To investigate unusual secular trends in Japan’s suicide rate since the Second World War, cause-specific mortality by gender & age during 1950-1982 was analysed. Results indicate suicide by poisoning & railway suicide increased remarkably in the mid-1950s among young people. The rate for middle-aged men continued to increase during the period of economic depression following the oil crisis in 1973. The effects of the availability of means & changes in the economy on the suicide rate are discussed. (9 refs.)