Monthly suicide number tops 3,000 for the first time in two years . The spike reverses a steady decline in the number of suicides since the end of last year , when the government launched a national public awareness campaign . 2016 : Suicide in Japan totaled 3,281 in 2016 . The spike follows a steady decline in the number of suicides . Japan was struck by a devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11 .
Monthly suicide number tops 3,000 for the first time in two years . 2016 : Suicide in Japan totaled 3,281 in 2016 . The spike follows a steady decline in the number of suicides . Japan was struck by a devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11 .