views on YouTube.

SUICIDE IN JAPAN A MULTIFACETED ISSUE

The forest has a lengthy and mystical history, where it is believed the first cases
of suicide were wandering monks seeking soul purification through isolation and
starvation (Vice, 2011). Local legend states that the Japanese practice of ubasute also
occurred in the Aokigahara forest, where the elderly were released into the forest when
families could no longer provide for them. Because of this, many locals believe the
forest to be haunted by angry spirits of the individuals left to die (Vice, 2011).
The rate of suicide occurring in the forest grew after the release of two works:
Kuroi Jukai and The Complete Suicide Manual. Kuroi Jukai is a novel published in 1960,
where the premise covers a young couple who commit suicide in a forest. Ironically,
Kuroi Jukai roughly translates to Sea of Trees. More recently, The Complete Suicide
Manual was published in 1993 by Wataru Tsurumi and is described as a comprehensive
suicide handbook. Within the work, the author commends suicide by hanging,
describing it as artful and explicitly names Aokigahara as an ideal location for death.
The Complete Suicide Manual sold over 1 million copies in Japan (Hadfield, 2001).
Conclusion
With the third highest suicide rate of any developed country, Japan faces a
serious public health issue. Japans rich cultural history of the Samurai and Kamikaze
continue to influence the people, literature, and modern ideals of living with honor and
purpose. Lack of trained mental health professionals combined with a prominent mental
health stigmatization contribute to feelings of social separation. Thoughts of inadequacy,
familial burden, and societal shame directed at those seeking help compound the issue,
pushing them into greater isolation. Or worse, to Hikikomori or the Aokigahara forest.

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