From The Japan Times · Yaeko Kabe · · 50s
Japan changes language around parent-child deaths
Japan redefines suicide terms to clarify consent in child deaths.
In brief
Japan redefines suicide terms to clarify consent in child deaths. Japan updates language to distinguish parent-child suicides from child consent. Originally reported by The Japan Times.
Film 'Kokuho' uses term
The film 'Kokuho' features the term 心中 (shinjū, lovers' suicide) from Japan's theatrical work 'Sonezaki Shinjū'.
“「国宝」 (Kokuho, "National Treasure")”
Historical context of shinjū
Written by Chikamatsu Monzaemon (1653-1724), 'Sonezaki Shinjū' was first performed as a bunraku puppet play in 1703.
“「曽根崎心中」 (Sonezaki Shinjū, "The Love Suicides at Sonezaki")”
Shinjū means multiple deaths
The term 心中 (shinjū) describes lovers' suicides in literature and theater, with 心中物 (shinjūmono) for a category of such plays.
“心中物 (shinjūmono)”
Parent-child suicide term
The term appears in expressions like 一家心中 (ikka shinjū, family suicide), 親子心中 (oyako shinjū, parent-child suicide), and 無理心中 (muri shinjū, murder-suicide).
“親子心中 (oyako shinjū, parent-child suicide)”
Consent question
Can such deaths be considered suicides if the child is not old enough to consent?
“But can such deaths be considered suicides if the child is not old enough to consent?”
Here's the gist
Japan updates language to distinguish parent-child suicides from child consent.
