Suicide rate Japan 2014-2023, by gender

Men in Japan are more likely to commit suicide than women. With 24.6 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, the number of fatalities among men reached approximately 14.9 thousand in 2023.

 Why is suicide more prevalent among men in Japan? 

Japan's high suicide rates have been closely associated with the economic situation of the individuals. Existential worries and problems directly related to work are one of the main causes of self-inflicted deaths in Japan. 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 in the perception of gender roles in recent years, it appears that economic pressure is more prevalent among men in Japan. Failure to meet social expectations may result in a higher likelihood of experiencing mental health issues, which may ultimately lead to suicidal ideation.

Stress and pressure at work pose health risks

Over the past decade, the most profound issue faced by employees in Japan leading to self-harm was exhaustion. An increasing pressure to retain jobs by putting in more hours of overtime, while taking fewer holidays and sick days, are considered the main motivators behind the rising suicide numbers among office workers and employees. Occupational sudden mortality, known as karoshi ("death by overwork") is a well-known phenomenon in Japanese society. Besides physical pressure, mental stress from the workplace can cause karoshi. Suicide due to occupational stress or overwork is called karojisatsu ("overwork suicide") in Japan.