The number of people who committed suicide in Japan in 2018 fell by 481 from the previous year to 20,840, down for the ninth straight year, according to a 2019 white paper adopted by the Cabinet on Tuesday. The figure fell below 21,000 for the first time in 37 years.
The number of suicides per 100,000 people was 16.5, the lowest since statistics began in 1978.
However, 599 people aged 19 or under committed suicide last year, up by 32 from 2017. The suicide rate for minors per 100,000 people was 2.8, the highest since statistics began.
The white paper analyzed data from the past 10 years to determine the cause of the growing problem of youth suicides.
Domestic issues were the main cause of suicide for elementary and junior high school students. These include "discord in parent-child relationships" and "discipline and scolding from family members."
Meanwhile, "poor academic performance," "concern about the future" and "depression" were prevalent causes of suicide for high school and university students.
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry began offering consulting services via social media last year to prevent suicide among young people.
The service received 22,725 inquiries last fiscal year, with minors accounting for the highest share at 43.9 percent. Women accounted for 92.1 percent.
Common consultation topics included "worsening mental health," "thinking about committing suicide" and "family."
"It is necessary to understand the situation surrounding young people, examine the effectiveness of suicide prevention measures, and correct measures [that aren't working]," the white paper said.
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