In Japan, there’s a place where authorities find 100 bodies a year, on average. At the base of the beautiful Mt. Fuji lies a dense forest area, formally named Aokigahara, but also referred to as the “Sea of Trees” or as the demon infested “Suicide Forest.” The thick trees block out most noise and extend for miles; getting lost is easy, and happens often, both intentionally and not. Because of this, authorities cannot put a final tally on how many bodies are still yet to be discovered in the deep caves and far corners of the forest.
To try and combat this alarming trend, Japanese police have mounted signs throughout the forest reading “Your life is a precious gift from your parents,” and “Please consult the police before you decide to die!” on trees throughout. To find out more about the Suicide Forest, VICE followed one man into the trees to see the forest first-hand.
