Japan goes on student suicide watch as school term starts

As Japan's school term begins, parents like Sayoko are increasing their vigilance over their children, particularly those entering junior high school. Sayoko is closely monitoring her 13-year-old son in Yokohama, who is adjusting to his first year of junior high. While her son is academically on track and popular due to his athletic skills, Sayoko's own difficult experiences at that age prompt her heightened awareness of his emotional well-being. She is concerned about potential unhappiness, recalling her own struggles with sports and friendships during her youth. This increased parental attention stems from a desire to prevent children from reaching a state of desperation, as highlighted by Sayoko's fear of her son feeling so desperate that suicide becomes their only perceived option.