This is the result from the statistical data released on November 10. According to the Japanese police department data, the total number of suicides in October 2020 was 2,153, an increase of more than 300 compared to September and the highest monthly number since May 2015. Of the suicides that took place in October, 851 were women, an increase of 82.6% over the same period in 2019. Meanwhile, the number of male suicides increased by 21.3%.
The number of suicides steadily declined until July, activists said. However, then the impact from the new outbreak of COVID-19 in Japan caused more economic damage and the number of suicides began to increase. Women, who are unable to work permanently in the retail or service industries, are more affected by job loss.
In Japan, suicide is a way out of shame or humiliation. Over the years, getting help has led to stigma and Japan is the country with the highest suicide rate among G7 countries. The number of suicides in Japan peaked at 34,427 in 2003. In 2007, Japanese policymakers outlined a comprehensive suicide prevention program in the country.
Through coordinated efforts by the Government of Japan and many businesses including identifying at-risk groups, limiting overtime and providing counseling, the number of suicides has dropped to just over 20,000 case in 2019.