Japan’s Youth Mental Health Crisis: A Wake-Up Call for Thailand and the Region
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.