High Japan suicide rate costs the country billions each year
A Japanese government study has revealed the amount of suicides and depression cases in Japan last year alone cost the country 2.7 trillion Yen, around 26 billion Euros, when considering lost income and compensation claims.
With one of the highest suicide rates in the developed world, the study shows that those who committed suicide last year aged 15-69 would have earned 1.9 trillion yen had they worked until retirement. The causes behind the most recent suicide cases were linked to debt, family problems, depression and other health issues.
"Given that the number of suicides in Japan has been over 30,000 for 12 straight years, this is a problem that needs to be addressed by the entire nation," a Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry official said.
Japan has attempted for years to reverse the escalating suicide rates since the 1980s economic problems, which left many out of work and in debt.
The study also showed that had those who suffered from depression not taken leave from work, they would have earned 109 billion yen more in total. Further costs came from social security payments and unemployment benefits.
Japan does not consider suicide to be a taboo, not even in a religious context. Up until the 19th century it was a form of punishment or atonement for wrongdoing
