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Record 527 schoolchildren committed suicide in Japan in 2024.
Data shows 349 were from high school, 163 from middle, and 15 from elementary school, as Japanese Health and Welfare Ministry describes situation as ‘serious’
A record 527 elementary and secondary school students in Japan committed suicide last year, according to the recent data released on Wednesday.
The figure marks an increase of 14 from 2023 and surpasses the previous record of 514 in 2022, Kyodo News reported, citing the Health and Welfare Ministry.
Of the 527 students, 239 were boys and 288 were girls.
The breakdown includes 349 from senior high school (grades 10-12), 163 from junior high school (grades 7-9), and 15 from elementary school (grades 1-6).
The ministry described the situation as “serious” and said further investigation is needed to determine the root causes.
Overall, 20,268 people, including 13,763 men and 6,505 women, committed suicide in the country in 2024, a 1,569 decrease from 2023 and the second-lowest number since 1978.
Health issues were the leading cause of suicide in Japan, accounting for 11,986 cases, followed by economic and life issues at 5,075 and family problems at 4,334, the media outlet said.