Japan Appoints Loneliness Minister As Suicide Rate Skyrockets

In what could be called a novel initiative to combat social isolation and loneliness, Japan government has appointed Tetushi Sakamoto as Minister of Loneliness. Reportedly, the move was made amid the country's increasing suicide rates that skyrocketed in 11 years. Surprisingly, the October suicide toll of 2,153 deaths even surpassed the 1,765 COVID-19 deaths. Moreover, suicide rates among women have surged over by 70% in October.