Published: Apr 09, 2019, 24:24 IST | Updated: Apr 09, 2019, 24:24 IST
Suicide has a long history in Japan as a way to avoid shame or dishonour, and getting psychological help was stigmatised. But when suicides hit a peak of 34,427 in 2003, it alarmed policymakers and drew foreign attention, often a catalyst for change in Japan.