And that is a big difference - Christianity views suicide as disgraceful, punishable, and cowardly. Seppuku on the other hand is honorable and courageous. I'v

And that is a big difference - Christianity views suicide as disgraceful, punishable, and cowardly. Seppuku on the other hand is honorable and courageous. I've also heard of older Japanese committing suicide to ease burdens on the next generation. I would imagine just this difference in perspective would lend itself to very different rates all else being equal.