A new UNICEF assessment shows Japanese children excel in physical health, yet their mental well-being ranks among the lowest in developed nations. The 2025 study places Japan 32nd out of 43 nations for youth mental health, highlighted by a troublingly high suicide rate. This contrast—strong physical health alongside fragile mental well-being—calls for urgent policy action and broader public discussion in Japan and across Asia, including Thailand.
According to UNICEF, the report evaluates countries on mental well-being, physical health, and academic and social skills. Japan’s overall score has improved to 14th place from 20th, with a notable rise in academic and social skills. Physical health remains consistently strong. However, mental health remains a critical vulnerability, with suicide among youths ranking as one of the highest in the sample. Data from multiple sources underscore the severity of the issue, indicating a persistent mental health gap despite other gains.
The broader social context compounds the challenge. In Japan, open dialogue about children’s mental health is less common, and government interventions have struggled to gain traction. A leading expert in urban poverty notes that awareness of child mental health issues is low and that policy responses have not fully addressed the problem. This reticence mirrors a cultural emphasis on resilience and perseverance, which can deter families and schools from seeking timely support for young people.
UNICEF’s indicators include self-reported life satisfaction, distress levels, and suicide metrics. Japan’s robust health system ensures broad access to physical healthcare and keeps childhood obesity low, yet mental health services for youth remain underdeveloped. By contrast, peer nations that prioritize open communication and accessible counseling—such as the Netherlands—are recognized for more supportive approaches to child development and mental health.
Academic pressure is widely cited as a major driver of distress in Japan. The country’s highly competitive classroom environment, combined with stigma around mental illness, can discourage students from seeking help. Bullying continues to be a concern and elevates risks of anxiety and depression. Experts emphasize the need for a more balanced approach that values emotional and social development alongside academics.
For Thailand, UNICEF’s findings offer practical lessons. While Thai youth suicide rates are not on Japan’s level, social pressures around performance and stigma around mental health are increasingly observed here as well. The Thai Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Health have introduced mental health programs in schools, but access to professionals remains uneven outside urban centers. Advocates stress the need for stronger in-school counseling, anti-bullying initiatives, and greater normalization of seeking help.
Culturally, both Japan and Thailand share norms that valorize family honor and perseverance. While these values foster resilience, they can also impede conversations about emotional health. In Thailand, Buddhist-inspired perspectives on suffering and healing may either support mindful practices or, if misapplied, delay professional treatment. This underscores the importance of culturally sensitive, community-based approaches to prevention and care.
Looking forward, UNICEF urges governments, schools, and communities to prioritize children’s mental health. Action items include expanding resources for mental health services, creating safe spaces for youth to speak up, and promoting early detection and intervention in schools. For Thailand, adopting Japan’s experiences—particularly around teacher training, anti-bullying programs, and accessible in-school counseling—could help strengthen local systems.
The challenges of the 21st century—pandemics, climate anxiety, and digital life—affect young people everywhere. Regional lessons from Japan’s experience can inform better policies in Thailand and beyond. The core message from UNICEF is clear: safeguarding children’s mental health is essential to healthy, resilient societies.
What Thai families, educators, and policymakers can do now:
- Prioritize mental health alongside academics in schools and communities.
- Expand training for teachers to recognize distress and provide early support.
- Strengthen anti-bullying and cyberbullying programs and safe reporting channels.
- Normalize seeking professional help and reduce stigma through open conversations.
Integrated, culturally aware approaches will help Thai youth thrive—mentally as well as academically—building a healthier future for the region.