15 Things About Japan’s Suicide Forest That Will Terrify You

10. Japan’s Suicide Rates Are Some Of The Highest In The World

In 2008, when the entire world was in panic after the great financial crisis, people were in dire straits with their lives. 2,645 suicides were recorded in January 2009. That’s an increase of 15% when compared to the year before. According to the suicide prevention hotline in Japan, callers were most concerned with mental health, issues within their family, financial issues, and problems after losing their job. It can be hard to try and keep up with the world after losing your job, and it’s not uncommon. We see more people every day that have been laid off from their jobs and struggle to make it afterwards. They fight to make ends meet and sometimes they come up with no money at all. Therefore, it’s no surprise that when times get tough, people call a number they feel will help them before they end their life. It’s also important to remember that there are suicide lines all over the world. No one should ever feel alone in times of crisis.

9. A Novel Made Suicide At Aokigahara Very Popular

Japanese writer Seicho Matsumoto probably didn’t realize that the release of his book Kuroi Jukai would soon influence many people who would commit suicide at Aokigahara. The book was written in 1960 and details the story of a heartbroken woman who was once in love. In the story, she visits the famous Sea of Trees to commit suicide. The influence the story had on Japanese culture was phenomenal and it didn’t take away from looking at suicide in a whole new way. It provided a somewhat sinister iteration of the traditional idea of ending your life. People still talk about the story to this day. Among other books that involve suicide, The Complete Suicide Manual was found to be a popular book among those thinking about suicide and those who have already done so. It was also found on the bodies of multiple people throughout Aokigahara and describes the famous Sea of Trees as the perfect place to die.