The Kobe Earthquake and Reduced Suicide Rate in Japanese Males

On January 17, 1995, a devastating earthquake struck the city of Kobe, Japan. The authors reviewed the suicide rate in Kobe before & after this event. A significant reduction was observed in the suicide rate for the remainder of 1995; it was the lowest it had been in the last 52 years. However, the rate gradually returned to average in the 2 years after the earthquake. Only the male suicide rate, particulary among those in their 30s & 5os, showed this significant reduction in 1995. (11 refs.)