GITNUXREPORT 2026

Japan Mental Health Statistics

Japan faces significant mental health challenges, with one in five adults affected and stubborn stigma preventing many from seeking help.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

Only 29% of people with mental illness receive treatment in Japan

Statistic 2

Psychiatrists per 100,000 population: 10.5, below OECD average

Statistic 3

Mental health beds per 100,000: 250, highest in OECD

Statistic 4

Outpatient mental health consultations rose 15% post-2020

Statistic 5

National health insurance covers 70% of psychotherapy costs

Statistic 6

Community mental health centers: 330 nationwide as of 2023

Statistic 7

Telepsychiatry usage increased to 25% of consultations in 2022

Statistic 8

Child and adolescent psychiatry facilities: 1 per 100,000 youth

Statistic 9

Antidepressant prescriptions per 1,000: 85, up 20% since 2015

Statistic 10

Crisis hotlines received 1.2 million calls in 2022

Statistic 11

Employee Assistance Programs cover 40% of workforce

Statistic 12

Waiting time for psychiatrist: average 4 weeks in urban areas

Statistic 13

Digital mental health apps downloaded 5 million times in 2023

Statistic 14

Inpatient treatment duration average 250 days

Statistic 15

School counselors: 1 per 500 students

Statistic 16

Mental health hospital admissions 450,000 in 2022

Statistic 17

Psychologist shortage: 1 per 30,000 population

Statistic 18

Free counseling services used by 1.5 million in 2023

Statistic 19

Reimbursement for counseling expanded to 50 sessions/year

Statistic 20

Mobile mental health units in 20 prefectures

Statistic 21

Online therapy platforms registered 50+

Statistic 22

Geriatric psychiatry beds 40% of total mental beds

Statistic 23

School mental health checks mandatory since 2021

Statistic 24

EAP utilization 15% among large firms

Statistic 25

Suicide prevention gatekeepers trained: 2 million

Statistic 26

Pediatric psych visits up 30% since 2019

Statistic 27

Long-term care insurance covers dementia support

Statistic 28

24/7 hotline calls 20% youth demographic

Statistic 29

Deinstitutionalization reduced beds by 10% 2015-2022

Statistic 30

In 2022, approximately 5.7% of Japanese adults reported symptoms consistent with major depressive disorder

Statistic 31

Lifetime prevalence of any mental disorder in Japan is estimated at 20.1%

Statistic 32

Anxiety disorders affect about 7.9% of the Japanese population annually

Statistic 33

In 2021, 1 in 20 Japanese adults (5%) had a depressive episode in the past year

Statistic 34

PTSD prevalence post-2011 Tohoku earthquake was 12.5% in affected areas

Statistic 35

Schizophrenia lifetime prevalence in Japan is 0.7%

Statistic 36

Bipolar disorder affects 1.2% of Japanese adults

Statistic 37

OCD prevalence is 2.2% lifetime in Japan

Statistic 38

Eating disorders prevalence among Japanese women is 1.5%

Statistic 39

ADHD diagnosis rates in Japanese children under 18 is 5.9%

Statistic 40

Autism spectrum disorder prevalence in Japan is 3.2% among school children

Statistic 41

Alcohol use disorder affects 2.3% of Japanese males

Statistic 42

Dementia prevalence in those over 65 is 15.8% as of 2020

Statistic 43

Insomnia affects 20% of Japanese adults annually

Statistic 44

Burnout syndrome reported by 60% of Japanese workers in 2022 survey

Statistic 45

In 2023, depression consultations up 12% among 20-30 year olds

Statistic 46

Generalized anxiety disorder 4.8% 12-month prevalence

Statistic 47

Social anxiety disorder 3.1% in urban Japan

Statistic 48

Substance use disorders 1.8% prevalence

Statistic 49

Personality disorders 10.3% lifetime

Statistic 50

2.5% youth report self-harm behaviors annually

Statistic 51

Hypochondriasis 1.9% in primary care settings

Statistic 52

Gambling disorder 0.8% among adults

Statistic 53

15% increase in child mental health issues 2019-2022

Statistic 54

Somatic symptom disorder 5.2% prevalence

Statistic 55

45% stigma reduction after awareness campaigns 2019-2023

Statistic 56

62% of Japanese believe depression is a sign of weakness

Statistic 57

Only 25% would disclose mental illness to family

Statistic 58

Media reporting improved, 70% now follow WHO guidelines

Statistic 59

Workplace stigma leads to 30% hiding symptoms

Statistic 60

Public awareness survey: 80% recognize mental health importance post-COVID

Statistic 61

Gender difference: Women 40% less stigmatizing than men

Statistic 62

Rural stigma 25% higher than urban

Statistic 63

Celebrity endorsements reduced stigma by 15% in polls

Statistic 64

55% avoid seeking help due to shame

Statistic 65

Anti-stigma program reached 10 million via TV campaigns

Statistic 66

Youth attitudes: 65% open to therapy vs 35% elders

Statistic 67

72% believe mental illness curable with treatment, up from 50% in 2010

Statistic 68

Discrimination complaints in employment: 1,200 annually

Statistic 69

68% report discrimination fear as barrier

Statistic 70

Mental illness portrayal in media negative in 40% cases

Statistic 71

45% employers reluctant to hire mentally ill

Statistic 72

Awareness day events attended by 500,000 annually

Statistic 73

Stigma scale scores dropped 22% after education

Statistic 74

Family stigma highest at 75% disapproval rate

Statistic 75

Online forums show 60% positive shift in attitudes

Statistic 76

Veterans stigma lower due to PTSD campaigns

Statistic 77

30% increase in help-seeking post #BreakTheStigma

Statistic 78

Cultural collectivism amplifies stigma by 25%

Statistic 79

Teacher training reduced student stigma 35%

Statistic 80

52% now view therapy positively, up from 28%

Statistic 81

Low SES groups face 40% more stigma

Statistic 82

Overwork culture blames individual 65%

Statistic 83

Work stress from overwork (karoshi) linked to 40% mental health cases

Statistic 84

Females 1.5x more likely to have anxiety disorders

Statistic 85

Unemployment correlates with 2x depression risk

Statistic 86

Loneliness affects 30% of elderly, linked to 50% higher suicide risk

Statistic 87

COVID-19 increased depression by 25% across demographics

Statistic 88

Rural residents 1.8x higher depression rates

Statistic 89

Smoking prevalence in mentally ill: 45% vs 20% general

Statistic 90

Childhood adversity raises adult mental disorder risk 3-fold

Statistic 91

Low income households: 12% depression prevalence vs 4% high income

Statistic 92

LGBTQ+ youth 4x higher suicide ideation

Statistic 93

Shift workers 2.5x insomnia risk

Statistic 94

Disaster exposure (Fukushima) 18% PTSD rate

Statistic 95

Genetic factors account for 40% heritability of depression

Statistic 96

Single-person households 35% higher mental distress

Statistic 97

50-59 age group highest work-related mental disorders at 28%

Statistic 98

Divorce risk 2x higher post-diagnosis

Statistic 99

Immigrants 1.7x depression odds

Statistic 100

Physical inactivity 35% higher in depressed

Statistic 101

Parental mental illness raises child risk 2.8x

Statistic 102

Urban density correlates with 18% anxiety rise

Statistic 103

65+ females 3x dementia risk vs males

Statistic 104

Bullying victims 4x suicide attempt risk

Statistic 105

Poor sleep quality in 40% linked to disorders

Statistic 106

Financial debt doubles disorder prevalence

Statistic 107

NEET youth 25% mental health issues

Statistic 108

Pandemic isolation 40% depression in students

Statistic 109

Chronic illness comorbidity 60% in mental cases

Statistic 110

Hokkaido indigenous Ainu higher rates 15%

Statistic 111

20+ work hours/week raises teen depression 2x

Statistic 112

Suicide rate in Japan was 16.8 per 100,000 in 2022

Statistic 113

Male suicide rate is 24.7 per 100,000 vs 9.2 for females in 2021

Statistic 114

Youth suicide rate (15-24) increased to 11.2 per 100,000 in 2022

Statistic 115

Elderly suicide rate (65+) is 28.5 per 100,000, highest globally

Statistic 116

Tokyo suicide rate 18.3 per 100,000 in 2021

Statistic 117

Method of hanging accounts for 60% of suicides in Japan

Statistic 118

Suicide attempts among females 2.5 times higher than completions

Statistic 119

21,897 suicides recorded in 2022, down 1.3% from previous year

Statistic 120

Rural areas have 20% higher suicide rates than urban

Statistic 121

Economic downturns correlate with 15% rise in suicides

Statistic 122

Student suicides reached 514 in 2022

Statistic 123

Post-COVID suicide spike of 9.3% in 2020

Statistic 124

Gatekeeper training reduced suicides by 18% in intervention areas

Statistic 125

Firearm suicides negligible at <1%

Statistic 126

Seasonal peak in suicides during March-May at 22% above average

Statistic 127

Suicide rate dropped 35% from 2006 peak of 25.7 per 100k

Statistic 128

Hokkaido prefecture highest rate 27.1 per 100k in 2022

Statistic 129

70% of suicides had no prior mental health diagnosis

Statistic 130

Female suicides peaked at 10.4 per 100k in 2020

Statistic 131

Corporate suicides 2,300 in 2021 linked to overwork

Statistic 132

Train suicides 2,000 annually

Statistic 133

Survivor guilt contributes to 15% secondary suicides

Statistic 134

Alcohol involved in 25% of suicide cases

Statistic 135

Osaka rate 20.5 per 100k, second highest

Statistic 136

Children under 10 suicides: 20 in 2022

Statistic 137

National strategy aims for 30% reduction by 2025

Statistic 138

Pharmacological suicides 5% of total

Statistic 139

Foreign residents suicide rate 12% lower than nationals

Statistic 140

Community prevention programs cover 50% prefectures

1/140

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Beyond the orderly streets and polished surfaces of Japan, a hidden reality persists, where the lifetime prevalence of any mental disorder reaches an estimated 20.1%, a nation silently grappling with the weight of depression, anxiety, and a deeply entrenched stigma that sees 62% of its people still viewing depression as a sign of weakness.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, approximately 5.7% of Japanese adults reported symptoms consistent with major depressive disorder
Lifetime prevalence of any mental disorder in Japan is estimated at 20.1%
Anxiety disorders affect about 7.9% of the Japanese population annually
Suicide rate in Japan was 16.8 per 100,000 in 2022
Male suicide rate is 24.7 per 100,000 vs 9.2 for females in 2021
Youth suicide rate (15-24) increased to 11.2 per 100,000 in 2022
Only 29% of people with mental illness receive treatment in Japan
Psychiatrists per 100,000 population: 10.5, below OECD average
Mental health beds per 100,000: 250, highest in OECD
45% stigma reduction after awareness campaigns 2019-2023
62% of Japanese believe depression is a sign of weakness
Only 25% would disclose mental illness to family
Work stress from overwork (karoshi) linked to 40% mental health cases
Females 1.5x more likely to have anxiety disorders
Unemployment correlates with 2x depression risk

Japan faces significant mental health challenges, with one in five adults affected and stubborn stigma preventing many from seeking help.

Mental Health Services

Only 29% of people with mental illness receive treatment in Japan
Psychiatrists per 100,000 population: 10.5, below OECD average
Mental health beds per 100,000: 250, highest in OECD
Outpatient mental health consultations rose 15% post-2020
National health insurance covers 70% of psychotherapy costs
Community mental health centers: 330 nationwide as of 2023
Telepsychiatry usage increased to 25% of consultations in 2022
Child and adolescent psychiatry facilities: 1 per 100,000 youth
Antidepressant prescriptions per 1,000: 85, up 20% since 2015
Crisis hotlines received 1.2 million calls in 2022
Employee Assistance Programs cover 40% of workforce
Waiting time for psychiatrist: average 4 weeks in urban areas
Digital mental health apps downloaded 5 million times in 2023
Inpatient treatment duration average 250 days
School counselors: 1 per 500 students
Mental health hospital admissions 450,000 in 2022
Psychologist shortage: 1 per 30,000 population
Free counseling services used by 1.5 million in 2023
Reimbursement for counseling expanded to 50 sessions/year
Mobile mental health units in 20 prefectures
Online therapy platforms registered 50+
Geriatric psychiatry beds 40% of total mental beds
School mental health checks mandatory since 2021
EAP utilization 15% among large firms
Suicide prevention gatekeepers trained: 2 million
Pediatric psych visits up 30% since 2019
Long-term care insurance covers dementia support
24/7 hotline calls 20% youth demographic
Deinstitutionalization reduced beds by 10% 2015-2022

Mental Health Services Interpretation

Japan's mental health system is a paradox of ample beds but scarce support, where treatment is theoretically covered but practically elusive, revealing a society still learning how to hold its struggles in the light as skillfully as it has kept them in the shadows.

Prevalence Rates

In 2022, approximately 5.7% of Japanese adults reported symptoms consistent with major depressive disorder
Lifetime prevalence of any mental disorder in Japan is estimated at 20.1%
Anxiety disorders affect about 7.9% of the Japanese population annually
In 2021, 1 in 20 Japanese adults (5%) had a depressive episode in the past year
PTSD prevalence post-2011 Tohoku earthquake was 12.5% in affected areas
Schizophrenia lifetime prevalence in Japan is 0.7%
Bipolar disorder affects 1.2% of Japanese adults
OCD prevalence is 2.2% lifetime in Japan
Eating disorders prevalence among Japanese women is 1.5%
ADHD diagnosis rates in Japanese children under 18 is 5.9%
Autism spectrum disorder prevalence in Japan is 3.2% among school children
Alcohol use disorder affects 2.3% of Japanese males
Dementia prevalence in those over 65 is 15.8% as of 2020
Insomnia affects 20% of Japanese adults annually
Burnout syndrome reported by 60% of Japanese workers in 2022 survey
In 2023, depression consultations up 12% among 20-30 year olds
Generalized anxiety disorder 4.8% 12-month prevalence
Social anxiety disorder 3.1% in urban Japan
Substance use disorders 1.8% prevalence
Personality disorders 10.3% lifetime
2.5% youth report self-harm behaviors annually
Hypochondriasis 1.9% in primary care settings
Gambling disorder 0.8% among adults
15% increase in child mental health issues 2019-2022
Somatic symptom disorder 5.2% prevalence

Prevalence Rates Interpretation

Japan, a nation often admired for its calm surface, is in fact a country where one in five people will wrestle with a diagnosed mental disorder in their lifetime, revealing a profound and growing struggle beneath its celebrated harmony.

Public Attitudes and Stigma

45% stigma reduction after awareness campaigns 2019-2023
62% of Japanese believe depression is a sign of weakness
Only 25% would disclose mental illness to family
Media reporting improved, 70% now follow WHO guidelines
Workplace stigma leads to 30% hiding symptoms
Public awareness survey: 80% recognize mental health importance post-COVID
Gender difference: Women 40% less stigmatizing than men
Rural stigma 25% higher than urban
Celebrity endorsements reduced stigma by 15% in polls
55% avoid seeking help due to shame
Anti-stigma program reached 10 million via TV campaigns
Youth attitudes: 65% open to therapy vs 35% elders
72% believe mental illness curable with treatment, up from 50% in 2010
Discrimination complaints in employment: 1,200 annually
68% report discrimination fear as barrier
Mental illness portrayal in media negative in 40% cases
45% employers reluctant to hire mentally ill
Awareness day events attended by 500,000 annually
Stigma scale scores dropped 22% after education
Family stigma highest at 75% disapproval rate
Online forums show 60% positive shift in attitudes
Veterans stigma lower due to PTSD campaigns
30% increase in help-seeking post #BreakTheStigma
Cultural collectivism amplifies stigma by 25%
Teacher training reduced student stigma 35%
52% now view therapy positively, up from 28%
Low SES groups face 40% more stigma
Overwork culture blames individual 65%

Public Attitudes and Stigma Interpretation

Japan's mental health landscape is a bewildering contradiction where public awareness is blossoming yet deeply rooted cultural shame, particularly in families and workplaces, still convinces over half the population that suffering in silence is stronger than seeking help.

Risk Factors and Demographics

Work stress from overwork (karoshi) linked to 40% mental health cases
Females 1.5x more likely to have anxiety disorders
Unemployment correlates with 2x depression risk
Loneliness affects 30% of elderly, linked to 50% higher suicide risk
COVID-19 increased depression by 25% across demographics
Rural residents 1.8x higher depression rates
Smoking prevalence in mentally ill: 45% vs 20% general
Childhood adversity raises adult mental disorder risk 3-fold
Low income households: 12% depression prevalence vs 4% high income
LGBTQ+ youth 4x higher suicide ideation
Shift workers 2.5x insomnia risk
Disaster exposure (Fukushima) 18% PTSD rate
Genetic factors account for 40% heritability of depression
Single-person households 35% higher mental distress
50-59 age group highest work-related mental disorders at 28%
Divorce risk 2x higher post-diagnosis
Immigrants 1.7x depression odds
Physical inactivity 35% higher in depressed
Parental mental illness raises child risk 2.8x
Urban density correlates with 18% anxiety rise
65+ females 3x dementia risk vs males
Bullying victims 4x suicide attempt risk
Poor sleep quality in 40% linked to disorders
Financial debt doubles disorder prevalence
NEET youth 25% mental health issues
Pandemic isolation 40% depression in students
Chronic illness comorbidity 60% in mental cases
Hokkaido indigenous Ainu higher rates 15%
20+ work hours/week raises teen depression 2x

Risk Factors and Demographics Interpretation

Japan's mental health landscape reveals a grim algebra where the sum of overwork, inequality, and isolation is a national crisis, proving that while the society may be famously resilient, its human architecture is showing profound stress fractures.

Suicide Statistics

Suicide rate in Japan was 16.8 per 100,000 in 2022
Male suicide rate is 24.7 per 100,000 vs 9.2 for females in 2021
Youth suicide rate (15-24) increased to 11.2 per 100,000 in 2022
Elderly suicide rate (65+) is 28.5 per 100,000, highest globally
Tokyo suicide rate 18.3 per 100,000 in 2021
Method of hanging accounts for 60% of suicides in Japan
Suicide attempts among females 2.5 times higher than completions
21,897 suicides recorded in 2022, down 1.3% from previous year
Rural areas have 20% higher suicide rates than urban
Economic downturns correlate with 15% rise in suicides
Student suicides reached 514 in 2022
Post-COVID suicide spike of 9.3% in 2020
Gatekeeper training reduced suicides by 18% in intervention areas
Firearm suicides negligible at <1%
Seasonal peak in suicides during March-May at 22% above average
Suicide rate dropped 35% from 2006 peak of 25.7 per 100k
Hokkaido prefecture highest rate 27.1 per 100k in 2022
70% of suicides had no prior mental health diagnosis
Female suicides peaked at 10.4 per 100k in 2020
Corporate suicides 2,300 in 2021 linked to overwork
Train suicides 2,000 annually
Survivor guilt contributes to 15% secondary suicides
Alcohol involved in 25% of suicide cases
Osaka rate 20.5 per 100k, second highest
Children under 10 suicides: 20 in 2022
National strategy aims for 30% reduction by 2025
Pharmacological suicides 5% of total
Foreign residents suicide rate 12% lower than nationals
Community prevention programs cover 50% prefectures

Suicide Statistics Interpretation

Behind the façade of a famously orderly society lies a silent epidemic where the elderly carry the heaviest burden, men die by suicide at nearly three times the rate of women, and 70% of lives lost never sought a professional diagnosis, starkly revealing that Japan's most pressing crisis is not economic or natural, but a profound and hidden struggle with despair.

Sources & References

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