Rising Mental Health Struggles Among University Students in Japan

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Japanese universities are reporting a rise in students struggling with mental health issues, a trend experts attribute to both academic pressure and the lingering social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a 2024 survey by KEI Advance, 260 out of 345 surveyed universities reported an increase in students seeking psychological support compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The Lasting Impact of Pandemic Restrictions

The transition to university life has become increasingly difficult for students who spent their formative middle and high school years under pandemic-related restrictions. During this period, school activities, sports clubs, and collaborative projects were either canceled or severely restricted in Japan.

Counselors at the Dōshisha University counseling center in Kyoto observe that many current students lack foundational experience in navigating group dynamics and social situations. This deficit in social development has led to increased feelings of insecurity during in-person interactions. In response to the persistent demand for mental health support, the university increased its counseling staff between 2023 and 2024 to manage the high volume of cases.

Rising Demand for Counseling Services

The uptick in psychological distress is reflected in data from institutions across the country. A private university in the Kansai region reported that annual counseling cases surged from approximately 3,000 before the pandemic to more than 4,000 in recent years.

University officials suggest that highly responsible and diligent students are particularly vulnerable, as they often set rigorous standards for themselves and struggle to cope with the unpredictability of university life. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has noted that student suicides have remained consistently above 400 cases annually since 2020, with 424 cases recorded in 2025.

Proactive Support and Peer Initiatives

To address these challenges, universities are moving beyond traditional clinical counseling toward community-based support systems:

• Peer-Support Programs: The Wakayama University launched a program in 2024 where students provide guidance to their peers on course planning and organize social activities, such as yoga, to reduce isolation.
• Student-Led Initiatives: At the Nara University, the "Again" initiative creates casual forums for freshmen to connect, helping to mitigate the isolation that often accompanies the solitary nature of modern academic schedules.
• 24/7 Access: Waseda University implemented an external, round-the-clock counseling service in 2022, designed to provide immediate assistance before minor stressors escalate into crises.

Expert Perspectives on Student Well-being

Professor Motooka Hiroko of Kinki University notes that the shift from the structured environment of high school to the self-directed nature of university often overwhelms students. She emphasizes that an effective support system must bridge the gap between academic life and professional medical resources to ensure that early warning signs are not overlooked.

Professor Ōta Jin of the Faculty of Sociology emphasizes that fostering a sense of belonging is a primary defense against severe psychological crises. By prioritizing social integration alongside academic requirements, Japanese universities are attempting to create a safety net for students navigating the transition into adulthood.

Key Statistics on Student Mental Health

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare provides resources and support hotlines for those experiencing mental health crises.