For the First Time In More Than 40 Years, Suicides In Japan Were Under 20,000

According to Japan’s health ministry, the number of people who died by suicide in the country in 2019 totaled 19,959, falling under 20,000 for the first time since 1978, when the country started gathering statistics. The annual total fell by about 4 percent since 2018, marking 10 years straight of decline after the total reached nearly 33,000 in 2009.

Japan has a relatively high suicide rate compared to other countries, and it’s been a major national issue. In response, the government launched a nine-step plan in 2007 to prevent suicides. They increased funding to investigate the causes of suicide and to improve treatment for those who have survived attempted suicides. In 2009, the Japanese government committed 15.8 billion yen towards suicide prevention strategies. The evidence clearly indicates these measures — among other grassroots initiatives around the country — are working to create a society in which fewer people die by suicide.