Following intense criticism, Tsurumi published a follow-up volume: Our Opinion about The Complete Manual of Suicide (Bokutachi no “Kanzen Jisatsu Manyuaru”). This second book compiled fan letters, hate mail, and reader responses to the original volume, helping to shift public attention toward the reasons people contemplate suicide rather than focusing exclusively on methods. The controversy eventually died down, though the original manual remains available in various forms.
Some of the concerns surrounding the book include:
The ethical and legal implications of sharing or accessing materials like "The Complete Manual of Suicide" are significant. Many jurisdictions have laws regulating the distribution of information that could be used to harm oneself or others. Ethically, there's a consensus among mental health professionals about the need to protect vulnerable individuals from harm. Some of the concerns surrounding the book include:
The book's publication triggered a firestorm of international controversy and significant legal battles, primarily centered on the ethics of its content.
The book's impact has been significant, with many expressing concerns about its potential to influence vulnerable individuals. Mental health experts argue that such a manual can have a "Werther effect," where it may inspire or encourage individuals to attempt suicide. including drug overdose
: The book's publication predated the internet boom and sparked massive public discussion, ultimately leading to tighter regulations and debates on media responsibility in Japan. Where to Find More
The government did not issue a nationwide ban, as the Japanese criminal code only explicitly censors graphical depictions of sexual organs, not text. The primary reaction came at the prefectural (local) level. Only 8 prefectures, out of 47, officially designated The Complete Manual of Suicide as yugaitosho , meaning "book harmful to youth". This designation restricted the sale of the book to minors but did not outlaw it. In a notable contrast, the Tokyo metropolitan government decided against imposing these restrictions. slashing the wrist/carotid artery
The text included ratings using visual elements (such as skull icons) and illustrations, which critics argued trivialized a severe public health issue, while defenders viewed it as dark, post-modern satire reflecting youth disillusionment.
It is essential to acknowledge that accessing or distributing the book's content must be done responsibly and with consideration for those who may be affected. Many countries have laws and regulations regarding the availability and discussion of suicide-related content.
The 198-page manual provides matter-of-fact assessments of 11 suicide categories, including drug overdose, hanging, self-defenestration (jumping), slashing the wrist/carotid artery, gas poisoning (including carbon monoxide poisoning), collision, and miscellaneous methods.
The book's availability in English, particularly as a PDF zip file online, has raised concerns about its potential impact on vulnerable individuals. Mental health experts, crisis centers, and online communities have expressed worries that the book's detailed descriptions of suicidal methods could be misused or misinterpreted, potentially leading to harm.