Quantum of Solace.....?????

The sea is still and deep, Things within its bosom sleep!

One step... and its over, A plunge, a bubble.....forever thee sleep!!

I live in one of the Asia's most developed country- Japan. It is a country that not only excels technically but the attention they pay to the smallest of details is remarkable. The people here are hardworking, ambitious and ready to face the challenge. Japan has always made news for its technical excellence but for the past few years Japan has been in news for the ever increasing number of suicides. When for the first time I read in the newspaper, I was shocked - an economically stable country, the laws are citizen oriented and such that a foriegner like me also feels safe. Then what is it that makes the people of this country to take such extreme step.

According to a report released by National Police Agency(NPA), In 2007, 33,000(approx.) people committed suicide.From teenagers to those above 60s everyone are ending their lives. From middle aged working class to womens, people of japan are choosing suicide as one of the solace from their everyday struggle. But what is it that makes them to kill themself?.

Farm Minister Toshikatsu Matsuoka, who was under the shadow over a political donations scandal, hanged himself in May this year at his residence, hours before he was to be grilled over a bribery probe. But what was shocking was eulogy from the Governor of Tokyo , calling the dead minister a real samurai. Japan is the only country in the world where Suicide is glorified and is not illegal. But if the suicide is in the family, they try to hide it. A day later, another official linked to the scandal, jumped to his death.

Japan's ancient Samurai culture and major religions Shintoism and Buddhism makes suicide acceptable (To be precise Budhism and Shintoism remain neutral on this subject). People from many parts of the world may find it difficult to digest that suicide as an act of honor. In medieval period, the samurai knights often took their lives through hara-kiri (which literally means stomach cutting), cutting open their stomachs to alleviate shame after being captured or loosing the battle. Japan's suicidal mindset came to attention during the World War II, when young mens(pilots) called kamikaze - deliberately flew bomb-laden planes into Allied ships to save their country from defeat.

The reason for committing suicide varies from person to person. Health problems was the most common presumed reason behind suicides, taking up nearly half or 15,400 deaths, followed by economic difficulties. Problem in the family 2,960 and work related accounted for 1,900 deaths.

The irony of the situation is that even teenagers are taking up to committing suicides. How can they? they have not even started with their struggle of life. What could possibly be the reason? - Bullying at school (cited as one of the major reasons ), Not being able to concentrate on studies, problems at home or sometimes failed love affair (Are these reason enough to end life?). From the year 1999- 2000, 41 cases of suicide among school students were reported, out of which 14 students were being bullied in school.
A recent incident came to light when a 14-year old girl committed suicide for unknown reasons. Another incident included three mens in their late teens, committed suicide in a car, the windows were sealed by black tape. The car was found on a deserted road. The way of committing suicide in both the cases was same, inhaling Hydrogen sulphide(H2S). It is said to be the easiest way because all the ingredients can be found easily in a local drug store. And the method for its preparation is available on many internet sites. Though easier but one of hazardous method. After the teenager committed suicide, her mother had to be hospitalised and neighbours had to evacauate their house. But still committing suicide by Hydrogen Sulphide remains popular. After this many incidents came to light where people have used the same method to end their lives.

Financial distress was cited as a reason in 20 percent of the found suicide notes; almost half of all suicides committed were by those unemployed. Many decide to end their lives so that their family members can collect the insurance money. As a precautionary mesure the insurance firms now suspend payments for 2-3yrs or more. Similarly Japan Railways charges suicide victim's kith & kins for the cost of the cleaning-up and the trouble caused(Isn't tragic?).

Another major incident that made news, was when three mens in their late 20s committed suicide in a hotel room so that their near bankruptcy company can collect their insurance money and keep working. The major reason among the working class is Death by overwork (karoshi) and fatigue-induced suicide (karo- jisatsu). "National Liaison Council of Lawyers on Death from Overwork," said: "The corporate world is hiding behind promises of improved consumer services while partaking in excessive competition, thus victimizing its employees."

*

While the teens and middle aged have their own reasons for ending their lives. The people in their 60s take solace from their illnes by committing suicide. The major reason cited regarding suicide among the age group 50-60s is poverty. According to a survey conducted, males make up 75 percent of all suicides, representing 38 per 100,000 in comparison to females at 14.
*

Japan tops in suicide rates among econimaically stronger countries. The culture of Japan also plays a vital role, the Japanese society is such that it seldomly lets people recover from the shame of failure or bankruptcy.
*

The government of Japan aims at reducing the suicide rate by 20 percent before the year 2016. With this aim in the year 2007,the government took up various measures such as counselling services and 24-hr helplines.The problem is grave and change will happen at its own pace but the best prevention would be change in the outlook of people. If et all the people become more sympathetic and empathise with those facing some sort of crisis in their lives. A lot of lives will be saved.
*

Whatever reason people may have, but suicide is a decision not made in a day but a result of long suffering, prolonged pain and constant depression. Committing suicide is not the solution, just look around to find many reason worth living (There is someone out there who loves you and your loss ... ). Though difficult it might seem but its never too late to re-begin..your will and a little Love from someone thats all you need.