Japan establishes Ministry of Loneliness

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has appointed Regional Development Minister Tetsushi Sakamoto as a part-time minister of loneliness, Report informs, citing TASS.

The minister's position responsible for the problems of single residents appeared in the Japanese government for the first time.

"We are talking about solving social problems that are manifested due to the aging of a society with a low birth rate. It also includes the problem of suicide, especially among women and young people," Kato said.

According to the Secretary-General of the Cabinet of Ministers, the problems of single residents have worsened in the country during the pandemic. In 2020, the number of suicides in Japan increased for the first time in 11 years, reaching 20,919. According to experts, during the epidemic, the lack of employment and the increased burden of caring for children and the home increase stress levels.