Do you really know? How is toilet paper helping to reduce suicide in Japan?
Mar 24, 2025
In a unique suicide prevention initiative, toilet paper in Japan’s university restrooms bears uplifting messages and helpline numbers. This creative approach addresses the alarming rise in youth suicide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health specialists aim to break the stigma surrounding mental health in Japan. Students discover comforting notes while in a private space, encouraging openness and support. Explore the cultural attitudes towards mental health and the innovative ways being used to encourage conversations among the youth.
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Toilet Paper Initiative
- Toilet paper with supportive messages and helpline numbers is being used in a suicide prevention initiative.
- This initiative targets university students in Yamanashi, Japan, offering support in restrooms where they may experience distressing thoughts.
Youth Suicide Rates
- Japan saw a record 499 suicides among students in 2020, double the number in 2016.
- The COVID-19 pandemic, along with its economic impact, worsened feelings of loneliness among young people.
Female Suicide Rates
- While men are more prone to suicide, rates among Japanese women have also risen.
- Economic instability disproportionately affects women due to societal inequality and unstable job prospects.