Following an increase in suicide rates, the Japanese Government has appointed a Minister of Loneliness whose responsibility it is to reduce loneliness and social isolation among its citizenry.
The Japanese Times reports that Prime Minister Yoshihinde Suga created the role in early February following the pattern of the United Kingdom which created the country’s role in 2018.
The newly appointed Minister, Tetshushi Sakamoto will, in addition to the role of Minister of Loneliness, take responsibility for the failing birth rates and regional economies.
Sakamoto is a Japanese politician who serves as the Minister of Loneliness since 12 February 2021
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihinde Suga 
Minister of Loneliness Tetsushi Sakamoto
Japanese Times reports an alarming 20,919 people committed suicide in 2020. The figure is a 750 person increase from 2019 and the first consecutive time in 11 years. The news platform also reports that the increase is more noticeable among young people and women.
The Prime Minister, according to Times, added that the country’s budget committee highlighted that people across all demographics are vulnerable.
The newspaper also noted that the country is familiar with loneliness, as kodokushi or “lonely deaths” are common. They include people dying inside their home and remaining undiscovered for a very long time.
Japan rated highest with 16% in the rate of people 60 years and above who felt they had no one to turn to in times of need. The U S rated 13%.
The data also shows that Japan recorded higher deaths (2,153) from suicide than the 1,765 from Covid19 in 2020