The Japanese Ministry of Education said suicides among young people in Japan reached its highest level in 30 years, despite the overall decline in the number of suicide bombers in the past 15 years.
According to a survey conducted by the ministry, 250 children in primary, middle and secondary schools committed suicide during the fiscal year that ended in March, up from 245 in the previous year. This is the highest rate since 1986 when 268 students committed suicide.
"The number of suicides has continued to rise, and this is an alarming issue that needs to be addressed," said Noriko Kitazaki, a ministry official.
It was difficult to identify the factors behind the increase.
The survey showed that of 250 cases, 33 had concerns about their future, 31 suffered from family problems, 10 were harassed, while 140 were not available.
High school students in Japan usually graduate at the age of 18.
Suicides in Japan in all age groups fell to 21,321 in 2017 from a peak of 34,427 in 2003, according to the National Police.