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Inside the Dark History of Aokigahara, Japan’s Most Haunted Forest
Japan’s “Suicide Forest”
At the core of Japan’s beautiful and majestic Mount Fuji lies a mystery of darkness, a place that has been shrouded in myth and legend for centuries. Aokigahara, known as Japan’s “Suicide Forest,” is a place where darkness and death are the norm, seeking those who are lost and desperate. But what is the reality behind this eerie and foreboding place?
Aokigahara is a dense forest that has grown on the hardened lava of Mount Fuji. It is an eerie and quiet place, where the trees are densely populated, making a thick cover that the sunlight barely penetrates beneath the top.
For centuries, the forest has been an intriguing place for many, and considered a place of supernatural happenings, where spirits and demons go hand-in-hand. It is believed to be a place of no return for the lost, as they are consumed by the darkness and confined in a world of shadows and despair.
The forest’s mysterious reputation began to take root in the early 20th century, when a book called as “Kuroi Jukai” (“The Black Sea of Trees”) was published. The book narrates tells the story of two lovers who commit suicide in the forest. The story of the book and its popularity cemented Aokigahara’s reputation as a place where people commit suicide.
Today, it is estimated that over 100 suicides take place in the forest every year, making it one of the most notorious suicide spots across the globe.
Stories and folklores aside, what drives people to take such drastic step in this mysterious forest?
The answer lies in the complicated and often painful history and backdrop of mental health issues in Japan. The country has had a long and complex relationship with mental health. Also, people tend to suffer in silence on their own due to the social stigma associated with mental health.
The immense pressure to perform, succeed and conform in Japanese society takes a toll on mental health of many. It leads to feelings of isolation, despair, and hopelessness.
For many, Aokigahara is a perfect spot to escape this maze, and end their suffering. Also, many believe that the supernatural power of the forest will protect…
