This article explores the complex relation between consumer insolvency law & suicide in Japan, where bankruptcies & suicides have increased dramatically in recent years. The statistical & interview evidence suggests that law is at least indirectly relevant to decisions to take oneÕs own life. Law can bring about debt control & stigma mitigation which can lead to lower levels of stress & depression which can lead to lower suicide rates. However, responses to the law are varied & ambiguous, & seldom if ever is insolvency law the sole cause of suicide. (LC) (131 refs)