Suicide rate in Japan 2013-2022, by gender
Why is suicide more prevalent among men in Japan?
Historically, Japan’s high suicide rates are closely linked to the economic situation of the individuals. The majority of suicides in Japan stemmed from health reasons, however, existential worries and problems directly related to work accounted for over 7.6 self-inflicted deaths.Gender-based roles are still relevant in modern-day Japan, with women predominantly taking care of family and housekeeping, and men financially providing for their families. Despite changes on the perception of gender roles in recent years, economic pressure seems to be more prevalent among men in Japan. Failure in fulfilling social expectations might lead to a higher risk of suffering from mental health issues, which can lead to suicidal thoughts.