February 1, 2022
University of Miyazaki
Keio University School of Medicine
Chiba University
Using statistical data based on the original suicide statistics records compiled by the National Police Agency and released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, this study analyzed changes in the reasons for suicide in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic, from January 2020 to May 2021, and in the pre-pandemic period.
Months with an increase in suicides were observed in all seven major categories of reasons for suicide based on the original suicide statistics records: family problems, health problems, economic and livelihood problems, work-related problems, relationship problems, school problems, and others. Analysis of the subcategories (52 items) revealed a significant difference in the reasons for suicide between genders: suicides among men increased mainly due to work-related stress and loneliness, while suicides among women increased due to family, health, and work-related problems.
By clarifying which reasons for suicide have increased, the findings of this study provide new data for developing appropriate gender-specific suicide prevention measures and policies to address the rise in suicides observed since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among women.
For the full press release, please see below.