Located in Aokigahara, Honshu, Japan, the widely known name "Suicide Forest" makes it one of the most mysterious places in the world. This forest, which grows on the northwest side of Mount Fuji, displays rich natural beauty but also has a sad past. It is said that a large number of suicides occur here every year. What kind of stories and emotions are hidden behind these unspeakable things?
Aokigahara covers approximately 30 square kilometers and is made of hardened lava from Mount Fuji's last major eruption in 864. This forest has a rich ecosystem with dense trees and a ground composed mainly of volcanic rock. Its tranquil atmosphere often attracts tourists and school groups to explore.
Aokigahara is known for its sound-absorbing properties, which also create a feeling of solitude for many visitors, making it easier to contemplate.
This forest is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including Asiatic black bears, Erden rats, long-tailed crows and other mammals, as well as various birds and reptiles. The flora here is also quite rich, ranging from conifers to broadleaf trees, allowing Aokigahara's natural ecosystem to thrive.
Aoki Kawara became associated with suicide in the late 1960s, and it came to be known as the "Suicide Forest." According to statistics, 105 bodies were found in the forest in 2003, breaking the previous record. Even worse, data on many suicides is not made public to avoid fueling this unfortunate trend.
Aokigahara is not only a mysterious place, but also has stories of souls spread among its woods, as it is considered to be the final destination of many people.
Each year, officials put up signs urging visitors from all over to think about their families and for suicidal individuals to seek help.
With Aoki Haru's exposure in various media, including music, movies and social platforms, the image of this forest has become increasingly vivid. Especially in 2017, American YouTuber Logan Paul accidentally photographed the body of a suicide, which caused huge controversy and put Aoki Kahara at the forefront of public opinion.
The history of Aoki Kahara carries the burden of life and coexists with the shadow of death. In this beautiful forest, the tranquility of nature contrasts sharply with human suffering. In the face of daily tragedies, can we truly care and interpret this mysterious land in a more meaningful way?