The number of people in Japan who took their own lives fell to among the lowest on record last year, but the figure for students through high school hit an all-time high.

Japan's health and welfare ministry released preliminary data showing there were 20,268 suicides in 2024. This was 1,569 lower than the previous year and the second-lowest since data compilation began in 1978.

A total of 13,763 men and 6,505 women took their own lives last year.

Of those who died by suicide, 527 were minors, surpassing the record of 514 in 2022.

High school students accounted for nearly 70 percent of the figure, at 349. Junior high school students numbered 163 and elementary school students 15.

Suicides among junior and senior high school girls increased. Ninety-nine were female junior high students, up 19 from the previous year, and 183 were female senior high students, up 17.

The reasons or motives for suicides among people aged 19 or younger included school-related problems such as poor grades and inability to decide a future course, health problems such as depression, and family issues such as bad relations with parents.

Ministry officials said they take the fact that suicides among minors hit a record high seriously. They say they will analyze the factors behind them and work with relevant groups to tackle the problem.

The ministry says a counseling service is available on Yorisoi Hotline at 0120-279-338. Note: This phone number is not accessible from outside Japan.