15 Minutes of Shame

Adding to the already bad news of Japan's incredible shrinking population are the new statistics showing that 30,000 people a year commit suicide here. This equates to one suicide every 15 minutes. Most suicides are committed by men in their 50's, and it is believed that they do so in order to provide insurance money to their families (yes, life insurance in Japan covers suicides- do you see a possible relationship between this and the number of suicides? Apparently nobody else does.)

The skyrocketing unemployment rate of 4.4% is also believed to be behind the high rate of suicides.

People hoping to "off" themselves have plenty of options in Japan: jumping in front of the Chuo Line, walking naked into remote mountain areas to die of exposure, or joining one of the many web support groups cropping-up designed to share ideas on quick-and-easy suicide techniques. You can also use these sites to hook up with a "buddy" so you won't have to face the deed alone.

another day on the chuo-cide line

If this train seems overly crowded it is because somebody jumped in front of an earlier train screwing up the whole schedule.the chuo line has long been a favorite of japanese looking for a quick way out. japan's suicide rate is by far the highest in the world. makes no sense to me- at least they have cool cell phones and universal health care.

posted from cell