Suicide in Japan: What are the Problems? (IN: Suicide Prevention: The Global Context. Proceedings of the 19th Congress of the IASP, March 1997, ed. by R J Kosky et al)

Although Japan had a high suicide rate in the 1950’s, the rate has stabilized since then. This is despite continuing social problems such as the increasing divorce rate, the collapse of pre-existing family systems, changes in traditional values, increasing drug abuse & crime, intensified competition in society, & the widening gap between the rich & the poor. This paper discusses the current state of suicide & future strategies for prevention in Japan.