Number of suicides in Japan fell below 20,000 for first time in 2025
TOKYO -- The number of people who died by suicide in Japan in 2025 fell below 20,000 for the first time since records began, according to the governme
In 2025, Japan recorded its lowest number of suicides in history, with 19,188 deaths, according to the government's 2026 White Paper on Suicide Countermeasures. However, the rate of suicides among young women aged 29 and under has remained high, and mental health challenges and family problems are contributing factors. Only about 20% of people hospitalized after self-harm or attempted suicide were connected with support organizations.
Suicide rates for women aged 19 and under and men aged 19 and under have also been increasing. Mental health experts attribute this to pressures from social media and the need for improved digital outreach and support systems for young women.
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