Suicides in 2004 top 30,000 for 7th straight year

[Linalin]

TOKYO — Suicides in Japan topped 30,000 for the seventh straight year in 2004, with men accounting for more than two-thirds of the number, according to a report released by the National Police Agency on Thursday. A total of 32,325 people committed suicide last year, down 2,102, or 6.1%, from 2003, when there was a record high of 34,427 suicides, the report said.

Health problems were seen as the most common reason behind suicides, accounting for 45.7%, or 14,786 people, followed by economic and livelihood difficulties at 24.6%, or 7,947 people, and family troubles at 9.3% or 2,992 people, according to the NPA. (Kyodo News)

sad.

[Nozomi]

Japan has more suicides than murder. In fact, suicide plays a special role in Japan, considering, seppuku, the ritual suicide for samurai.

[Linalin]

Very true, but also, thinking modernly, Japan doesn't seem to have a very reliable mental health care system.