Japan Appoints ‘Minister Of Loneliness’ To Tackle Increasing Suicide Cases

With the pandemic still ongoing, people all over the world are still suffering, be it physically or mentally.

In order to tackle this problem, the Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has appointed the regional revitalization minister Tetsushi Sakamoto to take up another role part-time. Sakamoto will be the Minister of Loneliness who functions to address loneliness and isolation that are becoming increasingly common during this pandemic.

It is said that this appointment took effect after a report showed that the number of suicide cases in Japan has increased over the last year, particularly in women and young people. Researchers have reasoned that this is because women tend to work in the retail and service sector more, so this has in turn caused them to lose their jobs during the pandemic.

The surge happened in the second half of the year with October accumulating the most number of deaths (2,153) in a month in the span of five years. When compared to October 2019, the number of suicide by women rose 82.6 per cent, reported CGTN.

The Japanese government is now taking active steps to help curb this surge in suicide cases. They are doing so by expanding consultation services and introducing support organisations to those who are in need.

Some days are harder than others but you should always remember that there is someone out there who will listen to you, your thoughts and worries. You can seek help from Befrienders at its website or call 03-7627 2929. Free and confidential support is available 24 hours, every day.

Also read: S’porean Woman Saves Man From Suicide But Receives Negative Remarks From Family & Friends