In this article, the author describes a suicide prevention program for the elderly in Japan carried out in a small town, Nagawamachi, Aomori. The program was initiated in response to a recent sharp increase in this town in the rate of suicides. Its development, implementation, & outcomes are described. The author underscores the importance of educational programs to address how to recognize the symptoms of depression & to develop a community network for the elderly to communicate with locals & support each other. (30 refs)