Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Child Suicides Surge to 532 in 2025, Highest Since 1980

1/29/2026

24 6

Summary

Story summary

In 2025, child suicides reached 532, highest since 1980, and the second rise, per preliminary data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Overall suicides declined to 19,097 in 2025.
Child suicides have exceeded 500 annually since the Covid-19 pandemic, per the ministry.
The breakdown shows that 352 senior high school students, 170 junior high school students, and 10 junior school pupils.
School-related issues were linked to 316 cases.

1 of 1

Story summary

In 2025, child suicides reached 532, highest since 1980, and the second rise, per preliminary data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Overall suicides declined to 19,097 in 2025.
Child suicides have exceeded 500 annually since the Covid-19 pandemic, per the ministry.
The breakdown shows that 352 senior high school students, 170 junior high school students, and 10 junior school pupils.
School-related issues were linked to 316 cases.