Area-Specific State of Suicide Deaths Among Foreign Nationals Living in Japan: A National Vital Statistics Study 2013-2022.

This study compared the state of suicide deaths among foreign nationals across government ordinance-designated cities in Japan between 2013 and 2022 using vital statistics data containing information on all suicide deaths. We analyzed data on suicide deaths, defined as deaths due to "intentional self-harm" (codes X60-X84) in accordance with the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision, among foreign nationals and Japanese citizens aged ≥ 10 years who lived in a designated city between 2013 and 2022. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each city, with the total population of Japanese citizens as the standard population. Suicide mortality differed across designated cities. The number of deaths and mortality rate from suicide were particularly high among Korean residents, especially those living in Osaka where the presence of a significant Korean population is largely rooted in historical circumstances. Osaka also had a significantly higher relative suicide mortality for female foreign nationals compared with other designated cities (SMR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4-2.0). To achieve an inclusive society that guarantees well-being for all of its population, area-specific trends in suicide deaths among foreign nationals living in Japan, especially Korean and elderly residents in a specific urban area, should be recognized and considered in developing suicide prevention policies and measures for foreign nationals.