Optimists believe an increase in counseling centers, mental health clinics
and help lines, combined with an increased willingness on the part of Japanese
to use these resources, is an indicator that suicide rates may soon stop rising
and eventually decrease.
Pessimists and optimists both agree that Japan
has a large problem. Men in their 40s and 50s are taking their own lives in
record numbers that are disproportionate to the rest of society.
Driven by a combination of economic factors and cultural baggage middle-aged
men have become Japan’s
suicide generation.