Tokyo — Japan saw a record number of student suicides in 2025, according to a preliminary government report, even as overall national suicides fell to their lowest level since record-keeping began.
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reported that 532 students died by suicide last year, the highest figure since 1980. Of these, 352 were high school students, 170 junior high students, and 10 elementary students.
The report highlights a troubling trend: female student suicides have been rising since 2020 and surpassed those of male students across all age brackets in 2025. School-related pressures — including academic struggles and uncertainty about the future — were cited as the leading reasons for suicide among young people, followed by health issues such as depression.
“School stress continues to be a critical factor in youth mental health,” the ministry said, noting plans to expand counseling services, including outreach via social media platforms. Officials also indicated they will study the patterns in student suicides to guide future interventions.
Despite this alarming rise among students, the total number of suicides nationwide dropped to 19,097 in 2025, down 1,223 from the previous year and marking the first time the figure fell below 20,000 since 1978. Among all suicides, 13,117 were men and 5,980 were women. The leading causes were health problems, economic or living difficulties, and family issues.
The government emphasized the importance of accessible mental health support, pointing to resources such as the Yorisoi Hotline (0120-279-338), which offers counseling in Japanese and, via an option menu, in other languages. The service is currently only accessible within Japan.
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Officials said that historical patterns show surges in youth suicides often coincide with rising mental health concerns, including depression. They stressed that continued monitoring, early intervention, and improved access to support services are essential to address this ongoing challenge.
The 2025 figures underscore the complex nature of mental health in Japan, where overall suicide prevention efforts have lowered the national rate, yet vulnerable groups such as students remain at significant risk.