Still, Japan's suicide rate remains high globally. "We want to achieve the target as soon as possible by analysing the causes of suicide," Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki said at a news conference. It will also focus on ensuring workers' mental health and preventing power harassment. To address the high rate of youth suicide it will promote educational efforts to inform students how they can seek help at school. A 2016 survey by the health ministry showed only 6.9% of respondents knew about telephone mental health consultation services and 5% about the government-designated suicide-prevention week in September.

Source: Bangkok Post July 25, 2017 07:18 UTC