Japan and Suicide

It's no secret that Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. There are about 70 Japanese people who commit suicide everyday. Just last year alone, 25,000 Japanese committed suicide and this is only the reported number. There could be more. Suicide is the leading cause of death of Japanese people ages 15-39 and 60 and above.

Before staying in Japan, I have little sympathy for people who take their lives. My personal belief is life is a gift. But the longer I stay here, the more I understand why a lot of Japanese recourse to suicide.

Japan is not a Christian country. Hence, taking one's like is not considered as a sin. In fact, suicide is a form of honorable dismissal in Japanese history. Back in the samurai age, taking one's life by seppuku (cutting through one's abdomen) is a preferred form of death. In World War II, the kamikaze is also considered as a grand way to die. Even in modern history of Japan, suicide is considered as a means to "take responsibility."

Why I Can't Speak Japanese?

somewhere  in Hokkaido

I can't speak Japanese. My Japanese level is probably that of a toddler. I can only utter one or two words to indicate what I want to say. My vocabulary is also limited.

I don't usually mind that I can't speak Japanese. It's only when some Japanese point out that "I should have studied because I'm in Japan", I kinda feel guilty. After all, I've been here in Japan for 3 years. My consolation is that, I'm not the only foreigner who cannot speak Japanese even after years of living here.

So, why didn't I, or we,  learn Japanese?

Let me tell you first, that I tried studying Japanese. Before coming to Japan, I took an intensive Japanese language course for month. I learned how to read hiragana, katakana and a few kanji. I learned basic conjugation and syntax of the Japanese language. On my first few months here, I also attended free Japanese classes every Saturday night. My point is, I tried learning Japanese. And most foreigners I know have tried studying Japanese too.

Then, reality sank in:

And these are the realities about studying (or not studying) Japanese:

Working, Taking Care of Oldies and Having Fun with Babies

Himeji Castle, The White Castle

I have work today but no class. All classes from first year to third year have some "social awareness" activities. They do these things every year around this time.

So what do they do exactly?

The first year students are spending time with old people. They'll be talking with them and conducting interviews. Maybe they'll ask how's life as an old person. They'll also be playing cards and other board games. Then, they'll be presenting a traditional dance. It's like spending a day in a nursing home and making sure the oldies have fun.