 High suicide rate among the self-employed In Japan, the suicide rate is particularly higher among small- and- medium-sized business owners due to the prolonged economic recession and heavier financial burdens such as consumption tax hikes, Akahata on November 30 reported. A National Federation of Traders and Producers Organizations (Zenshoren) survey shows that 151 Zenshoren members, mostly between 40 and 60, killed themselves last year. It was the highest number on record. A National Police Agency survey also shows that the number of suicides last year reached a record high of 34,427. There has been a high suicide rate since its sharp rise in 1998, the year after the Hashimoto Cabinet increased the consumption tax rate to five percent from the previous three percent. Present Prime Minister Koizumi Jun'ichiro says, however, "I don't know the reason, but don't be depressed about it" (July 23). According to the welfare association of Zenshoren, many committed suicides when they fell in a vicious circle amid a downturn in sales: cases include being incapable of receiving medical treatment because they couldn't afford to pay the insurance premiums and cases like being incapable of running their businesses because banks turned down loans. A man who had run an apparel business for more than 40 years killed himself because of financial difficulties. Now his house and an office building are put up for auction. Tanaka Yoshiro of the welfare association of Zenshoren said, "Those who commit suicide are victims of misgovernment. Zenshoren will strengthen its activities, calling for an economic recovery policy, job security, an improved loan program, and opposition to an increase in the consumption tax rate." It will also pay as much attention as possible so as not to miss warning signs of suicide, he added. (end) |