Mount Fuji - Japan |
Aokigahara is woodland at the
base of Mount Fuji in Japan. Also called the Sea of Trees; Aokigahara Forest is known for two things in
Japan: breath-taking views of Mount Fuji and suicides a destination for the
desperate is a place where the suicidal disappear, often never to be found in
the dense forest.
The forest has a historic association with demons in
Japanese mythology and is a popular place for suicides; 54 completed the act in
2010, despite numerous signs, in Japanese and English, urging people to
reconsider their actions.
Aokigahara and Saiko Lake, as viewed from Koyodai in 1995. |
BOOK COVER |
Signs emblazoned with messages such as "Please reconsider" and "Please consult the police before you decide to die!" are nailed to trees throughout the forest. However, the woods have such a reputation that these minor deterrents do little to stop the determined. Local residents say they can always tell who is going into the forest for its stunning natural beauty, who is hunting after the macabre and who is planning never to return.
A short tale:
Fortunately Taro survived to tell history but most people are never found again!