Sculpture by Jeff Kim
Angles of Aokigahara
Hydrocal (white gypsum cement), Steel and Aluminum
6' x 5'9"
May 2018
Dedicated to those who dwell in Aokigahara forest as they went there to find peace that they could not find in life. The locals who live in Yamanashi near Aokigahara call it Jukai which translate to Sea of Trees. The Aokigahara forest is about 13.5 square miles with old growth, over 300 years old and is green all year round. It is called Jukai because the forest seen from above looks like a rolling sea. We in the western society know it by a different name which I will not mention out of respect.
History
Aokigahara forest is in Japan and the forest has the unfortunate distinction of being a destination for people who are contemplating suicide. Since the 1950s, recorded suicides in the forest have been rising at an increasing rate of between 10 and 30 per year. In 2003, a record number of 105 suicide victims were discovered here.
Sad but true
Worlds most popular place to go to commit suicide.
Haunted by Lost Souls
People who go there stay there for ever. Hopefully they are no longer in pain and find peace there.