Citation

Inoue K, Tanii H, Kaiya H, Fujita Y, Abe S, Nishimura Y, Nishida A, Kajiki N, Yokoyama C, Masaki M, Sasaki T, Abe M, Saito S, Maehara N, Okazaki Y, Nata M, Fukunaga T. Int. Med. J. 2007; 14(1): 11-14.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Japan International Cultural Exchange Foundation)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Design, Materials and Methods: A recent nationwide increase in the number of suicides in Japan has been noted. According to a study by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, the yearly average number of suicides nationwide totaled 22,410 from 1988 to 1997 but exceeded 30,000 starting in 1998; this steep rise has become a major social issue. However, the current reality is that recent epidemiological studies of suicide, studies on the contexts of suicide, and examination of suicide prevention measures have had absolutely no effect. The fact is that in 2005 as well the yearly average number of suicides in Japan exceeded 30,000; realistic suicide prevention measures linked to a decline in the number of suicides must be promptly taken. Thus, we reviewed suicide prevention measures previously implemented in Japan and we considered whether specific suicide prevention measures could be elucidated in light of these results, as we reported here.

RESULTS and Conclusion: We reviewed previous suicide prevention measures by individual age groups in Japan. As a result, we found that previous suicide prevention measures in Japan focused on measures for the elderly. Nevertheless, the current reality is that previously implemented suicide prevention measures have not been linked to a decline in the number of suicides. What did have an effect was in the form of measures to deal with suicides implemented at the local level. In addition, factors for the recent increase in the number of suicides in Japan were unemployment and overwork among middle-aged men. That is, future measures targeting unemployment and overwork among middle-aged men must be implemented and seek to decrease the number of suicides. Successes with suicide prevention measures overseas were implemented at the national level, and measures with respect to numerous contexts were implemented for individual age groups. With the medical establishment, police, and government in step at the national level, suicide prevention measures with respect to the major contexts of suicide in Japan should also be undertaken with local residents at the local level as well. Rather than immediately concluding suicide prevention measures after decline in the number of suicides has been indicated, these measures should be implemented on a long-term basis. © 2007 Japan International Cultural Exchange Foundation.

Language: en

Keywords

Prevention; human; government; suicide; Suicide; Japan; police; burnout; unemployment; review; elderly care; social aspect; prophylaxis; Measures