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Aokigahara: The Truth Behind Japan's Suicide Forest
Aokigahara is a mystery. Born out of an explosion, its roots twist and turn, the dense trees seeming to swallow anything that enters it whole. In recent years it has gained renown as a “suicide forest,” but it wasn’t always this way. The Truth Behind Japan’s Suicide Forest is fully researched from Japanese sources and looks at the history of the Sea of Trees, how it came to be, and why it became known worldwide as a popular suicide spot. It looks at why people choose the forest, the procedures the police follow when a body is discovered, and how the government is trying to turn its current image on its head. Delve into the truth behind many of the forests terrifying legends, and discover why Aokigahara isn't just a “suicide forest,” but an important part of Japan’s spiritual and cultural history. Get ready to enter the Sea of Trees and uncover the real truth hiding in its dark depths.
150 pages, Paperback
Published September 4, 2019
66 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Tara A. Devlin
61 books158 followersTara A. Devlin studied Japanese at the University of Queensland before moving to Japan in 2005. She lived in Matsue, the birthplace of Japanese ghost stories, for 10 years, where her love for Japanese horror really grew. And with Izumo, the birthplace of Japanese mythology, just a stone’s throw away, she was never too far from the mysterious. You can find her collection of horror and fantasy writings at taraadevlin.com and translations of Japanese horror at kowabana.net.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 2, 2020
Tara Devlin provided an interesting read into Aokigahara (aka Suicide Forest). I loved how she was able to give pretty detailed information on how Mount Fuji and Aokigahara came to be. How the book flowed through truth and debunking myths. I was surprised at the amount of misconceptions I had about the true history and events surrounding Aokigahara.
The descriptions of the forest itself is amazingly done throughout. It shows the majestic forest in a light more than just creepy. I found myself in awe of the beauty that the forest must truly be.
I enjoyed hearing about the surrounding attractions both inside the forest and on the outskirts. The books shows how a bit of truth has at times taken on a life of its own, and produced so many misconceptions.
The book leaves me with a feeling of peace, with mystery still entwined. The Aokigahara forest is a place that I would love to visit, especially with all the knowledge this book has left me with. The caves, the scenery, the mystery, the attractions outside, the things left behind, and just the old villages and people must be amazing.
The descriptions of the forest itself is amazingly done throughout. It shows the majestic forest in a light more than just creepy. I found myself in awe of the beauty that the forest must truly be.
I enjoyed hearing about the surrounding attractions both inside the forest and on the outskirts. The books shows how a bit of truth has at times taken on a life of its own, and produced so many misconceptions.
The book leaves me with a feeling of peace, with mystery still entwined. The Aokigahara forest is a place that I would love to visit, especially with all the knowledge this book has left me with. The caves, the scenery, the mystery, the attractions outside, the things left behind, and just the old villages and people must be amazing.
June 1, 2021
I have always been intrigued and curious about the Aokigahara forest. As someone who studies and is interested in all manners of mass death, a place where people go to commit suicide stands out to me. I wanted to know more about this forest and how this happened and why.
So this book gave me what I wanted in that it gave me some information about the history and whatnot. It felt at times like it was glorifying the forest and what it is, and I realize in the end that it's exactly what the book was meant to do. Glorify the FOREST. Not the suicide part. This forest has deep history, deep beauty, and deep complexity. It is more than just a place where people go to die, and I am glad I learned more. I learned about the tourism, the forest nature itself, and the surrounding areas. It was an intriguing read.
It definitely had its faults. It's written in the format of a dissertation that was published, and was a bit repetitive in that case. It was already incredibly short but still could have had a few pages removed.
Overall a quick interesting read, and for any of you Kindle Unlimited readers, this is available on there!
So this book gave me what I wanted in that it gave me some information about the history and whatnot. It felt at times like it was glorifying the forest and what it is, and I realize in the end that it's exactly what the book was meant to do. Glorify the FOREST. Not the suicide part. This forest has deep history, deep beauty, and deep complexity. It is more than just a place where people go to die, and I am glad I learned more. I learned about the tourism, the forest nature itself, and the surrounding areas. It was an intriguing read.
It definitely had its faults. It's written in the format of a dissertation that was published, and was a bit repetitive in that case. It was already incredibly short but still could have had a few pages removed.
Overall a quick interesting read, and for any of you Kindle Unlimited readers, this is available on there!
October 19, 2023
This was a fantastic, factual walkthrough of the history of the 'suicide forest'. With many different ideas presented, and logical reasoning behind why rumors exist as well as an actual description of the sites around and throughout the forest. A short read to satiate curious minds about this natural beauty,the sea of trees.
July 10, 2024
Not bad, more a tourist book with some ghost stories but still makes me want to go there for a hike!
September 15, 2019
In the past it’s been very difficult to find credible, well-researched information on Aokigahara in English, but Tara A. Devlin has solved this problem. Using Japanese sources, Devlin provides a thoughtful "101" introduction to Aokigahara both before and after it became infamous as the Suicide Forest. Devlin investigates the geographic and social history of the area, considers how and why it transformed into a suicide destination, and carefully separates fact from fiction, debunking myths that have no basis in truth. Sections on the tourist destinations in and around Aokigahara, Aokigahara in popular culture, and the surprising items left in the forest are also fascinating. While this is a brief, popular, general book and isn’t meant to be an academic work with detailed citations, Devlin does provide a substantial and very useful bibliography. In short, this is the book on the Suicide Forest that I’ve been waiting for.
August 20, 2023
Highly informative. Easy to digest. Watch me dazzle you with my suicide forest knowledge. Lololol
April 14, 2025
I'm a big fan of Tara A. Devlin's podcasts and YouTube videos covering Japanese history, folklore and culture, and I've been wanting to get my hands on this book for a while, as she'd covered Aokigahara much more briefly in a podcast episode and I wanted to hear what else she had to say on the subject. So finding the audiobook on Spotify read by Tara herself was a genuine delight!
The book covers the geographical and cultural history (both ancient and modern) of the forest in excellent depth, discussing the sensitive nature of Aokigahara's reputation as a suicide spot with respect and straightforwardness, and debunking several common misconceptions that have sprung up about the forest over the years.
If you're interested in learning more about the Sea of Trees in its entirety, I highly recommend this book as an insight into a place quickly revealed to more vibrant than you may assume based on its reputation alone~
The book covers the geographical and cultural history (both ancient and modern) of the forest in excellent depth, discussing the sensitive nature of Aokigahara's reputation as a suicide spot with respect and straightforwardness, and debunking several common misconceptions that have sprung up about the forest over the years.
If you're interested in learning more about the Sea of Trees in its entirety, I highly recommend this book as an insight into a place quickly revealed to more vibrant than you may assume based on its reputation alone~
March 23, 2021
As the title suggests, Aokigahara: The Truth Behind Japan's Suicide Forest is a non-fiction book that looks at Japan's infamous suicide forest. However, it does more than just cover the forest's dark happenings.
The book is split into four sections. The first covers the origins of Aokigahara. The second covers what most people are probably reading this book for: how Aokigahara earned the nickname of "suicide forest." This is the longest section within the book. The third goes about demystifying the legends that have sprung up about the forest. It is the shortest section. The final one covers the features that one can find in the forest - both natural and leftovers from the tormented souls that venture within.
I quite enjoyed this book. Its short page count, along with breezy prose, makes for a quick read. It also accomplished what it set out to do. Doesn't try to stretch out information to create tension, nor tries to sensationalize Aokighara's darkness. In fact, it was very illuminating how people both in and outside Japan focus on the darker aspects of the forest, forgetting/ignoring that it is more than just a spot where people go to end their lives. It is a forest at the base of Mount Fuji, after all.
The book is split into four sections. The first covers the origins of Aokigahara. The second covers what most people are probably reading this book for: how Aokigahara earned the nickname of "suicide forest." This is the longest section within the book. The third goes about demystifying the legends that have sprung up about the forest. It is the shortest section. The final one covers the features that one can find in the forest - both natural and leftovers from the tormented souls that venture within.
I quite enjoyed this book. Its short page count, along with breezy prose, makes for a quick read. It also accomplished what it set out to do. Doesn't try to stretch out information to create tension, nor tries to sensationalize Aokighara's darkness. In fact, it was very illuminating how people both in and outside Japan focus on the darker aspects of the forest, forgetting/ignoring that it is more than just a spot where people go to end their lives. It is a forest at the base of Mount Fuji, after all.
December 2, 2022
This sa an interesting book about the Aokigahara forest located at the base of Mt. Fuji.
Aokigahara is known as "the suicide forest" because many people over the years have gotten lost on purpose in the forest to die by suicide.
The author delves into why people go there to die, as well as nentiuons why it is a goiod place to get purposely lost.
The forest's geography is detailed. Devlin also talks about various locations both human-made and natural that occur throughout the forest. She reminds the reader that the primary human use of the forest is tourism and not suicide,. So if you ever want to visit Mt. Fuji and make a pitstop at Aokigahara, she has you covered.
Aokigahara is known as "the suicide forest" because many people over the years have gotten lost on purpose in the forest to die by suicide.
The author delves into why people go there to die, as well as nentiuons why it is a goiod place to get purposely lost.
The forest's geography is detailed. Devlin also talks about various locations both human-made and natural that occur throughout the forest. She reminds the reader that the primary human use of the forest is tourism and not suicide,. So if you ever want to visit Mt. Fuji and make a pitstop at Aokigahara, she has you covered.
April 8, 2022
This started out so strong. It was interesting. It was informative. I was loving it. And then it started sounding like a travel guide. And then I wasn't loving it because I'm not going to Japan. I don't need to know places I can travel to. So if you want a book that is part travel guide you may enjoy it. I enjoyed the more historically significant information. So I split the rating in half since I only loved half the book.
May 29, 2022
Had a lot of information about the forest and its nature. Aokigahara has a bad rep for being the infamous suicide forest but overall the area is interesting and I cannot wait to see it myself one day!
July 28, 2023
The book has some interesting facts and insights but i found it a bit repetitive and the whole information could have been summed up in just a couple of pages. Also by the end it felt more like a tourist guide.
January 16, 2025
An absorbing book about the Sea of Trees, Aokigahara.
From its creation due to a volcano eruption to its modern infamy as a Suicide Forest. This book was full of interesting information about the myths, urban legends and true facts about Aokigahara.
A good read.
From its creation due to a volcano eruption to its modern infamy as a Suicide Forest. This book was full of interesting information about the myths, urban legends and true facts about Aokigahara.
A good read.
March 12, 2025
This was an insight into Aokigahara also known as the "Sea of trees." This goes into detail of the history, myths and urban legends as well as the dark events that happen here.
‼️Mentions of suicide‼️
‼️Mentions of suicide‼️
July 11, 2025
This is a true story of Japan's Suicide Forest, Aokigahara. The history behind the forest and how it gained worldwide notoriety. Tales of the suicides, the community around the forest, items found and how bodies are still being found there. I highly recommend this non-fiction book!
November 9, 2020
Nice gentle dive into a interesting topicc
Brief but informative this gives a nice overview of the history, legends and travel information on a fascinating sounding place.
Brief but informative this gives a nice overview of the history, legends and travel information on a fascinating sounding place.
August 19, 2021
Great book. Very informative. Gave the book 4 stars just because it was a little repetitive.
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April 5, 2024Interesting but badly written
January 4, 2020
Submitted and posted to deadheadreviews.com!
I’m sure you’re heard of Aokigahara in passing over the last few years. Maybe about 5 or 6 years ago, the stories about bodies found in the depths of the forest began to take root in the international public’s imagination, which has spurred a good many dark tourists to the area. However, though it is true that there are bodies to be found in amongst the trees, Tara A. Devlin took a deep dive into the history of Aokigahara and both the traditional and internet folklore surrounding it in order to better anchor your morbid perspectives in reality.
For those that don’t know Tara, she specializes in Japanese internet folklore, and often translates it for her website, Kowabana, and her podcast of the same name. I’ve been listening to her for years now, and the stories she finds are a special brand of creepy. They both educate on Japan while being relatable unnerving. When she announced that she was researching a book on Aokigahara, I can’t say that I was surprised. I bought it as soon as I was able and it didn’t disappoint.
If you’re wondering about the suicides that have made the forest an international sensation, she has the answers for you. From what could possibly be the trigger, to how quickly the bodies decay, to the search parties that try to find them. But what I found most interesting about her research is just how much else there is in Aokigahara. The forest essentially shouldn’t exist at all, and it’s so hard to navigate that you need tape to act as your breadcrumbs. There are also ponds and lakes with unexplored caves that have caused divers to meet their end. But in addition to that there are beautiful ice caverns that tourists from all over come to see, and it’s in the car park of these sites that the suicide victims are last seen.
Being a folklorist, Tara also brings up several rumors that circulate on the internet about the forest. A few of these internet legends are surprisingly true, while others you can’t validate one way or the other. Those latter ones are the kind that get under my skin, and I had a dream the other night about a bear ripping open a tent and dragging me away. And for those who are into true crime, Aum Shinrikyo makes an appearance, as well as some stories about the yakuza using the hard-to-navigate forest as a body dumping ground.
This is a wonderful non-fiction addition to any horror fan’s bookshelf. It’s informative, clear, and provides you with facts that will get under your skin and haunt your dreams.
4/5
I’m sure you’re heard of Aokigahara in passing over the last few years. Maybe about 5 or 6 years ago, the stories about bodies found in the depths of the forest began to take root in the international public’s imagination, which has spurred a good many dark tourists to the area. However, though it is true that there are bodies to be found in amongst the trees, Tara A. Devlin took a deep dive into the history of Aokigahara and both the traditional and internet folklore surrounding it in order to better anchor your morbid perspectives in reality.
For those that don’t know Tara, she specializes in Japanese internet folklore, and often translates it for her website, Kowabana, and her podcast of the same name. I’ve been listening to her for years now, and the stories she finds are a special brand of creepy. They both educate on Japan while being relatable unnerving. When she announced that she was researching a book on Aokigahara, I can’t say that I was surprised. I bought it as soon as I was able and it didn’t disappoint.
If you’re wondering about the suicides that have made the forest an international sensation, she has the answers for you. From what could possibly be the trigger, to how quickly the bodies decay, to the search parties that try to find them. But what I found most interesting about her research is just how much else there is in Aokigahara. The forest essentially shouldn’t exist at all, and it’s so hard to navigate that you need tape to act as your breadcrumbs. There are also ponds and lakes with unexplored caves that have caused divers to meet their end. But in addition to that there are beautiful ice caverns that tourists from all over come to see, and it’s in the car park of these sites that the suicide victims are last seen.
Being a folklorist, Tara also brings up several rumors that circulate on the internet about the forest. A few of these internet legends are surprisingly true, while others you can’t validate one way or the other. Those latter ones are the kind that get under my skin, and I had a dream the other night about a bear ripping open a tent and dragging me away. And for those who are into true crime, Aum Shinrikyo makes an appearance, as well as some stories about the yakuza using the hard-to-navigate forest as a body dumping ground.
This is a wonderful non-fiction addition to any horror fan’s bookshelf. It’s informative, clear, and provides you with facts that will get under your skin and haunt your dreams.
4/5
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February 29, 2020It would to be great to reviewing this book. Sad, but I'm from Europe, so I couldn't giving away or requesting or lending any books... It's very sad.. I'm very interested in Japanese culture, and this book about that (in)famous forest looks very interesting. But how could I read this book?
As far as I know this forest is also known as Jukai (Sea of Forest), and it locates at the base of Mt. Fuji. I bet it was a sacred forest and it was associated with different beliefs during the history, but due to the restricted web- or non-web-accession I don't know any sources about those times.
Beginning with Seicho Matsumoto's novel titled as Nami no Tou (Tower of Waves) published in 1960, this wonderful and dense forest - rich in butterflies, bats and caves - soon got a bad reputation as the "Suicide Forest."
Although there are more than 50 popular places for suicide (hot spots) in Japan, the media of different countries focuses to this forest so intensively that its name as Sea of Forest would to be lost soon, giving place to its infamous nickname...
As far as I know this forest is also known as Jukai (Sea of Forest), and it locates at the base of Mt. Fuji. I bet it was a sacred forest and it was associated with different beliefs during the history, but due to the restricted web- or non-web-accession I don't know any sources about those times.
Beginning with Seicho Matsumoto's novel titled as Nami no Tou (Tower of Waves) published in 1960, this wonderful and dense forest - rich in butterflies, bats and caves - soon got a bad reputation as the "Suicide Forest."
Although there are more than 50 popular places for suicide (hot spots) in Japan, the media of different countries focuses to this forest so intensively that its name as Sea of Forest would to be lost soon, giving place to its infamous nickname...
September 16, 2019
Fascinating and informative
I have been a student of Japanese language, customs, culture, and history for several years now, and it was enjoyable to learn about this famous forest in a no nonsense manner. so often stories about the forest are sensationalized, and I enjoyed this realistic treatment of the topic. Great for those looking for real information on this fascinating subject!
I have been a student of Japanese language, customs, culture, and history for several years now, and it was enjoyable to learn about this famous forest in a no nonsense manner. so often stories about the forest are sensationalized, and I enjoyed this realistic treatment of the topic. Great for those looking for real information on this fascinating subject!
December 8, 2019
It’s an informational read. I wanted to learn more about the forest, other than what it’s known for. The book did it’s job. My only complaint is that it kind of repeats itself throughout the chapters. Other than that, I discovered new places throughout the forest, as well as new history, and I can’t wait to visit here one day.
September 25, 2019
Looking forward to more nonfiction from this author!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews