67 Nepalese D*e In Japan As Financial Pressure And Mental Health Concerns Grow

At least 67 Nepalese citizens d*ed in Japan between mid-July 2025 and June 1, 2026, including 25 su*cide cases, according to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Most of the cases involved Nepalese who had travelled to Japan on student visas, where many faced financial hardship, limited work hours, high living costs, loan pressure, and growing mental health challenges while trying to study and earn a living.

Officials say the rising number of de@ths has created serious challenges for both families and authorities. Acting Nepali Ambassador to Japan Harihar Kant Paudyal said repatriating a body from Japan to Nepal costs around Rs 1.2 million, while some families complete final rites in Japan without informing the embassy. In many cases, de@th certificates list the cause as “unknown,” while illness-related de@ths remain relatively low.

A major concern is the large number of Nepalese students working part-time while studying. Since these individuals enter Japan on student visas rather than labour permits, they are not covered by Nepal’s formal foreign employment support system. Because of this, families often struggle to access financial help when such cases happen abroad.

According to community leaders, many students arrive in Japan after taking high-interest loans in Nepal, expecting to recover costs quickly through work. However, Japan’s legal limit of 28 working hours per week for international students often makes it difficult to cover rent, tuition, food, and loan repayments. The pressure becomes worse when families in Nepal expect quick repayment, and students remain unsure about securing stable jobs or changing to work visas.

Japan is home to around 116,000 Nepali students, making Nepal the second-largest source of foreign students in the country after China. Overall, about 309,000 Nepalis live in Japan, making them one of the country’s major migrant communities. Community representatives and students say many newcomers arrive with unrealistic expectations created by some education consultancies, only to face high expenses, strong job competition, and the need for strong Japanese language skills.

Nepalese students currently living in Japan describe the balance between studies, work, visa rules, and financial pressure as extremely difficult. Some reportedly take multiple jobs despite legal restrictions, while others struggle to maintain attendance requirements needed for visa renewal. Community organisations have called for stronger support systems, better pre-departure information, and closer monitoring of students facing financial and psychological stress.

The Nepali Embassy in Japan says it can more easily assist workers who enter through approved labour channels because employers and agencies can be held accountable. However, tracking and supporting students and other migrants outside the formal labour approval system remains difficult, limiting help during emergencies.