It is perhaps an unfortunate consequence of societies upholding honor and pride above all else, both for an individual and for the family. Japan may be an extreme example (irrespective of the exactness of the numbers as questioned by some in the responses), but the phenomenon of escaping from social pressures in some form exists in other societies too. Ever so often, religion serves as a refuge. Going through an ordeal that forces one to seek such a way out is not easy for others to understand without being judgmental. However, the complete erasure of one’s past identity and making up a new one is essentially creating an illusion that can end badly. One can escape the scrutinizing eyes of the world, but sadly not one’s own.