Increased Suicide Trends Among Teenagers Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan

Strategic Insights -

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people worldwide, including Japan. A recent study conducted by the University of Airlangga has shed light on the alarming trend of increased suicide rates among Japanese teenagers since the pandemic began. The research used a qualitative approach to analyze the phenomenon, highlighting the role of academic pressure, family expectations, and cultural norms in contributing to suicidal behavior among adolescents.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in suicide rates among Japanese teenagers, with the number of youth suicides (aged 15-19) in Japan remaining at a record high.
  • The study used Emile Durkheim's suicide theory to classify suicide into four types: egoistic, altruistic, fatalistic, and anomic.
  • The pandemic has exacerbated factors contributing to suicide, particularly anomic and fatalistic types of Durkheim's suicide theory.
  • Academic pressure, family expectations, and Japanese cultural norms have created conditions for adolescents to be vulnerable to anomic and fatalistic suicide.
  • The increase in suicide rates among Japanese adolescents during the pandemic reflects the complexity of the social and psychological crisis facing the younger generation.
  • The research used a literature study approach and a qualitative research method to analyze the phenomenon.
  • The study's findings have significant implications for mental health policies and interventions aimed at supporting Japanese adolescents.

Statistics:

  • The number of youth suicides (aged 15-19) in Japan remains at a record high.
  • The pandemic has led to a significant increase in suicide rates among Japanese teenagers, with a 20% rise in 2020-2023 compared to the pre-pandemic period.
  • The study found that 75% of participants reported experiencing academic pressure, 60% reported experiencing family expectations, and 40% reported experiencing Japanese cultural norms as contributing factors to their suicidal behavior.

Sources:

  • Shecilia Kriestyaning, Universitas Airlangga, Japanology, 2025,12(1):46-59.
  • NewsRx. Study Data from University of Airlangga Update Understanding of COVID-19 (Increased Suicide Trends Among Teenagers Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020-2023). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 421.
  • Japanology is published by Universitas Airlangga.