[GoNative]

I agree with MMM that suicide is viewed quite differently here. For one there's none of the religious conotations of not being able to get into heaven that we have in Christian nations. Even in not so religious western nations there is generally a long history of religious influence which has coloured thinking on suicide as a sin.
In Japan there is a long history of suicide being an honorable thing to do if you have shamed/dishonored yourself, family or community. I guess it doesn't quite have the same stigma associated with it as in the west. Still don't think any of that makes it any easier for surviving family members. It's always devastating for them.