Japan has revealed shocking statistics showing that in 2025, 532 students died by suicide, the highest number since record-keeping began. The main causes include worries about academic results, future prospects, and health, reflecting a concerning youth mental health crisis.
On 30 January 2026, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare released a report stating that in 2025, 532 elementary, junior high, and high school students died by suicide. This represents the highest figure since data collection began in 1980, and is a slight increase from the previous year.
The report details that among these, 352 were high school students, 170 junior high students, and 10 elementary students. The trend of increasing suicides among female students has continued since 2020, with the latest year showing more female than male students dying by suicide in several age groups. The main causes for those under 19 include school-related issues such as academic performance and worries about the future, followed by health problems—particularly depression—and family-related issues.
Meanwhile, Japan’s total suicide figure in 2025 was 19,097, down by 1,223 from the previous year and falling below 20,000 for the first time since comparable data began in 1978. Of these, 13,117 were men and 5,980 women. The primary causes overall remain health problems, economic and living difficulties, and family issues.
Officials acknowledge that the rising suicide trend among children and youth is a significant challenge requiring urgent action. The Japanese government has planned to expand support measures, including increased counseling services through social media and in-depth data analysis, to prevent further losses among young people even as the national total suicide numbers continue to decline.
Source: NHK