The Complete Manual of Suicide by Wataru Tsurumi: How This Book Changed the Suicide Culture in Japan and Beyond

The Complete Manual of Suicide by Wataru Tsurumi.pdf: A Controversial and Influential Book on How to End One's Life

Suicide is a complex and sensitive topic that affects millions of people around the world. Some people view suicide as a personal choice, a human right, or a way to escape from unbearable pain. Others see suicide as a tragedy, a sin, or a sign of mental illness. Regardless of one's opinion, suicide is a reality that cannot be ignored or dismissed.

The Complete Manual Of Suicide By Wataru Tsurumi.pdf

One of the most notorious and controversial books on suicide is The Complete Manual of Suicide by Wataru Tsurumi, a Japanese author who wrote this book in 1993. The book sold more than one million copies and sparked a lot of debate and controversy in Japan and beyond. The book provides detailed descriptions and analysis of various suicide methods, as well as the author's philosophy and perspective on suicide.

In this article, we will explore what The Complete Manual of Suicide is, who Wataru Tsurumi is, why he wrote this book, and what impact it had on society and culture. We will also provide some critical perspectives on the book and its author, as well as some resources and alternatives for people who are suicidal or struggling with mental health issues.

What is The Complete Manual of Suicide and who is Wataru Tsurumi?

The Complete Manual of Suicide (完全自殺マニュアル, Kanzen Jisatsu Manyuaru) is a Japanese book written by Wataru Tsurumi (鶴見 済), a writer who focuses on the problem of "hardness of living" in Japanese society. The book was first published on July 4, 1993, and sold more than one million copies.

The book is intended to be a manual for people who want to commit suicide, providing them with practical information and advice on how to end their lives in a quick, easy, and painless way. The book covers 11 suicide methods, such as overdosing, hanging, jumping, slashing, collision, gas poisoning, electrocution, drowning, self-immolation, freezing, and miscellaneous. For each method, the book rates different aspects of suicide, such as painfulness, gruesomeness of the body, probability of failure, costs in event of failure, trouble/inconvenience to others, impact, and deadliness. The book also uses graphs, tables, and illustrations to present information in a clear and concise way.

Wataru Tsurumi is a Japanese writer who was born in 1964. He graduated from Waseda University with a degree in literature. He is known for writing about the difficulties and challenges of living in modern society, especially in Japan. He has written several books and essays on topics such as suicide, death, loneliness, alienation, violence, crime, and social issues. He is also a critic of the Japanese government, media, education system, and culture. He advocates for individual freedom, human rights, and social justice.

Why did he write this book and what is his philosophy behind suicide?

According to Wataru Tsurumi, he wrote this book because he wanted to make the society an easier place to live by providing people with an option to escape from their pain and suffering by committing suicide. He also wanted to challenge the social pressure and expectations that force people to live strong and endure hardships. He did not intend to encourage or discourage suicide, but rather to present it as a personal choice and a human right.

In the postscript of the book, he says: "To think that at the worst crucial moment one can escape from the pain by committing suicide, one can live for the moment easier. So by distributing this book, I want to make this stifling society an easier place to live. That is the goal of this book. And I never intend to encourage readers to commit suicide."

He also poses the question "Why must one live?" and argues that there is no inherent meaning or purpose in life, and that people are free to choose whether to live or die. He criticizes the society for imposing values and norms on people that make them unhappy and miserable. He says: "The reason why one wants to die is because one's life is too long. People have been brainwashed since childhood that they have to live even if they don't want to."

He also expresses his sympathy and understanding for people who are suicidal or depressed, and says that he does not judge them or blame them for their decision. He says: "I don't think that people who commit suicide are weak or cowardly. They are just people who have different values from the society. They are not wrong, they are just different."

How did this book become controversial and influential in Japan and beyond?

The Complete Manual of Suicide caused a lot of controversy and debate in Japan and beyond when it was published. Some people praised the book for its honesty, courage, and insight into the issue of suicide. They saw the book as a valuable resource and a source of comfort for people who are suicidal or depressed. They also agreed with the author's philosophy and criticism of the society.

However, many people condemned the book for its irresponsibility, immorality, and danger. They saw the book as a harmful and offensive work that glorifies and promotes suicide. They also disagreed with the author's philosophy and perspective on life. They argued that the book could influence vulnerable people to commit suicide or copy the methods described in the book.

The Japanese government and some prefectures tried to censor or ban the book by designating it as a book harmful to youth (yuugaitosho), which restricts the sale of books to minors. However, some prefectures, such as Tokyo, decided against doing so. The Japanese criminal code does not censor books unless they contain graphical depictions of sexual organs.

The book also had an impact on the suicide rate and culture in Japan. Japan has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, with more than 20,000 people dying by suicide every year. The book was found along with many bodies of people who committed suicide, including several cases of junior high school students. The book also inspired some people to form suicide pacts or groups online or offline.

The book also influenced other works of art and media related to suicide. For example, the book was referenced or mentioned in several manga (Japanese comics), anime (Japanese animation), novels, films, songs, and video games that deal with suicide or related topics.

What are some critical perspectives on the book and its author?

While The Complete Manual of Suicide is a controversial and influential book on suicide, it is not without flaws or criticisms. Here are some critical perspectives on the book and its author:

• The book is based on the author's personal opinions and experiences, which may not be accurate or applicable to everyone. The book does not provide any scientific or medical evidence or research to support its claims or ratings of different suicide methods. The book also does not consider the ethical, legal, social, or psychological implications or consequences of suicide.

Conclusion

The Complete Manual of Suicide by Wataru Tsurumi is a controversial and influential book on suicide that provides detailed descriptions and analysis of various suicide methods, as well as the author's philosophy and perspective on suicide. The book was written in 1993 and sold more than one million copies in Japan and beyond. The book sparked a lot of debate and controversy in the society and government, as well as affected the suicide rate and culture in Japan. The book also inspired other works of art and media related to suicide or related topics.

While the book is a unique and provocative work that challenges the conventional views and norms on suicide, it is also a flawed and biased work that does not provide any scientific or medical evidence or research to support its claims or ratings of different suicide methods. The book also does not consider the ethical, legal, social, or psychological implications or consequences of suicide. The book may influence vulnerable people to commit suicide or copy the methods described in the book.

Therefore, we should not take this book as a definitive or authoritative guide on suicide, but rather as a personal opinion and expression of the author. We should also be aware of the potential harm and danger that this book could cause to ourselves or others. We should also seek help and support from professionals or trusted people if we are suicidal or struggling with mental health issues.

Suicide is not a simple or easy solution to one's problems. It is a permanent and irreversible action that affects not only oneself but also others. There are always alternatives and coping strategies for people who are considering suicide. There is always hope and possibility for change and improvement in one's life. There is always value and meaning in one's life.

FAQs

Where can I find The Complete Manual of Suicide by Wataru Tsurumi.pdf online?

The Complete Manual of Suicide by Wataru Tsurumi.pdf is not available online legally or officially. The book is out of print and hard to find in physical form as well. However, there are some unofficial websites or sources that may have uploaded or shared the book online illegally or without permission. We do not recommend or endorse these websites or sources, as they may contain viruses, malware, or inappropriate content. We also do not recommend or endorse reading this book online or offline, as it may be harmful or dangerous to oneself or others.

Is The Complete Manual of Suicide banned or censored in Japan or other countries?

The Complete Manual of Suicide is not banned or censored by the Japanese government or criminal code, as it does not contain any graphical depictions of sexual organs, which are the only criteria for censorship in Japan. However, some prefectures in Japan have designated the book as a book harmful to youth (yuugaitosho), which restricts the sale of books to minors. Some other countries may have different laws or regulations regarding books on suicide or related topics, so it may be illegal or restricted to possess, distribute, or sell this book in some countries.

What are some other books or resources that deal with suicide or related topics?

There are many other books or resources that deal with suicide or related topics from different perspectives and approaches. Some of them are informative, educational, supportive, inspirational, fictional, artistic, or critical. Here are some examples of such books or resources:

• The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus: A philosophical essay that explores the absurdity of human existence and the question of suicide.

• Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide by Kay Redfield Jamison: A comprehensive and compassionate book that examines the psychological, biological, cultural, and social aspects of suicide.

• Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig: A memoir that recounts the author's personal experience with depression and suicidal thoughts, and how he overcame them.

• Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher: A novel that tells the story of a teenage girl who commits suicide and leaves behind 13 tapes explaining why she did it.

• The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides: A novel that narrates the lives and deaths of five sisters who commit suicide in a suburban neighborhood.

• Samaritans: A charity that provides emotional support to anyone who is suicidal or in distress.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: A network of crisis centers that provides free and confidential support to anyone who is suicidal or in crisis.

• World Health Organization: An international organization that provides information and resources on suicide prevention and mental health.

How can I help someone who is suicidal or struggling with mental health issues?

If you know someone who is suicidal or struggling with mental health issues, you can help them by doing the following:

• Listen to them and show them that you care and understand.

• Ask them if they have a plan or intention to harm themselves, and if they do, try to remove or limit their access to lethal means.

• Encourage them to seek professional help or support from a doctor, therapist, counselor, or crisis center.

• Stay with them or contact someone who can stay with them until they are safe and stable.

• Follow up with them and check on their well-being regularly.

• Avoid judging, blaming, or criticizing them for their feelings or actions.

• Avoid giving advice, solutions, or opinions that may make them feel worse or pressured.

• Avoid minimizing, dismissing, or ignoring their problems or feelings.

What are some alternatives or coping strategies for people who are considering suicide?

If you are considering suicide, you should know that you are not alone and that there are people who care about you and want to help you. You should also know that there are alternatives and coping strategies for people who are considering suicide. Here are some of them:

• Call a suicide prevention hotline or crisis center and talk to someone who can listen and support you.

• Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, teacher, counselor, or anyone who can help you and be there for you.

• Seek professional help or treatment from a doctor, therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist who can diagnose and treat your mental health condition.

• Join a support group or community of people who have similar experiences or challenges as you.

• Engage in activities that make you happy, relaxed, or fulfilled, such as hobbies, sports, music, art, volunteering, etc.

• Practice self-care and wellness habits that improve your physical and mental health, such as eating well, sleeping well, exercising regularly, meditating, etc.

• Set realistic and achievable goals and work towards them step by step.

• Express your feelings and thoughts in a healthy and constructive way, such as writing, drawing, talking, etc.

• Find meaning and purpose in your life by discovering your passions, values, strengths, talents, etc.

• Seek spiritual guidance or comfort from your faith or beliefs.

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