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The Ghost Legend of Kawara Aoki: Do you know what secrets this forest hides?
Aoki Kahara, also known as the Sea of Trees, is located on the north west slope of Mount Fuji on Honshu Island in Japan. It is a forest covering an area of 30 square kilometers. The forest grew on solid lava formed by Mount Fuji's last major eruption in 864. Although there are several winter ice caves to the west of Aokigahara, which attract many tourists and outside schools, its reputation has become notable due to its association with suicides.
Aokigahara is considered the most famous suicide spot in Japan and has been given the title "Suicide Forest" since the 1960s. This forest of tranquility is believed to be home to ghosts, where, according to Japanese mythology, the souls of the dead live like shadows in the moonlight, hidden and mysterious. Deep in this forest, sound is absorbed by the porous lava rocks, which, combined with the dense trees, all add to a feeling of caution and loneliness.
"There is an incredible quietness here, and sometimes it makes people feel as if the world around them is disappearing."
Geographical environment
The bottom of this jungle is mainly composed of volcanic rocks. Visitors can follow designated trails to several tourist attractions such as Narusawa Ice Cave, Fugaku Wind Cave, and Kosai Bat Cave. Although there are rumors that this forest will cause the compass to malfunction, in fact, this phenomenon is only due to the natural magnetism of the lava and does not affect the function of holding the compass at normal altitudes.
In addition, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has been conducting military training in Aokigahara since 1956, and its sophisticated navigation training also proves the challenging and diverse terrain of this land.
Biodiversity
Aokigahara has a rich ecosystem with a variety of native plants and animals. Among them, mammals such as Asiatic black bears, red foxes and Japanese sika deer roam freely on this land. Similarly, the birdlife here is also very diverse, including many types of woodpeckers, tree thrushes, and various finches.
"This forest is not only a refuge for the soul, but also for flora and fauna."
Suicide problem
The connection between Aoki Kawara and suicide has attracted widespread attention in recent years, especially in 2003, when the police discovered 105 corpses here, setting a record. According to reports, suicides are particularly frequent at the end of Japan's fiscal year. The authorities placed notices at the entrance to the forest urging suicidal tourists to seek help, reflecting the importance society attaches to the issue.
Local officials have chosen not to publish suicide data in an attempt to reduce the connection between Aoki Kahara and suicide. However, reporters, volunteers and police have continued to conduct annual searches since 1970 in an effort to increase public awareness of the suicide problem.
"What Aoki Kahara has given rise to is not only the legend of ghosts, but also a series of mental health crises worthy of consideration by the whole society."
Aoki Hara in the media
Kahara Aoki appears frequently in a variety of media, including film, literature, and music. In particular, there are many literary and artistic works that depict this place as a mysterious and sad place. For example, "The Tower of Waves" written by the novelist Matsumoto Seicho clearly depicts the ghostly qualities of this place. The video of American YouTuber Logan Paul in 2017 brought the world's attention to this issue. Although it was widely criticized, it also prompted people to re-examine the issue of suicide.
Like the history of Aokigahara, will the multiple faces of this land and the stories hidden behind them give us a deeper understanding and reflection on life and death?
