abstract
- Following the economic crash of the late 1990s, the suicide rate in Japan increased to a rate over 30,000 people per year and has been one of the highest in the world. Cultural factors have influenced this high suicide rate such as a tradition of honorable suicide as well as permissive attitudes towards suicide that remain in modern times. Additionally, the economic downturn, particularly the trend of unemployment in middle-aged men, also played a significant role in the high suicide rate. The suicide rate has started to decrease in recent years perhaps in part due to suicide prevention measures undertaken by the government.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.