Japan's Health Ministry has reported a concerning increase in suicides among school pupils, with 527 cases recorded in 2024, up from 513 in 2023.

Despite this rise among students from elementary through high school, the overall suicide rate in Japan has declined by 7.2% to 20,268 cases, a significant decrease from the peak of 34,427 in 2003. 

The number of suicides among individuals under 20, including those in school, also decreased to 800 in 2024 from 810 in 2023.

Keiichiro Tachibana, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, expressed deep concern over the rise in student suicides, stating, “We regard this very seriously. We will continue to do our utmost to take measures to protect children's lives and to realize a society where no one is pressed into taking their own life.”

The Health Ministry plans to release a detailed analysis of the data in March after collecting additional information.

Historically, Japan experiences an uptick in teen suicides during the late summer months, prompting increased government and media efforts to encourage struggling teens to seek help.

While the exact causes of student suicides remain unclear, previous analyses have identified factors such as academic pressure, bullying, relationship issues, career concerns, and health problems as contributing factors.

In response to the rising number of student suicides, there have been calls for enhanced mental health support and preventive measures targeting schoolchildren.

The government continues to prioritize the well-being of its youth, aiming to reduce these tragic incidents through comprehensive support systems and public awareness campaigns.