The Complete Manual of Suicide, which has sold 1.2m copies since it was published six years ago, details 10 different ways to die. It is the right of every individual to kill themselves Author Turumi Wataru Readers can compare the pain and speed of hanging, electrocution and immolation, as well as pick up tips on where to do it and how to avoid detection.
Japan has one of the highest rates in the world.
Record unemployment, intense exam pressure and an ageing population are thought to be the main causes. And copies were found beside two young suicide victims in the capital this year, prompting police to demand that sales be limited to people over 18. The publishers put a warning on the cover that the book was not suitable for children and teenagers. But the author, Turumi Wataru, told the UK's Guardian newspaper that he wanted under-18s to read the book. They need it more than anyone.