Many Women Feel Lonely, Japan Appoints Minister for Loneliness

Japan recognizes that many of its citizens are experiencing stress and loneliness. The country's suicide rate has also increased over the past 11 years. Therefore, a minister was appointed to help address the problems currently being experienced by many people worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga recently appointed Tetsushi Sakamoto as Minister of Loneliness. His task is to find ways to alleviate the burden on people who feel alone or lonely during the current difficult situation. This problem is reportedly particularly prevalent among women.

"Women, especially, feel more isolated (than men), and suicide rates are rising. I want you to investigate this issue and propose a comprehensive strategy," said Yoshihide Suga, as reported by Nikkie Asia.

Prime Minister Suga also emphasized the rising suicide rate and expressed his hope that an emergency forum would be established to propose solutions this month. Sakamoto, appointed as Minister of Loneliness, hopes to offer activities to prevent citizens from feeling lonely and socially isolated.

It has been reported that loneliness, often considered trivial, can lead to more serious problems, such as poverty, social withdrawal, and even suicide, necessitating swift solutions. The Minister for Loneliness plans to improve relationships between citizens, which also aims to increase the birth rate.

While it may seem unusual, Japan isn't the first country to take action on a similar issue. In 2018, the UK also formed a cabinet of ministers to combat loneliness, particularly among older people. However, in Japan, the issue isn't focused on a specific age group but rather on all ages.