Land Of The Setting Sun

Japan has long had a suicide rate much higher than this country's--perhaps 3 times the rate. Maybe more. suicide is wrapped up in Japanese culture in a way I hope it never will be in this country. Typically, it's a measure used by older Japanese faced with old age and financial problems. But, over the last week, I've seen numerous press accounts of increased suicide among 20somethings in Japan, some of whom are forming death pacts over the Internet. I pass it along for what it's worth to you, because I sure don't know what to make out of it.