Discussed are 3 aspects of suicide in Japan: (1) trends in suicide rates from 1882-1978, (2) epidemiologic & demographic data are examined–rates are higher for youth, females, those in rural areas, & those engaged in primary & extractive industries, (3) theories of suicide in Japan are presented in terms of personality, obsessive concern with “face saving”, communication blockage, & Japan’s religious – moral philosophy. (NBB)