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Before staying in Japan, I have little sympathy for people who take their lives. My personal belief is life is a gift. But the longer I stay here, the more I understand why a lot of Japanese recourse to suicide.
Japan is not a Christian country. Hence, taking one's like is not considered as a sin. In fact, suicide is a form of honorable dismissal in Japanese history. Back in the samurai age, taking one's life by seppuku (cutting through one's abdomen) is a preferred form of death. In World War II, the kamikaze is also considered as a grand way to die. Even in modern history of Japan, suicide is considered as a means to "take responsibility."
Men aged 20-44 are the most prone to suicide in Japan. Experts have pointed two reasons why people in this age has the highest suicide rate. Some men take their lives because of the extreme pressure from the Japanese workplace. (Imagine working for 12-16 hours a day.) On the other hand, some take their lives because they can't find lifetime employment. Notice that women in this age group are not as affected. Probably because the society has more relaxed standards with women and their employment conditions.
Even with the elderly, there are more elderly men who commit suicide than older women. The reasons why old people take their lives are more complex. A lot of suicide cases with the elderly reflect loneliness, financial trouble and even health reasons. Earlier this year, an old man immolated on a train in Tokyo. Neighbors reported that the old man lived alone and they seldom see him outside.
Interestingly, suicide is not only prevalent with adults. Junior high school and high school students recorded high number of suicide cases in the past decade. Experts have identified March and September as months where suicide of younger generation happen the most. These months coincide with the opening of classes after the spring and summer breaks. Bullying is considered the main reason why students take their lives.
The Japanese commit suicide in much the same way as people in other countries. Hanging is the most preferred way. There's an interesting place in Japan called the Suicide Forest. It's in one of bases of Mt. Fuji called Aokigahara. Over 100 suicide cases are reported annually in this place.
However, even with all the suicide cases, Japan is not actually the most suicidal country in Asia. That goes to South Korea and China. It's also good to know that the number of suicides in Japan have been slowly decreasing in the last few years. Hopefully, the numbers will get lower in the succeeding years.
Personally, I've struggled with suicidal thoughts last year. I battled with depression for months and along with it are thoughts of suicide. There were a lot of saddening things that happened. I was also dealing with a lot of stress, loneliness and isolation. I didn't think of harming myself but I just kept hoping that I'll pass away in my sleep like an old woman. It's a lonely battle. What got me through the ordeal were two things- the thought of my family back home and my faith that things will get better. In those dark times, I tried to live one day at a time. Or sometimes, one hour at a time.
I hope that whoever considers of taking their lives will find the a reason to live. And I hope that someone, somebody will be there to help these people get through even for just one more day.
References:
5 Things to Know About Suicide in Japan
Japan School Children Suicides
Suicide in Japan
Dealing with Japan's High Japan's Suicide Rate
Japan's worst day for teen suicides
Why does Japan have such a high suicide rate?
