Even as the number of suicides in Japan last year slipped below 30,000 for the first time in 15 years, the situation remains serious, with nearly 80 people still committing suicide per day in the country.

The modest improvement in the National Police Agency's suicide data has been attributed to a variety of nationwide measures introduced since the 2006 enactment of the basic law on suicide prevention.

Many experts involved say efforts begin with counseling and unequivocally call for bringing support to those needing it.