Aokigahara

I guess you could say the reasons differ for why most of Japan's suicidals do it. The two major ones are because of work -- ironically -- those that do it too much and those that can't find any at all. Rather than bring dishonor upon oneself, more and more Japanese are apt to end it all and gain what honor they can in death. Mothers who kill themselves but spare their children are more likely to demonized than those who take them to the grave.

Japan isn't the highest ranked country in the world for suicides. But it comes with a rich history. Samurai and their seppuku, fighter pilots and their kamikaze, all glorified in harrowing fashion the act of taking one's life. A new label suits the modern-day suicidals: the Hikikomori. These are recluses, introverts, shut-ins, and any other description that highlights their unwillingness to enter the world and instead draw the curtains and shutter the windows. The extent of human interaction for many is a parent or caregiver who provides them with a tray of food. A far cry from stomach disembowelment and fiery explosions in the Pacific.

When caught in the act, a Japanese person likely won't go through with it. At least not until later. Special lights in the subway seek to draw attention to potential suicidals and in a way shame them into not doing it due to the risk of being witnessed. Aokigahara, the Sea of Trees, was brought into the mainstream first by books glorifying its serene qualities and as an ideal setting for a suicide. Documentaries and Internet culture would later shed more light on it, but more as a fascinating topic than a tragic circumstance.