April 19: Flash Fiction Challenge – The Final Forest Bathing
April 19, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about forest bathing. You can use the Japanese term, Shinrin Yoku, or you can make up your own ideas about the phrase. Go where the prompt leads.
Respond by April 24, 2018. Use the comment section below to share, read and be social. You may leave a link, pingback or story in the comments.
The Final Forest Bathing
Mr. Taniguchi hooked one end of the rope to his waist belt, attached the other to the entrance post of Aokigahara Forest located along the edge of Mount Fuji. He released the rolling rope as he proceeded, passing the sign of “No Entry.”
He saw many strings but found them ended in bushes. Hours into the patrol, he discovered a pair of weathered shoes. Brushing the leaves aside, a skeleton was revealed.
He took photos, got out several signs and nailed them on the trees. They read, “Don’t Commit Suicide. Your Life Is Precious.” He traced his way back.
Charli Mills Carrot Ranch – April 19: Flash Fiction Challenge
The Showers of Blessings 
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Thank you.
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Wonderful that he was trying to prevent them from happening. Suicide is so sad whenever and wherever it happens. You wrote it beautifully Miriam.
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Thank you, Irene! We watched him on documentary.
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Documentaries tell you so much that you don’t know then flashes pass that on to the rest of us.
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When we watched Food, Inc. It scared me that the cows were fed with dead cows.
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Yes it is frightening isn’t it. I think (but not 100% sure) that feeding dead animals to cows was one of the reasons for the mad cow disease outbreak.
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Yes, I remember that. The cow was dead down the road, it wasn’t in the farm. I don’t know what they think!!!
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My God, a forest as a favored venue for committing suicide? That’s crazy. But I guess if one was doing it, you could choose worse places.
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Yes, because of the nature of the forest, they won’t be found. They don’t want anyone to stop them.
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Very sad story, Miriam, but beautifully told. While I heed the warnings posted, if I were to choose, a forest would be a lovely place to die, but not before my time.
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My former supervisor’s mom had a favorite hiking spot. She wanted her ashes spread in that spot. I think she didn’t mind to die in that spot if she had a choice.
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I didn’t know about this. So sad. But beautifully written. I’m glad I found your blog through the Carrot Ranch Friday Challenge 🙂 Will explore more!
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Great writing about your dog. I’m sad it happened. Thank you for liking my flash fiction based on a true situation. The Carrot Ranch is a lovely place. 🙂
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Thank you. And yes, the Carrot Ranch really is a lovely place. 🙂
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You’re welcome. Thank you for stopping by. 🙂
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I had no idea people use the forest for suicide. What a sad statistic. Powerful piece of flash fiction.
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Thank you so much, it’s sad, Molly. Sorry that your comment went to the spam folder.
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That crazy spam folder – thanks for retrieving me from spam, Miriam.
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You’re welcome, Molly. I know, the spam folder works too hard, sometimes.
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I had no idea people commit suicide in a forest. What a sad statistic. Powerful piece of flash fiction.
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Incredibly sad. Some YouTubers have visited this site, semi-recently. One created a bit of a scandal. I wish Japan would step up and do more about this. They could easily staff some counselors in there, or some missionaries could camp out and listen to people. Something, people! We need to think outside the box. It really makes me upset.
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Yes, this forest is the second popular place in the world to commit suicide. my research showed that many people are not local. Yes, I wish something is done about this.
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I have read about forests being used as the best place to suicide in peace. There was an article about it. But is there anything worth throwing away your life for? I believe not.
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A lot of young people in Asia are under all kinds of pressure from their parents’ expectations. They don’t have anyone to talk to. Many of them just end their lives.
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Yes, I read about it and it is really very sad.
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Yes, hopefully the younger generation of parents have more understanding of their children and guide them instead of pressure them.
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Wow, I had not realized that statistic, Miriam. I can only hope that going out to the forest, one might have a change of intent. I like how you framed the story with a person out on patrol, posting a warning to others. Thanks for returning Shinrin Yoku to its original home.
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We watched the documentary years ago narrated by the forest ranger. The forest is second to Golden Gate Bridge as a popular suicide location. Even if the people changed their minds, they may not find their way back.
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Lost souls. How poignant.
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Very clever piece of writing, Miriam.
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Thank you, Ribbie! That forest is a second popular place to commit suicide with Golden Gate Bride in California being the number 1,
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