The number of child and student suicides in Japan reached a record high of 532 cases in 2025, marking the second consecutive year of a historic rise in this figure. Despite this, the total number of suicides in the country has dropped to a low in decades. According to initial statistics published by Japan's Ministry of Health, the number of child suicides increased by three cases compared to the previous year, reaching the highest figure since comprehensive data collection began in 1980. The ministry noted that cases of physical and psychological abuse are relatively easy to track and report, while cases of sexual abuse are less likely to be detected and reported. Fujiko Yamada, founder of the Child Abuse Prevention Center in Kanagawa Prefecture, stated in an interview with «This Week in Asia» that the support provided to children is still insufficient. She pointed out that teachers and schools often delay in handling bullying cases. Yamada added that a growing number of children are reporting mental health issues related to the pressure of exams and high expectations for academic and professional success in Japan's highly competitive society. Although the Japanese government approved new protocols in October last year aimed at making it easier for children to access specialized support, Yamada said the messages accompanying these measures were «confusing,» causing confusion among young people about who they can turn to for help. Meanwhile, data published over the past two years in the United States and Australia show continued high levels of suicidal thoughts among teenagers. South Korea, according to the latest available national statistics, recorded a record rate of teenage suicides. According to the data, 10 elementary school students, 170 middle school students, and 352 high school students took their own lives in 2025. Girls again accounted for the majority of victims, with 277 cases, a decrease of 13 from the previous year, while 255 cases were recorded among boys, an increase of 16. On the same day, Minister of Children's Policy Hitoshi Kikuda stated: «This situation poses a serious challenge that the entire society must face, and it is extremely concerning.» According to the ministry, the total number of suicides in Japan in 2025 was 19,097, a significant decrease from the 20,268 cases recorded in 2024.
