Over the last three years Japan has witnessed a steady, seemingly inexorable, rise in the national suicide rate. Many of these deaths are attributable to financial worries caused by the prolonged economic slowdown. It is well known that Japanese culture has never condemned the taking of one's own life, especially when the reasons for doing so appear to be compelling. The suicide of famed literary critic and conservative commentator Jun Eto on Wednesday, apparently caused by depression over his wife's death last fall and his own worsening health, is a case in point.
Such poignant examples in no way diminish the mounting social crisis reflected by the record number of suicides that occurred in 1998, which at 32,863 exceeded 30,000 for the first time ever, according to two separate official surveys. The previous record of 25,667 self-inflicted deaths was set in 1986, a recession year. Figures released this month by the National Police Agency show an increase in suicides of 35 percent over 1997, with those related to workplace difficulties up by as much as 50 percent. Some 20 percent of all suicides were associated with financial difficulties, a startling 70 percent rise over the previous year, even though problems related to illness continued to be the leading reason for people taking their own lives.
The NPA survey indicates that 23,013 men -- a 40 percent increase -- and 9,850 women -- a rise of 24 percent -- committed suicide last year. The overall total was more than three times the number of traffic fatalities -- 9,211 -- recorded in the same period. How many of these lives could have been saved with timely counseling and intervention? It seems fair to say that most of these people do not actually wish to die. Since government-sponsored and corporate counseling facilities are far from adequate and volunteer services, while dedicated, often are overwhelmed by the demands placed on them, however, family members, coworkers and business associates must learn to be alert to the signals that potential suicide victims often send.