Japan: Girl Jumps to Death in Yokohama, Hits and Kills Passing Woman

Two people lost their lives in Yokohama, Japan, after a 17-year-old girl jumped from a shopping center, landing on a woman below. The incident occurred on Saturday evening in a busy shopping area. The high school student was taken to the hospital but died an hour later, while the 32-year-old woman, who was out with friends, also passed away soon after.

September 1 is a particularly difficult day in Japan, with more young people taking their own lives on this date than any other day of the year, as school resumes. Last year, 513 children took their lives, often due to issues related to school, such as bullying or family problems. Students who avoid school are referred to as “futoko.”

To address these challenges, media campaigns, like one from Japan’s NHK, have raised awareness of the struggles students face as the school year begins. This tragic incident in Yokohama is reminiscent of a similar event in 2020 when a teenage boy jumped from a shopping center in Osaka, resulting in the death of a female student. Although he was initially charged with manslaughter posthumously, the charge was later dropped.

Authorities have not suggested any responsibility regarding the recent deaths. While Japan’s overall suicide rate is decreasing, it has been rising among young people. In fact, Japan is the only country in the G7 where suicide is the leading cause of death for teenagers.