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T he alarm rang at 6 a.m. and off I went. After three hours of travel via subway, train and bus, I was standing outside a cafeteria, drinking coffee and looking at a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji. I started reflecting on what it is that pulls a person to Aokigahara, the “suicide forest” that lies at the base of the mountain. I had read somewhere that people working on its outskirts have learned to recognize the traits of someone who may make an attempt. I discourteously started looking around, try- ing to analyze the people to my left and right.