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Serial Tree Killer on the Loose in Western Japan, 14 “Sacred Trees” Poisoned So Far

Serial Tree Killer on the Loose in Western Japan, 14 “Sacred Trees” Poisoned So Far

Scattered across the landscape of Japan are Shinto shrines of various shapes and sizes.  In many of the larger shrines you’ll find one or more especially old trees known as Goshinboku which means “sacred tree.”

Sacred trees are usually massive in size and centuries old with some reportedly over 1,000 years old.  You can usually tell them from the shimenawa wrapped around their trunks. A shimenawa is an extremely thick rope which encloses something holy and wards off evil from outside.

These age-old trees are beautiful specimens of nature’s strength and longevity and add an extra level of serenity to their shrines.  However, in the past month someone or some group has been killing off these sacred trees of shrines in 5 separate prefectures in Japan’s mid-west.

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Goats on a Tree

Goats on a Tree

You wander the Moroccan desert lost, dehydration and the scorching sun draining the life from your body more and more with each passing moment.

An oasis appears. A pool of water at the base of a lush tree promise relief from the heat and hope that you may yet find your way home.

You run towards the oasis but then stop suddenly. Did that tree just bleat at me?

You rub your eyes and, as the illusion evaporates into the unforgiving sun, you realize: that tree isn’t covered in foliage, it’s covered in goats. And that pool of water? That’s goats too.

You murmur to yourself: What the $!&#.

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