Suicide in Japan - What are the problems?

Although Japan had a high suicide rate in the 1950s, the rate has stabilized since then. This is despite continuing social problems such as an increasing divorce rate, the collapse of pre-existing family systems, changes in traditional values, increases in the incidence of drug abuse and crime, intensified competition in society, and widening of the gap between rich and poor. There are now about 21,000-22,000 suicides every year in Japan, making the suicide rate about 17 per 100,000. This paper discusses current state of suicide and future strategies for prevention in Japan.