TOKYO, April 27 (Reuters) - Japan's government on Friday pledged to cut the country's suicide rate -- one of the highest among industrialised nations -- by 20 percent in 10 years in a proposal that suggested more support for the poor and depressed.

If the target is achieved, Japan's suicide rate will be reduced to 19.4 persons per 100,000 people in 2016 from 24.2 in 2005, meaning that about 5,000 lives will be saved.

In 2005, a total of 32,552 Japanese committed suicide, exceeding the 30,000 mark for the eighth straight year, according to government data.

Experts say the economic slump over the past decade, combined with the absence of religious prohibition against suicide have resulted in the high number of people taking their own lives.

Traditionally, suicide has also been a way to escape failure or save loved ones from embarrassment or financial loss.

The draft proposal mentioned the need to provide support and counselling for those suffering from economic hardship and to detect and treat people with depression promptly.

It also suggested a deeper investigation into what caused the suicides, and said support should be given to families of those who took their lives as well as to those who have attempted suicides.

The government will finalise the proposal into a policy outline next month after gathering public opinion.

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