Jennifer Mendoza
Research expert covering health, pharma and medtech
Death in Japan - statistics & facts
Due to a broadly accessible health infrastructure and advances in the healthcare system, Japanese people have been able to live longer and healthier lives. However, the longevity paired with low birth rates accelerated the rapid aging of Japanese society and led to an increase in age-related health issues as well as the overall number of deaths in recent years.
After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus quickly became the infectious disease with the highest number of deaths. At the same time, the pandemic restrictions caused other infectious diseases such as influenza to decrease. COVID-19 infections declined in more recent years as vaccinations were introduced, while other infectious diseases are returning as the pandemic restrictions faded out. For example, at the beginning of 2024, Japan recorded a record level of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), which has a mortality rate of up to 30 percent and is usually caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. The reason for the rise in cases remained unclear but could be caused by people's weakened immune systems following COVID-19.
Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Japan
In Japan, the leading causes of death were mostly related to different types of cancer, such as malignant neoplasm, stomach or pancreas cancer as well as heart diseases, senility, and cerebrovascular diseases. Regarding cancer, the number of detected cancer cases in Japan indicated an increase in recent years. However, the survival chances of cancer have grown significantly over the past decades due to medical advances and more people undergoing prevention measures such as cancer screenings.After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virus quickly became the infectious disease with the highest number of deaths. At the same time, the pandemic restrictions caused other infectious diseases such as influenza to decrease. COVID-19 infections declined in more recent years as vaccinations were introduced, while other infectious diseases are returning as the pandemic restrictions faded out. For example, at the beginning of 2024, Japan recorded a record level of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), which has a mortality rate of up to 30 percent and is usually caused by group A streptococcus bacteria. The reason for the rise in cases remained unclear but could be caused by people's weakened immune systems following COVID-19.
Suicide remains an issue in Japan
Despite growing awareness of mental health and its care, getting professional help is still not routine among Japanese citizens. The country has one of the highest suicide rates among OECD countries, with the number of suicides slightly increasing again in recent years. The number was highest among people between the ages of 50 and 59 years, but the suicide rate among students also showed an upward trend, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The major reasons for suicides were health issues, economic and existential worries, and family issues.After death
The rapidly aging society in Japan creates opportunities for the growth of the funeral service industry. Traditionally, Japanese funerals include a wake, a funeral ceremony with cremation, and a burial in a family grave. The average costs of funerals have been decreasing in recent years, as smaller-scale funerals have become more common, which leave out the customary wake or only offer direct cremation ceremonies.
