@majes.tytyty, I really appreciate this post as it is quite an alarming issue here in Japan. I have not experienced having anyone close to me committing suicide or outrighted "admitting" to being bullied but the stories I have heard from friends and some foreign colleagues is rather hard to swallow.
The culture which says that "I want to be seen as a hard worker and as the ideal Japanese" has alot to do with this suicidal issue. I currently live and work in Japan and I have first hand experience wherein, I watch how their culture dictates how and when they work. It is like they never take a moment to breathe muchless to rest.
I sometimes feel so bad when I see the cries in their eyes. I always try to remind them to take some rest especially when I depart from work for the weekend. Or if I can catch them in a free five minutes, I try to talk to them about things not related to work or try to crack a joke or something, just to get a smile or a breath of fresh air.
It is like a never ending cycle of work here and a topic that will stay on tongues for years to come.
Yes, it's tough to see them overworked or bullied or driven to extreme reactions. So, anything you can do is honorable and noble.
Of course, living and working within the only culture they know, it may be difficult for them to realize that they have an option. And if you can show them that they have options, and that they do not have to tolerate any BS, then great for you, and hopefully, great for them.
Yeah, thats so true....most of them only know this right here....it is what they came to know. I hope some change will come and soon.