Modern Culture, Ancient Tragedy. 93% Say They Want to Disappear From Society

A recent survey by the Yokohama-based nonprofit Daisan Kazoku reveals the deep struggles Japanese teenagers face when returning to school after summer break. Among 216 students ages 10 to 18 who already identified as struggling, 73.1% said the new semester feels “painful.” Another 14.4% said it feels “boring,” while only 1.9% look forward to it.

The main burdens cited were fear of being judged (79.6%), the oppressive atmosphere of school (71.3%), lack of friends (45.4%), and difficulty keeping up with classes (44.0%). Students also described bullying, loneliness, pressure from parents and teachers, and struggles with LGBTQ+ identity and sensory sensitivities. Many said they felt forced to “perform a character” to survive socially, while others reported stress-related physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach pain.

These feelings are not without grave consequences. Japan’s health ministry reports that suicides among children peak on September 1, the day after summer vacation ends. Disturbingly, 93.1% of respondents said that at the end of summer they have felt like they “wanted to disappear from the world.” The leading reasons were anxiety (88.0%) and schoolwork (76.9%).

When asked who they could turn to, just over half said online acquaintances, about a quarter said friends, and 42.6% said they had no one at all. In response, Daisan Kazoku has created “gedokun,” an anonymous online community where teens can share their worries. Yet many remain distrustful of adults or fear shame if they speak honestly, leaving them isolated even when support is available.

This tragedy highlights the silent suffering of youth who feel unseen, unloved, and overwhelmed. Into this pain, the message of Jesus speaks powerfully: He sees the lonely, welcomes the outcast, and promises rest for the weary. Jesus offers unconditional love, a family of faith where no one is abandoned, and hope that life is worth living. For teens longing to “disappear,” He is the God who notices, calls them by name, and says, “You are mine.” In Him, despair gives way to belonging, peace, and new life.

Original article in The Japan Times.