As many as 67 Nepali citizens have died in Japan over the past 10 months, including 25 suicides, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Most of the deceased were individuals who had travelled on student visas and were also working part-time.
The deaths were recorded between mid-July, 2025 and June 1, 2026.
While some cases list medical or other causes, many certificates state the reason as “unknown”.
Acting Nepali ambassador to Japan Harihar Kant Poudel said the rising number of deaths has made body management increasingly difficult.
“In some cases, families perform the funeral rites in Japan. In others, the embassy is not informed even after cremation,” he said.
Many students arriving for language studies on student visas have been taking up work.
However, they are not required to obtain labour permits from the Department of Foreign Employment. As a result, the Foreign Employment Board does not provide financial assistance for repatriation or related support when deaths occur outside the formal labour system.
According to the Non-Resident Nepali Association Japan, many students are under severe financial and psychological pressure due to high-interest loans taken in Nepal.
“Living costs in Japan are high, and earnings from 28 working hours a week are not enough for rent, food and tuition,” said NRNA Japan secretary Sachin Acharya.
“When families in Nepal demand loan repayments, it adds mental stress. Switching from student visas to work visas requires language proficiency and other conditions, which are difficult. This is contributing to rising suicides.” — The Kathmandu Post/ANN
