The tape recording they found will give you CHILLS

[@silentscope47]

InGen logo 4:24

[@Unknown-yn6fq]

Congrats

[@saralynn518]

I don’t know what that is, but I do know someone can find a sharpie and mark the false rock. Or more likely chip away at it so it’s not similar!!

[@expo_pkmn]

Nice one!

[@RocketDraco47]

Nice mate 👌

[@ericswatzell2470]

thats what i was refering too lol

[@geeleduc]

At first I was like ‘oh goodie they found the two hikers’ then I was quickly reminded that i’m a fan of the Strange, Dark and mysterious delivered in story format..

[@britneymarsh6320]

I was thinking the exact thing 😂

[@kingofkingstm1]

Lmao the best comment

[@mindyeden8269]

That sums it up just perfect!

[@traceyventurehhs239]

Hee hee, me too 🤣🤣🤣

[@BuzzedNinja12]

This comment made me actually laugh out loud

[@alonedownthere47]

"i can assure you, cutting down a tree with an axe is harder than you think" this guy owns 200 flannel shirts, you have to believe him

[@glizzygoblin1933]

😭😭underated

[@cchuro4689]

You have to punch it with your fist then make a planks than make those planks into a crafting table then make some sticks with planks then get three planks and 2 sticks to make a axe

[@Metalheaddude683]

It's not as easy as doing it with a chainsaw, But I have done it before, It's a lot more challenging but it is doable.

[@kaitlynturtlee]

Lmfaooooo for real

[@ASHERUISE]

Though I think birch trees would be easier than most at least.

[@fuckyoutube8747]

The fact that no one has removed false rock or put an engraving on the real one is just mind blowingingly stupid to me

[@AdrienneMint]

Agreed

[@edelleaa]

i don't understand why there aren't markings on the hiking trail... isn't that a common thing in every country? a simple marking on that rock would save lives...

[@pillaridha]

maybe its a sacred stuff that japanese people believe to not to disrupt the "god's playground"

[@raymondjames9451]

@@pillaridha the gods played kenji

[@MarblesSoda]

@@raymondjames9451 bruhh xD

[@joehendrix8442]

Seems like they can save alot of lives by just posting a sign saying "NOT SAFE ROCK" or "FLASE SAFE ROCK"

[@goldminer1772]

the one issue is that the Japanese are very spiritual and because this was in the "mountain of the gods" one can assume that the land is somewhat sacred to them and any "man made" items could be seen as bad luck or something else to anger the gods. Or this was in the 1980s with very poor safety measures in place unlike today where if you climb 2 meters without being trained can get you in trouble

[@brandonroberts13]

Dynamite works too

[@mandalorianmama]

Right??? I'm listening to this thinking like bruh just post some signs!

[@redwolfcanisrufus]

Legit just got done saying that to the person listening to the story with me :😀

[@ElizabethBattle]

Exactly! I keep wondering why park officials do not mark false safe rock in some way.

[@cassini4052]

It's incredibly sad to think that whoever built that SOS signal perished despite their best efforts, but it really is incredibly fortunate that that signal saved the lives of those two men years later.

[@WebHead18]

"Should we put a sign on False Rock?" "Nah, this'll be funnier"

[@jfiyibclfjvqdcx6426]

Hahahahaha..lmao

[@jfiyibclfjvqdcx6426]

U whites are hella smart

[@alpine_newt]

I was thinking this while watching. There must be a reason they don't.

[@marisakennedy777]

@@alpine_newt A sign would ruin the natural wildness look of the mountain. Which is more important than saving idiots from a dramatically horrible death.

[@riftvallance2087]

Caution" death rock", or "unsafe rock " if you prefer subtlety.

[@sirridesalot6652]

I just watched this again. Even without signage there's a huge warning that you've gone onto the wrong trail. That warning is the bamboo forest. If you're on a trail and you come to a bamboo forest after passing what looks like Safe rock, then you know you're on the wrong trail. Don't enter that bamboo forest; turn around instead and go back.

[@carlrogers8678]

I tend to think that these people purposely took the wrong trail to see where it would go. Lord knows I've done it a few times. Wait. I have a much better story of my scout friend and I getting lost in Ressica Falls Scout Reservation in the Pocaco Mountain range, Pennsylvania. We made it out eventually by following moss on the trees to the north. Good thing we were scouts but this trip took us a day and a half and there were many moments where we thought we would never get out.

[@TomAS-wm5mn]

makes sense, but these incidents happened years ago, and were not well known, or thought the trail went into the forest,

[@tomirab]

The "bamboo forest" mentioned here is actually sasa, it looks more like thick, tall, dense grass, which can grow to different heights. Which is why it's so effective at trapping hikers - it grows in a downward direction, so it's not impossible to follow its path, but if you try to go back up, it pushes against you. In the recording the man says "The sasa is deep, can't go up", so it wasn't that he ignored the "forest" to get trapped by steep cliffs; most likely he started to descend via what seemed an innocent enough growth, and by the time he realized this is not the right path, he could turn around. Interestingly enough, there were two Japanese reporters covering the case who got trapped in exactly the same way and had to get airlifted from their position.

[@СолнечныйПарус-р7щ]

@@carlrogers8678 Did you also wrong turn behind your Pennsylvania false safety rock in the Pennsylvania forest??🤪😵‍💫

[@carlrogers8678]

@@СолнечныйПарус-р7щ yes. Yes I did. I need help. I am turning my life force over to you immediately.

[@rwdonohue]

Fun fact: John wears his baseball cap backwards to make himself more aerodynamic in order to control his accidental takeoff when he uses too many “air quotes”.

[@MrBallen]

Hahahah

[@Asherm19]

Lmao

[@GeoRell]

🤣🤣🤣

[@kylie2648]

Omg that's Gold mate love it

[@jasminejones9937]

I wouldn't be surprised 😁

[@sandyclaws5247]

If the SOS has been there for 5 years.... I kinda feel like people haven't been looking very hard, for anyone, or anything.

[@TheKkf1015]

yeah that kinda sums up Japan's police force honestly

[@LynnCochran71]

Mhm..5 yrs and all those planes and helicopters that fly over but Nobody saw it... 🤔

[@Fudge-picker]

It's like looking for a needle in a haystack. This isn't someone's back yard they're searching

[@gfdchugh]

@@lemr88 they probably think that if someone dug or recovered those body they will do another work for some dead people anyway 😅 they are really lazy like most police are 😂

[@LadyTarasque]

​@@lemr88 There are volunteers that sweep for bodies and people who haven't acted yet.. no need for police to get involved (unless I suppose there's something suspicious about a death). Also it's time consuming.. can't just blindly go wandering around looking for bodies lest you get yourself lost.

[@Dutchfalco]

"False Safe Rock" sounds way too innocent, I'd go for 'Doom Straight Ahead Rock'.

[@MrBallen]

Fact

[@thechillgaurdian427]

DEATH ROCK

[@diyardley5213]

Someone needs to blow up false safe rock - it's costing too many lives.

[@s1ckend]

"Bring your own logs rock "

[@somebodyiusedtoknow6567]

This is not the rock you are looking for .....

[@PKMNTrainerWilson]

I like that he converts measurements and places them in the subtitles, additionally, the fact they hang around for a decent amount of time is nice too. Overall, Mrballen is the best 😂

[@vanessamartz7596]

So, Can the Hokkaido authority chisel " False Rock" on the wrong rock? Just saying.

[@cuboidbirdsgaming1100]

“A lot of people seem to be getting lost at that rock. Should we put a sign there?” “Nah, that’s stupid.”

[@susieturk1]

Hahaha oh you have to much common sense. I mean come on.... 😉

[@svampebob007]

I sometimes think that people are getting dumber, but then I realize humans are generally not too bright and are actually getting slightly more clever? I mean read all the comments suggesting that, are you telling me that NOBODY had though of that until relatively recently? (apparently it's pink with reflectors now)

[@svampebob007]

@@dandy-dani that's what I gathered from the comments here, I don't know if they put sings at the flase rock telling people they got it wrong, but apparently they made the real rock visible in day and night time. I would love to hear all the reasons why this was not done earlier.

[@shelia-paulettegarnerrober4355]

I was thinking the same thing!!!!

[@shelia-paulettegarnerrober4355]

Have they ever thought a sign might help???? Wow lol

[@michaelharper7856]

They really should write "This is not the safe rock" on the rock.

[@antoniomessina7308]

Has to be preventable lmao

[@C2O4]

Unsafe rock

[@theentrepreneur8751]

Simple, yet genius 👏

[@rosalia4770]

Fr!!

[@franklinsfriend2035]

Duh!!!

[@Adays810]

Stories like this one and the previous one (where the man got trapped in a ravine while hiking) about people being saved by the tragedy of the person before them, always get me worked up. It makes the person's death mean something in the end and that it wasn't for nothing. A bitter-sweet ending.

[@alonedownthere47]

true but i was sent by the way that pilot said "it's a good thing you made that sign, if you hadn't done that you probably would've died!" *cut to the guy that made the sign*

[@amiller7764]

Was thinking this exactly!

[@MyChinton]

hey Mrballen just wanna say thanks for not having any swear words in all your videos. it allows me to comfortable chill out with the fam knowing that nothing rude is going to come out of your mouth. thanks man. love from Australia 🦘

[@johnscanlon2598]

The Why files is another clean good one

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

Same. And yes the Why Files are awesome too!

[@MontagZoso]

Cool, I will check out that channel, thanks!

[@Dicktater01]

Fuck yeah dude ❤

[@laurenblasik211]

I agree!!! I didn't even let people say "shut up in my house"" I do not want my family or myself to be assaulted by such language

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

Hearing the actual voice clip gave me absolute chills, you can truly hear the despair in his voice

[@MarsTheFourthPlanet]

found ya again bruh

[@mrknarf4438]

Ah, mustacheless guy, we meet again. You've changed your channel's banner?

[@i5879]

Oh hey it's you

[@Definitely_Hawks]

Oh no, you're a magician that magically appears everywhere

[@DankDaHerbalist]

@@jynx3978 😂

[@JamesBiggar]

It would have been a struggle on his own if the logs were freshly cut. They'd weigh a lot. But it's not that unbelievable, especially if the logs were cut previously by someone else and left behind. Maybe they wanted to build themselves a cabin and gave up. Who knows. But what isn't likely is that the lost hiker had an axe to cut them with. My guess is the logs were cut years prior, left to rot and dry out, which made them much easier to handle. Unlike most areas in Japan, Hokkaidō isn't affected by the rainy season so summers tend to be drier there. Just speculating from experience working in the woods.

[@korcidiamond3623]

Yet the odds of there actually laying the perfect amount of logs to build SOS. Crazy.

[@nomdeplume5446]

@@korcidiamond3623 yes, but there could’ve been more logs that weren’t used near the other birch trees.

[@617wax]

Thought the same thing - super common actually.

[@AlexChangsan]

@@cannabiscraftsman1278 he's just saying his Opinion Dumbo,xd

[@617wax]

@@korcidiamond3623 There we’re definitely way more logs than be needed if they were cut down previously to harvest later.

[@cas4040]

Why don’t they just put a sign saying “wrong way” or “this rock is a liar”

[@rudolf895]

Same thought or just destroy the fake Rock

[@zambachoo]

This was in the 80’s though surely there’s one now

[@karthavya1440]

it's just business, they want to improve their travel industry, it's business

[@sigsin1]

Right? Or blow it up.

[@consciousrosin]

Gotta feed the giants

[@GriseldaBlanco305]

I don’t know anything more scarier than having to accept your fate as most Mr Ballen story participants always must do 😰😰😰🙏

[@cypherusuh]

Having to get tortured before you lose all hope and accept your fate

[@danacam71]

After watching so many of these hiking and diving gone wrong stories, I will happily sit on my couch and eat snacks. Mr Ballen can eventually do a story about a girl who blew up eating too many couch Funyons. Lol Love this channel !

[@WorthlessDeadEnd]

I love Funyuns!

[@thralzoss1943]

Until society crumbles and you're forced to find sanctuary in the woods. Complacency will get you killed, you better start practicing bushcraft skills asap because the world-"humanity" is only getting uglier

[@ld1065]

Well there was an old lady that spontaneously combusted on her chair at home

[@ihavenoideasforanamesothis581]

@@ld1065 is there a story abt it anywhere?

[@ld1065]

@@ihavenoideasforanamesothis581 google mary reeser

[@frisco415]

I LOVE how he adds sound affects and “real images” of whatever it is that he’s telling. Just makes you play it all in your head how it’s going, with out having to make up scenes or faces in your own head. And the sounds affects just put all together! Thanks for the great content man💪😉

[@WorthlessDeadEnd]

Exactly. #deepboomhype

[@SuperWhatapain]

I agree love the pics!

[@RM-ed1if]

Kenji must have recorded that SOS so that he could have played it out loud for searchers in order to save his voice. Pretty smart.

[@LadySuchiko]

Damn that's a good idea

[@kinseypietrasik8518]

the little giggle at the start made my day better so thank you.

[@annaw7297]

Putting signs up at 'safe rock' and 'false safe rock' would just take the fun out it I guess!

[@themumblingdumpling2838]

What's the point of hiking if you're not gambling with your life, amirite /s

[@MacabreMosaic]

@@themumblingdumpling2838 😂

[@markj.a351]

I've taken the wrong routes on mountains in Japan a few times (even landed in a really sketchy situation once). The routes are often only marked with a little bit of pink cord tied to a tree or something. Easy to miss and aren't alays clear which way they mean for you to go.

[@spookyactionatadistance1316]

How about knowing your level of expertise and not going on a potentially deadly hike if you're not qualified.

[@stopboolinme9501]

@@spookyactionatadistance1316 are you seriously trying to gate keep walking through the woods, acting like its a survival scenario anytime theres dirt underneath your shoes? Holy shit bro, you have to be a boomer

[@robertfeldbruegge6694]

Moral of the story: always be sure you have a way to climb back up, before jumping down and getting trapped. This is at least the third Mr Ballen story where this has happened.

[@LivingDeadGirl0702]

Good point lol

[@agerven]

A collegue of mine got in a similar situation in South America, when he decided to go for a solo hike in a non-tourist area. Fortunately he was spotted by a helicopter and saved after two days. Being native to western europe he told me he had not realised how quickly you can get off the grid in a dangerous situation in an unknown country.

[@aloysiusdevanderabercrombi470]

@@LivingDeadGirl0702 nothing funny about it

[@Lindseyisloony]

You'd think that would just be a natural instinct but there always has to be a few idiots who have no sense what so ever. Remember the guy who died inside a sculpture cause he dropped his phone inside the leg of it and went after it even though it was very very obviously no way to get back out? Crazy. But not as crazy as the SIX people in China who went in to a pit toilet after a phone. A woman dropped it and her husband went to get it for her. He passed out so his mother jumped in. She passed out so the wife jumped in too. Three more people followed, all had to be rescued cause there wasn't a way out and the husband and his mother died.

[@evelynwilburn4801]

@@Lindseyisloony man that couldn't be me I'd brain storm for at least 20 minutes of a way to get in and out or just get help

[@thecarouselpitch]

I’ll always say how much I dislike unsolved mysteries because they drive me insane, yet I will still watch every single creepy mystery story he uploads, and still act surprised at the end when I can’t figure it out.

[@babbit09]

Like watching an episode of unsolved mysteries: Narrator at the end of an episode: "The case remains open to this day" Me: "WHAT"

[@SocialDemocraciaPT]

driving insane... check!

[@zoey1811954]

Me too!

[@NickDees96]

I nominate MrBallen for the best storyteller of the year. Buddy, you’re headed in the right direction. More stories please.

[@AnnJones-e1k]

I agree 💯 percent John hooked me in and now I must listen to all of his chanel's Love his voice, calming during disturbing stories

[@sitara2783]

My theory: there was some illegal logging in the area and after the op was abandoned, some trunks were left behind, which Kenji then (by superhuman desperation) managed to drag into alignment. Whatever happened, I'm glad the SOS helped those two hikers later.

[@AuTo69420]

honestly birch, especially white birch is an incredibly soft softwood, even a rock is sufficient to fell the trees

[@riftvallance2087]

Gee there are so many people that go missing thier maybe he ran into a group of lost hikers. You know team effort.

[@paavobergmann4920]

There are "survuval saws" made from wire. One of those might have completely rusted away within 5 years.

[@AuTo69420]

@@paavobergmann4920 hell, you wouldn't even need that, I shit you not, a shoelace would suffice with white birch

[@backintimealwyn5736]

exactly, it's obvious.

[@CarnageXtreme]

I've watched so many of these videos that my nightmares are now narrated by MrBallen.

[@madelineshaw4658]

LMAO ME

[@zachscott1142]

Good one haha

[@JamalFuckinKilla]

That's fuckin awesome, dude!!!

[@REDJESTA]

Lol.. good call.!!😄

[@mariaowens593]

@@zachscott1142 3rig3sfs3gi3rivfrfze3uffwgwf3

[@jasonmc7058]

Someone should really put a sign on the rock that says “Danger! This is not the rock you’re looking for.”

[@teebee9903]

I was thinking the same thing. Simple fix.

[@TheAbortionWhoLived]

And put it next to the actual safe rock to prank some fools

[@alfredcampbell4908]

The rescue workers need to justify their jobs I guess.

[@courtlandstavley6178]

Or just name them Mr Ballen (safe rock) and the other just a picture of the Like button….then you’ll know lol

[@Jans-critiques47]

EXACTLY ! like many of our Parks you can follow a blue Trail Mark or a green painted trailmark and look for the trees as you go....... Time to tear down the False rock !!

[@phlebgrl6064]

I get so engrossed in your stories that I never wind up finding the hidden secret in the video!!

[@PhilRewa]

Hidden secrets?

[@phlebgrl6064]

@@PhilRewa MrBallen’s videos from two years ago contain a hidden secret, like a little pop up. If you find it you post the time stamp of where you found it. I’ve only found a few myself.

[@rachelreneer56]

That's me. Every video. 😂 It is to good a story.

[@tajavillasenor5923]

What hidden secrets??

[@phlebgrl6064]

@@tajavillasenor5923 In MrBallen’s shows from two years ago there is a hidden secret, like a tiny pop-up that shows up. You’re supposed to post the time stamp and what the pop-up is. He doesn’t mention it until the end of the story. The contest is obviously over, but I have found a few! Have fun looking!

[@anadubar4819]

Some 15 to 20 years ago, I went out with my friends and got to know this young lady. Her brother had just gone missing on a hike through a natural park up to a volcano in Borneo. Her eyes were red from crying and she was obviously in a very bad state. Her parents were on tv all the time, and they got the money to start a huge rescue operation. The jungle around that volcano was very thick and it was easy to get lost. The rescuers did not find the boy, but they found FOUR other hikers who also had gotten lost. Two of them were still alive, and two were skeletons.

[@fscbaio]

@@jellyfishi_ Bombalai volcano in north east Borneo

[@jmelkis]

@@jellyfishi_ I have done a lot of joking and I will say that with most mountains in the US, it’s fine, but some mountains are certainly more “hostile.” Indeed the mountains seem alive in that sense, and so I do wonder with some calamities if some people have angered the spirit of the mountain so to speak.

[@JacquelineUnderwood]

@@jellyfishi_ so I'm going to ignore the rest of it because I'm not getting into a debate on personal beliefs but you are aware there's a lot more to climate change than just forest reduction right? In fact, currently the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide than trees do, albeit with dangerous effects (it causes acidification of the water). Yes forests help reduce carbon dioxide therefore offsetting (a tiny amount) of our own pollution but we're the reason climate change is happening so quickly, cutting down forests really just adds insult to injury.

[@travelerforever8849]

There were many disapperances. Even a simple hike can end as a disaster. So many high profile cases and last case, a boy missing for 10 days in Grik jungle, Malaysia. Pity the boy only 10 years old. The search still conducted looking for him

[@gge9824]

I’ve read about the bodies left on Everest. I can’t imagine just hiking over dead bodies and maybe see the bodies and opt to *not* do the mountain but that’s just me.

[@ddalton8754]

Leave it to Japan to have a “Safe rock” and a rock that looks like “Safe rock” but is not safe rock, it is “false safe rock”

[@DzinkyDzink]

Well it is clearly "false" - even says so in the name, why would you follow it?

[@nickvanhouwelingen]

They have a used undies vending machine at the top of the mountain

[@reboundrides8132]

@UC04_tpJwgm_rCfwjdqPJJAA because it’s a rock and doesn’t introduce itself to you bRuH. There is no sign and they look exactly the same. Unless you were a local how could you know that?

[@mask938]

And leave it to the idiots to not mark the impostor.

[@DiamondPugs]

Every person has two rocks in his life and he decides which one to follow.

[@redmanish]

Someone needs to spraypaint a big red “NO” or something on False Safe Rock for Pete’s sake! These incidents were preventable!

[@darren2585]

Or red x

[@Heyhunniesbuffytimmons8513]

Yes I thought the same thing except a big ❌

[@whocares269]

@@Heyhunniesbuffytimmons8513 sooner or later, someone will think "x marks the spot" and it will do more harm than good. A massive red NO, maybe some Japanese 'no entry' sign?

[@MsLilly200]

How about a giant red skull and crossbone sign instead.

[@NiaJustNia]

Just go with road signs 🚫

[@lucymacdonald7601]

The SOS signal may have been constructed by professional loggers to mark the area where hikers are most likely to get lost. This would aid the Search and rescue teams to find the area faster.

[@BunnyQueen97]

Yeah, the first thing I thought when I saw the picture was that it’s weird that the trees are cut on both ends and trimmed if he was in the state he was in.

[@ErimlRGG]

Yeah a good way for the first two people who notice the SOS sign to look into it and then ignore because they know that was already there.... Not sure how that would be helpful besides the first person found there

[@lucymacdonald7601]

@@ErimlRGG Common sense on both sides. If I was a lost hiker and came upon an SOS sign constructed in an obvious clearing on the side of a mountain, I'd be making myself as comfortable as I can in that spot until search helicopters can be heard and seen. Of course Search and Rescue will be aware of that clearing and that clue to search that area first. Common sense saves lives.

[@xWingzTV]

Nah, this was a huge story back then in the media if it was loggers they would’ve came forward…

[@AKDHFR]

@@xWingzTV i would say the two people were trolls, they made the sos sign and send some signals and told the searcher that wasn't them.. as for kenji he died of himself bcs pf exhaustion idk about the tape.. There are a lot of case like this in Japan that's just looks dodgy.

[@Valkyrinator]

why has nobody put up a sign saying "This is NOT safe rock. Safe rock is over there. -->"?

[@jazdj04]

So simple isnt it?

[@babybug2023]

It’s a natural landmark so there’s probably hesitation about “defacing” it

[@kazamocon4324]

Some idiot could move the sign to the safe rock

[@B_bang22]

@@babybug2023 that's stupid just put some god damn signs or something around it if they don't want to mess with the rock itself

[@desireeturner680]

@@B_bang22 exactly!! You’d think they’d want to PREVENT further deaths and maybe help a few people out by putting up a sign!

[@blackcellagent]

Rest In Peace Kenji. Such a sad story! Be safe everyone! Even the smallest venture into the wilderness can end up being harrowing. Make sure to double up on your research on trails and such. Tell all your family and friends where you are going and when you should be back. Bring all the proper gear, even if you don’t think you will need it. Two is one, and one is none. Much love Ballen fans.

[@cateliebenberg5296]

It's probably just because I am not an explorer or anything like that and don't go into the wilderness, but I am unfamiliar with the phrase 'two is one, and one is none.' Would you mind explaining it please?

[@blackcellagent]

@@cateliebenberg5296 Absolutely, "Two is one and one is none." This idea simply emphasizes the importance of a backup plan. That having one of something is like having none at all and that having two of anything is the same as what you think having one is. Example: I bring a lighter and fire steel with me. The lighter fails, I still have the fire steel. If I only bring the lighter and it fails, I’m screwed.

[@parralaxshift1631]

Yea, i went for a walk in the woods to find a place to draw. I got lost, but it was fairly easy to back track, if you do get lost stay calm, and if you get lost in the woods climb a high place to get an idea of your surroundings.

[@blackcellagent]

@Alvina Pemberton That is also a great point! Yes, having another person with you is great! A lot of people like to go solo though. So one must be very prepared!

[@Lysol-2004]

The fuck? Kenji is my real name.

[@thtpodcastwithAJ]

I love listening to the strange, dark, and mysterious delivered in story format which is uploaded 2,3, even 4 times a week. Luckily I’ve come to the right place given that’s all we do.

[@kiiingst0n]

He doesn't say "even 4 times" any more though

[@spacejockeyindustries]

This dude is perfect for his podcast! Even if you're not aware of the YT channel, I could understand getting addicted to his podcast due to his natural story teller voice!

[@Heretic1408]

The saddest part of each and every story told by Mrballen is hearing the dreaded line "so that's gonna do it guys" at the end 🥺🥺🥺

[@sweetkristina28]

I couldn't agree more

[@shamboface4459]

I love that little chuckle 😂😂 “but only serve him fermented herring *chuckles*”

[@sharonbull4303]

I love when he does that!!!!

[@moshpitfuneral]

They're great moments when he can't take what he says seriously

[@KJGG-fw3qt]

I got lost in a big national forest, for 2 days with an old friend of mine, in my early 20's. Everytime I hear a story like this it terrifies me and I feel so bad for them. I just can't imagine never being found and just waiting out there till you die. I really feel bad for all the people that are never rescued. Another great story @MrBallen !!

[@kingayy9267]

Glad you and your friend made it out safely!

[@elizabethmallory9978]

Damn! Im so sorry! What a nightmare.... Did you give up outdoor adventures?? Im so glad you and your friend have a happy ending (sorry to use this term. Why did it have to be used and twisted to mean weird sh*t!?). Even though you were lost for 2 days, I hope that what happened during that time has left you intact and not in any category that would cause Ballen to tell your story.

[@liadadamo9765]

I’m so glad you were found. I hope it didn’t leave any lasting trauma 😘😘

[@shelleycummins1835]

Mr Ballen video I have watch so many times over, over and over again 🤣 Just the best storyteller ever... I've looked for more like him but never tops Ballen. Always looking forward to new videos.

[@enchantriss4213]

I really enjoy when Mr.Ballen starts his normal joke on the “Like Button”… but then laughs at his own joke midpoint. It makes me laugh and I like him even more, because he’s so genuine. Definitely my favorite KZbinr :-)

[@chloevaughn9755]

Ikr it’s so wholesome

[@enchantriss4213]

@@chloevaughn9755 it truly is. He’s so real and that’s why I watch his vids. Before I stumbled upon his channel (by accident mind you), I NEVER binge watched KZbin channels. Now…. It’s my go to 😊

[@cycl0ne199]

I love that he laughs too, but I may be bursting a bubble here... On the mrballen reddit sub there is a thread about what he is going to do to the like button next. Quite a lot of the joke he use are actually fan submissions, so not his jokes... But sweet nonetheless.

[@enchantriss4213]

@@cycl0ne199 Either way, him telling it and then laughing midstream without editing that portion out is really enjoyable. I also like that he uses other people’s jokes about the like button. Just a good guy all around 😄

[@mrsx7944]

@@enchantriss4213 agree. It's cute when he chuckles at his own joke 😂😂. He tries hard to keep a straight face tho lol. He's a cutie pie! And seems like a genuinely nice man.

[@Syreazzys]

I really love when you cut in the mess ups like laughing at the herring joke it’s so wholesome and much needed for this content please don’t change

[@BobGymlan]

You know what, maybe it’s best to just avoid valleys.

[@MrBallen]

Might be a good idea 🤭

[@strangelove0108]

Pretty much never go hiking, camping, drinking or even just walking. Also, don’t live in a haunted house. Stay in bed and binge Mr Ballen videos.

[@udayvarma756]

Ok

[@gloomy7566]

@@strangelove0108 smart u should be in a horror movie that is smart

[@jessicad5392]

Bamboo....Headless....Yup, avoid ALL valleys.

[@sherlytle1057]

U spoiled me with 2 or 3 episodes a week & while I'm proud of u that u have a podcast, I honestly hate that u now only have 1 vid per week. My solution, starting my binge from epi 1. Ty again 4 all u do & may God continue 2 bless & keep u. ❤❤

[@mlorimer9635]

Things I have learned from Mr. Ballen: Never hike alone Don't go camping Don't go spelunking Don't try to fit in small spaces Absolutely love your stories and I have been a fan long before you reached 1 million followers!

[@davinburk487]

And if you go deep sea diving, take decompression stops, DONT WANT TO GET THE BENDS

[@ehren5347]

don't go diving underwater in caves.

[@abbix9479]

👏

[@jimjankswankson]

Why didn’t someone just put a sign on the rock that says “WRONG ROCK CAUTION WRONG PATH”? And have it point people in the correct direction.

[@Jorendo]

That would make way to much sense to do!

[@graedot]

I was just wondering why it wasn't marked "Wrong Rock, Not Safe!"?0

[@LadyLakeland]

That's too easy

[@tommytomthms5]

spray paint one red one green? (color-blind people are already facing other danger while hiking so may have other ways of knowing available)

[@Emma88178]

They actually have that now, Mr.Ballen just forgot to mention it in the video.

[@geordischmidt]

I remember this story from my Navy days in Japan in the early '90s. There were a lot of stories about the incident, including that Yeti built the signal, I guess since Yeti were the most likely to be familiar with the international distress signal. That said, the most prevalent story I heard was about a hermit who lived near the Bamboo Valley. He had shunned his own village because of survivor guilt. He and all of the young men in the area had either been conscripted or had volunteered to fight for the Emperor in the years leading up to WWII. However, while the others fulfilled their pledges to die for the Emperor, he had not. In fact, he had been knocked unconscious during American naval gunfire on Iwo Jima and had awakened to find himself surrounded by U.S. Marines. After the war, he and other survivors were repatriated back to Japan, where they were looked down upon by their elders just for surviving. This man went back to his village but there, he also was looked down upon in shame by village elders. He built himself a small shack on the edge of the Bamboo Valley because few dared to travel through there. Over the next few decades, he participated in rescues of lost hikers. However, this always brought intense police attention and he did not want it, so he stopped helping. Supposedly, his conscience got to him and he went out and cut down birch logs. Then, he either made the SOS signal or he meant to build a log cabin for lost hikers to take shelter in and never finished it and someone else made the signal. It was hearsay and mentioned in a story published on the back page of a minor newspaper in Tokyo, so who knows the real answer?

[@johnshane3404]

Probably its ww2 ...in the past where allied force vanished ...thats my clue

[@trolletuva]

Thanks for sharing this story.

[@Addwater4444]

thanks for the info gregory

[@KitsuyuutsuR]

Wow, thanks for sharing that little tidbit. Whether it’s true or not, it’s still really interesting and plausible. Honestly, I’d like to think it was a hermit from WWII. I’m sure he’s long dead now, but kudos to him if he really lived there and helped list hikers.

[@Triplerhythm]

Don’t know if anyone has mentioned it yet or not, but you’re an amazing storyteller. 😮😂

[@cannons2daleftofthem253]

I feel like there's a fairly simple solution to the Safe and False rock confusion.

[@MikeMichaels1987]

Me too. Take both of the original rocks down, build a new rock which has the words 安全な岩 Anzen'na iwa painted on it, then build another rock which has the words 偽の金庫の岩 Nise no kinko no iwa painted on it.

[@HolyEyeWasHere]

@@MikeMichaels1987 Green check mark on one, red X on the other 👍 Edit: * A red circle with a diagonal line through it might work better than an X.

[@MikeMichaels1987]

@@HolyEyeWasHere No

[@josephthompson2462]

@@MikeMichaels1987 just remove one of the rocks lol

[@MikeMichaels1987]

@@josephthompson2462 That would just anger the Gods

[@Totallyblackmale]

Heard a story about a little girl who went missing in the Hoia-Baciu for 5 years and then somehow came back home and was never the same again. I’d like to hear a story about this.

[@stevecolour8010]

Just did a quick search and overview, sounds interesting indeed.

[@Totallyblackmale]

@@stevecolour8010 It’s weird, but I just think Mr Ballen could deliver the story a lot better. Plus he probably digs deeper into stories than I do.

[@ThroughTheWormhole]

This needs more upvotes, started in on this story and the details are fascinating - please Mr. Ballen!

[@Daevoz]

Dope

[@ladysuda3807]

Yes I’d like to hear that story too! 😟😳

[@loucannon5445]

Not just chopping that many trees - even if they’re under a foot diameter, bucking and dragging them is a whole different deal. (You should do a story on the coral castle - look it up, it’s nuts).

[@deannacrownover3]

When I was a kid, the Coral Castle was locally known as "Ed's Place". I'm from Homestead, and know that it's built on nine intersecting ley lines. Very fun place to visit!

[@deannacrownover3]

@Eli Edwards Agreed. That was just cold as ice.

[@HeleneOrraggan]

@Poppa Perc Yessery!! Hahahaha! I had that joke popping back in my head (but without the going hungry' part) when I was reading the first 250 comments!!

[@frankalbujas1025]

Probably why the coral castle was removed from its original location its not at the same spot any longer.

[@J_Honor_]

I feel like there was something supernatural with that coral castle 🏰🤔👻 facts though, even though it's my opinion lol 😆

[@Quantium]

The single video that got me hooked. Well done MB.

[@DanielHenrys]

I've hiked this range several times. The trail up to the top is completely obvious. No way you could get mixed up now. I guess that event has forced them make more efforts to mark the trail. So don't be afraid to go here. It's a very simple, straight forward, walk up without any requirements for mountaineering skills.

[@LilySaintSin]

That's good

[@Gnurklesquimp]

I thought it was a bit strange to rely on clearly misleading natural landmarks, glad it's accounted for now

[@aminimoose3971]

This is totally a Wendigo, it's a trap.

[@SammyDingusJr]

Ok random forest entity! Heading there now

[@delightfulblueberries7405]

@@aminimoose3971 I hope your joking lol

[@smarty5680]

Mental note to self, 'When constructing a HUGE SOS in emergency, expect delay's as long as and up to 5 years'

[@tsunamimal88]

Duly Noted lol

[@NA-xg7lf]

Smoke signal too if you can it can be seen from more angles

[@scottricklaroque7428]

With that kind of tools and energy just build a huge ladder to finish going down the mountain.

[@Drummondmbf100]

Lol 🤣🤣

[@jamnbryan1]

​@@scottricklaroque7428 being that he was stuck on a cliff ledge, it's extremely unlikely that were trees on it for him to make a ladder with even if he had the tools and strength/energy

[@kass_G59]

“This imposter is called; false safe rock” had me dying 💀

[@olegtkachenko5128]

False prophet in the mountains of Japan.

[@krimzlk2353]

sus

[@michealkouptsov4136]

Deadasssss istgggg

[@kewuo]

amogus

[@joejack1452]

Omfggggg 💀

[@sherylg9955]

Your intros crack me up. Binge watching for a few days now. Love your story telling style. Found you thru @divetalk

[@bekkaunknown3662]

Those 2 men that didn't make the S.O.S. sign that got rescued are incredibly lucky.

[@lindadaniels0725]

Well, what IF, those men were related to Kinje and KINJE’s spirit is the one that made the SOS on the side of the mountain, I mean they were ALL Japanese, I mean hey STRANGER things HAVE happened & if ANYONE can find the story to tell about it, it’d be @mrballen 🤷‍♀️ I’m JUST sayin……

[@graze-plays3594]

​@lindadaniels7429 😂 ah yes, a ghost built it

[@davidearea242]

@@lindadaniels0725 -Yes, after reading your comment, I'm not sure what could be stranger than that...

[@michaeldoran4367]

​@@lindadaniels0725MASSIVELY GIRTHY KOK SEEN POKING THROUGH A TOWEL AT THE COMMUNITY POOL. THE KOK LOOKS LIKE AN ENORMOUS SNAKE WRIGGLING AROUND IN THE AMAZON JUNGLE. SPECTACULARLY HUGE GIRTHY VEINY ERECT KOK

[@michaeldoran4367]

​@@davidearea242PEENUS FLAVORED SPORTS DRINK. LOGAN PAUL COMES OUT WITH A PEENUS FLAVORED DRINK AND SELLS TO HOMOSEXUALS! MASSIVE VEINY KOK ON THE LABEL. ONLY INGREDIENTS ARE PEENUS SWEAT AND GROUND PUBES!

[@sheagroza]

Anyone else super lookin forward to MrBallen’s Halloween Scare-A-Thon?

[@PhoenixLyon]

That and the launch of the James Webb space telescope! ✌🏻🐱

[@MariaDiaz-ih7os]

I absolutely am looking forward to it!! I can’t wait I want October to come faster

[@Lisasanti1]

Yessssssss! So excited.

[@zensbleexperience3470]

👍👍👍👍

[@Webstertheology]

Oh yeah bro

[@piewackete]

I’m becoming addicted to these videos lol. I work at a gas station and always have these videos playing while I’m working and it really makes time fly. Sometimes get a little nervous being alone at the station at night then I remember I live in yee yee tweaker Hicksville and I feel better

[@soulglory6696]

Are there woods nearby? Don't get too comfortable.

[@johnflores6277]

tweakers are scary

[@ashtonbookman9692]

Hell I'd rather work in the hood/ghetto because there's so much more traffic but in a yee yee town you could dissapear and nobody would notice for a while

[@pipsqueek6551]

“Yee yee tweaker Hicksville” pretty sure I just moved the hell outta there. XD

[@Jennifer-yy8kc]

I'm with you guys..the cities aren't the safest but in creepy situations I'd much rather be around a ton of ppl.

[@Nufftaly]

You're such a great story teller my guy. 🙂🙂🙂

[@janet6421]

That seems like a good place to put an emergency shelter. Several people have been lost and ended up there. Some were found and obviously others were not. If there is a safe place for them to shelter with supplies and a signal more of them would be found alive. Or at least a big sign that says "WARNING CLIFF AHEAD! YOU ARE ON THE WRONG TRAIL" in several different languages

[@verucasalt9182]

Reading the comments like yours I found very good solutions and ideas but it seems they don't care for people getting lost and losing their lives

[@wolfzmusic9706]

@@verucasalt9182 one commenter said the trail is much more obvious now and that it's basically impossible to get mixed up and confused

[@kewpified]

agreed. a big sign saying FALSE SAFE ROCK would save so many lives

[@TyeArtisik]

Ikr

[@en2336]

@@wolfzmusic9706 How do you know they're not lying?

[@amaelia4659]

I've always wanted to go to Japan, BUT can we all just agree that Japan is equally both beautiful and terrifying? 😂

[@cans7043]

So are a lot of other country’s

[@randomshitposting621]

Fake or real ghosts.... They have the scariest ghosts hands down😂

[@berryknobberry2465]

I feel like the same can absolutely be said about America.

[@tomsock218]

Yeah this terrifying bamboo hell trap with mysterious SOS and the all famous "suicide forest" Im good with Japan

[@TyroneOne]

Nah

[@eternalmiasma5586]

“Safe rock and false safe rock” is something straight out of a welcome to Nightvale episode

[@hansgruber9685]

It sounds goofy because it’s a direct translation.

[@BosshdOG]

Listening to the quality and style you tell stories progress over the years is amazing. Thank you mrballen you truly are amazing

[@mostomosto2409]

I was wondering why wouldn’t anyone bother to just spray paint it “false safe rock” … and that could have saved all the tragedies that happened to lost hikers.

[@mostomosto2409]

@rezmoir like one should ask; big everything they have spirits. Okkkaaayyyy. And then what do humans have ? Electric circuits ? 🥸

[@Emma88178]

They do that now

[@mostomosto2409]

@rezmoir then how about a big warning board infront of the rock! Or maybe even engraved on wood plank placed at front of the rock. Any sign or indication even beside that could have helped achieve the same purpose i.e to save these human tragedies. Agree?

[@mostomosto2409]

@@Emma88178 that’s even good. it’s better late then never

[@lucianomorano3394]

it probably is marked now. but in the 80s not many people had died yet and so no one marked it

[@thespeedyviking9682]

One of the slickest and most unnoticed Easter eggs in all of Mr.Ballen’s videos is how he always giggles when the like button encounters fish.

[@roccajandagreat9248]

Wait that’s cool

[@StEpHeNiInThEhOuSe]

It’s literally my favorite.

[@nivinstanley]

Even the time he gave the like button some watered down ice tea. It was hilarious how happy it made him.

[@niecaps771]

oh snap

[@nealonmanning3555]

Hearing John giggle during his intros while trying to be serious makes me laugh every time

[@momoni368]

Haha right haha it almost makes me think he going to be like you fool after his laugh haha

[@Michael-ou4lq]

Was their any need for that , fool

[@ErgoPr0xxyy]

It’s insane how easy it is to get turned around when hiking. I once hiked for a few hours on a larger loop with branch offs in the Olympic National Forest in WA, but the markers were really worn 1/2 through the loop. It started to get ambiguous and overgrown & you could no longer discern what was a branch off and what was the main loop. It was getting later in the day and I was so close to turning back around to retrace our steps- but thankfully we decided to walk legitimately around the next corner and it was the start of the loop 😩

[@Blank-41]

Ive already heard a lot of these stories, but the amount of detail MrBallen goes into, I think its a new story until he reaches a certain part of the story I'm familiar with.

[@ladydatura2529]

Exactly! Sometimes I don't realize I know the story because it is being told in a different perspective until the end reveals it.

[@shamikeatley4760]

~yeah...thts his talent..~well, one of many....but, story telling is one of his best talents..!!

[@sj1164]

Honestly there are repeats on his channel. Not complaining as I can rewatch his stories a lot.

[@Blank-41]

@@sj1164 yeah I've noticed he will do a story in a compilation then do a more in depth version of it in its own video.

[@jonnytheboy7338]

I love these as well, but keep in mind that he does embellish sometimes and unfortunately is can be wrong with the facts... ( not too much though)

[@donaldwilliamson4146]

Just found this video. Has anyone addressed how the giant SOS that they say was there for 5 years went unnoticed by anyone or did I miss something? Also, did they immediately make a false SOS to keep the theme going?

[@shannimonet]

Brah

[@ImGoingSupersonic]

Who's "they" that made the SOS signal? The Japanese government?

[@norimori5170]

I actually been watching and reading abt this recently and it says that no, the SOS sign wasnt there the whole time. The tape recorder was returned to Kenji’s fam but they said the voice in that recorder wasn’t his. So the police, stressed, checked satelite photos of the area. The SOS sign appeared around 3-4 years after Kenji went missing.

[@Addwater4444]

@@norimori5170 oh wow

[@Ben-ld1qi]

@@norimori5170 If that's true thrn that's a very critical bit of information fhat could have been used in this video.

[@aBradApple]

The age-old art of storytelling is so underrated. Thank you, sir, for being our modern sage.

[@glenndouglas8822]

It was an art forgotten with the invention of TV and now I'm watching a master of the art on a mobile phone. ✌️

[@noodlepoodlegirl]

I second this.

[@augustsmith9553]

Wow that’s a lot

[@sunadawn2598]

@@glenndouglas8822 ditto

[@abbypederson3580]

I’ve been binge watching for like the last two weeks, and just was thinking about how scary hiking is but I live in the black hills in South Dakota and I bet there is some pretty wild stories from the area, I hope you see this and hope to hear a few stories about them. Keep up the great work!

[@angelinabrambila4806]

I know this is serious but “ safe rock and FALSE safe rock “ is killing me 💀💀 poor kenji, I hope his soul has found peace .

[@Phinetics]

💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀😭😭😭😭😭

[@drdr76]

I know. It's like that scene in The Holy Grail where they are translating an inscription in a cave but the last word is not finished, instead it says "aaauuughhhh" as if he died before he could finish the word but he wrote: "aauuughhhh".

[@raulsalcedo8332]

I see what you did there lol 😏

[@TheRabidCabbage]

@@drdr76 Did you reply to the wrong comment? Seems like you are referring to the recording of the man saying "S. O. S.", rather than the humorous naming of the two rocks.

[@drdr76]

@@TheRabidCabbage my mistake

[@MaestroMephisto]

“Safe rock” and “False Safe rock”…hmmm.. you’d think the island authorities would maybe put a SIGN on each of them instead leaving people to wonder which one they’ve found. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Daus-fg9ub]

They can develop solar panels but not a simple wooden sign in 1980s? Idk,but maybe the height of the mountain is the main reason they don't want to just go and build a sign there?

[@TheSchmiddler]

Hokkaido is the second biggest island of Japan, it's not run by a different group of people. There is also a chairlift that goes most of the way to the summit.

[@technicalout9547]

I came here to make that same supposition. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@kyotorobato]

They did put a sign and ropes to guide people down the right path after this incident.

[@MaestroMephisto]

@@kyotorobato - That’s good, but it seems to be a thing in every society to always wait until something bad happens to make changes. Know those two rocks look very similar, signs should have been there so this kind of thing wouldn’t have happened to begin with. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@marnivee8992]

When you’re expecting delicious pizza but get served fermented herring…you’ve just experienced the false safe rock.

[@Utubesanarc]

Fermented...🤢

[@GingeRenee]

Fermented herring that kills you!

[@carloscanales3183]

Perfect joke

[@roccajandagreat9248]

Hahah

[@MaryJones-vn9zt]

Awesome storytelling! Very expressive! Love this!

[@joshuaedwards4927]

The deeper story that needs to be told by Mr. Ballwin himself is how the fued between him And the like button began.

[@hollie611]

Lmfao

[@yellowstonekv959]

Lol!

[@writeatease3689]

I think the like button misspelled his name once and that started this epic feud. Let that be a warning ⚠️😉

[@jjscalf]

I bet it was over a girl.

[@uicidalafvibe7564]

Mr ballwin 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉👉😭😭😭😭😭🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Necronaut]

My theory is it was built a long time ago by a large group of travelers. They had enough supplies and equipment to survive long enough to build a nice SOS that they thought was to big to not be seen. That skeleton was one of the travelers that stayed behind at the SOS while the stronger of the group kept hiking for help.

[@Kenshiroit]

I think they got saved, probably the locals knew about this sign, a helicopter flew past by Kenjii remember. So this place is not rare having aircrafts flying by. Thus the sign is visible. A group of people, maybe a school trip in the 1970s or maybe tourists went lost and they did the SOS, Kenjii could not have pulled this out. They got saved, and either it was embarrassing for the school and they covered it up or they did mention it to the authorities but it was somehow ignored, it happen more than you think and I dont know why. The skeleton of the girl perhaps was somebody kenjii met on the trip and they went together. She at end the died, and he put his backpack away and did a last action for survival and went in the wilderness never to be seen again.

[@urvakshbagwadia9758]

I agree I think kenji and that woman probably met and found that audio recording of another person. Or maybe the skeleton they identified was of another person who made the recording, kenji just stumbled across it and put it in his back pack.

[@KIMONSKIN]

Two signs. One says “Safe Rock” The other says “Dangerous Rock” Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.

[@gomezfernando7605]

Hi what’s up

[@Drummondmbf100]

Lol good one 😂

[@DeanD1990]

Two types of people. Ones that wouldn't get close enough to read the sign but still head that direction based off the silhouette. And the others with common sense. Looking forward to the next talk

[@ha1615209]

👏 👏 👏

[@kelly2159]

@@DeanD1990 that’s called natural selection. 😊

[@jasonbourne5886]

Thanks mrballen, I don't hit the like very often but i appreciate every story 😎

[@co8008]

The voice recording also specifies that the man in the recording "can't move" because he's "stuck in bamboo". "Kenji's" body was found laying on the ground. If Kenji was trapped to the point of immobilization, how did he put the recorder back in his backpack and under the tree roots, far away from his "body"?

[@LilPoopsie]

Probably on drugs..

[@yoriichitsugikuni6970]

Maybe that's why he was screaming. But how did he use it doe

[@swizzleproxi4810]

@@LilPoopsie that's not nice to presume that

[@AVA-ee4pk]

I thought he left is stuff back to explore

[@quiets_place4918]

i think it was three different people but in the same situation because he wasn't his voice and it was a female body but it was his stuff in the bag so kenji mite still be on the ledge

[@angelicaapperson950]

The fact that the SOS was in the middle of a large clearing makes me think that clearing was an old abandoned logging site. Old logging practices were not done with preserving the forest in mind, so those cleared sections of forest can remain that way for decades. The fact that they were expertly cut could mean that a logging operation cut them down. As someone who lives near an active logging area currently, walking through those areas I see many quite old cut trees left behind. From talking to locals/asking around, they are typically left behind if they don't meet inspection standards after they are cut. Not always can you see how damaged/rotted a tree is from the outside. Those 19 birch trees could have had been infested with insects, fungus, rot, or a host of other conditions not obvious from the outside. I could be wrong, but it's a really slim possibility that Kenji stumbled across an old abandoned logging site, found some scattered abandoned trees, then proceeded to drag them into the SOS formation. Still seems unlikely he would have the strength/energy to do so, but it's a slim chance. Adrenaline can do some crazy stuff, seeing an opportunity to make a signal to be rescued could have pushed him to do it, but he likely would have collaped from exhaustion right after and possibly succumbed to it.

[@gramb8528]

Had exact same thought

[@joshtyler4047]

I thought the same thing or maybe some locals decided to construct the sos signal because they knew it was easy for people to get lost and so they thought if the missing people/ person would find the signal they would just stay near it hoping a helicopter would see it and come rescue them. Idk just a thought

[@reboundrides8132]

People do tend to get bursts of adrenaline when they know their life is actually at stake. It’s not that inconceivable to believe he was able to make the sign. Also have you ever heard of stories of mothers lifting cars to save their children. Humans are capable of some crazy shit when put to the test.

[@aaronline5889]

give me a long enough lever and I shall lift the world

[@abbyjackson5288]

Whatever the case you'd need to be in good physical shape to be able to move those logs

[@deathvideogame]

“What SOS signal?” *chills.*

[@LateNightRewrites]

The call is coming from ... *Inside the house*. Pooped muh pants

[@raidersofexploration6907]

The baybesitter "ma'am the call is coming from inside the house." Freakout!

[@bellesterbeatty3571]

Save our souls

[@leilabrown9292]

You are the best story teller! I want to put Portuguese captions so my friends in Brazil can follow you

[@C_Tizzle]

Your pacing and tone make me get so entranced by the stories, that I have never stood a chance of finding the secret in Any of the videos on this channel. Sometimes, I re-watch it; thinking "I'll be looking for it this time." Nope, I just start listening along again. So, I have Yet to see one! Ever! 😂

[@hurtfam77]

Same lmao

[@Spartugus69]

its hypnotic

[@aileenhovorka9207]

Same here. I was determined to look today 'cause of the tip! Of course I didn't!

[@WonderfulHayden]

Poor Kenji. At least his SOS (if he did make it) helped save the lives of the two men after him if not his own.

[@tathrok]

But he had no Ax or hatchet. *insert Twilight Zone Theme here*

[@ShadyAnchovy]

It probably not his tho

[@jackbott629]

John deserves every subscriber he gets he Is personally the best "story" teller

[@shadowzcitis]

Agreed

[@Craftyfor]

Facts

[@youngsavage9947]

Facts. I’ve watched this guy grow just realised he’s already over 3 mill

[@Lisasanti1]

Facts.

[@stargaze2232]

I’ve spent all day watching your videos man and I am not disappointed a lil freaked out but very interested 😂

[@broganworthington8991]

Why not make a sign that says “DO NOT ENTER, FALSE SAFE ROCK”

[@blem88]

You would think that would try to add literally anything telling you which one is which, wouldn’t you 😂 “nah I mean, it’s quite far tho…..”

[@krystalcheetah]

Would have to be multiple signs because of the languages. And can also go against the environment or be damaged.

[@soul_2828]

Because god knows who’s going die first for not doing research before heading there

[@_Yeeboi_]

@@krystalcheetah then shouldnt they just destroy the rock?

[@krystalcheetah]

@@_Yeeboi_ true, but the rock may be protected on the area of endangered species. Or removing the rock could start a landfall. Nature is difficult to control

[@ashleyk.8828]

I'm not going to lie... I do miss the "three, four or even five times a week" uploads, but it just makes getting the new Mr. Ballen notifications all that more exciting! Thank you for your amazing content!

[@mototoad1242]

Same

[@jessicad5392]

YES!

[@rachelwilson6531]

Me too

[@meganm8226]

This could all have been avoided. All they needed to do is place a sign by “Safe Rock” identifying it. Then people would know they are on the right path.

[@kyotorobato]

Unfortunately it took this horrible incident for that to happen.

[@dougrogan379]

Where's the fun in that?

[@candycane1744]

Or get rid of false rock

[@JonBrown-po7he]

@@candycane1744 That'd be equivalent to removing physical landmarks referenced to the 'Donner Party' debacle. Quite understandable from a, solely, safety perspective, yet a very bitter pill to discard a national memory.

[@DaisyM]

@@JonBrown-po7he its a rock that has lead people to their death. Humanity won't crumble without it.

[@belladonna131]

THAT WAS REALLY GREAT. AND A REAL MYSTERY. THANK YOU FOR FEATURING THIS. EXTREMELY INTERESTING. ❤

[@JesPulido]

I love each and every one of these stories. They're scary af but tasteful and respectful towards the deceased.

[@brendabenjamin155]

Yes. I agree. Mr Ballen shows respect. Good pointing out this.

[@ladysuda3807]

That’s why we love John Ballen

[@MyGamesterGaming]

Maybe having a rock that can easily be mistaken for another rock isn’t the best land mark to use….

[@leroycoleman2359]

I watch all the time I'm subscribed, I don't know what the secret thing is that is in every episode apparently, it's begining to really annoy me. I really ,really like the story's and the way he presents them. But what is the secret thing to l

[@RealCat222]

@@leroycoleman2359 he puts something small in the background, one time it was homer simpson

[@annalucy89]

It is not often that I find YT channels that I just start marathoning the entire content in just a few days but when I do I'm so happy! and finding this channel yesterday has made me pretty happy! Even if he's talking about fucked up things there is just something so calming about his voice and the way he tells the stories, I just love it! Subbed!

[@WorthlessDeadEnd]

Welcome to the strange, dark and mysterious delivered in story format

[@GrippiAlex]

Yes,I found it by accident too. At the time he had about 200 subscribers, so it has grown a bit since then. Good thing is that the subjects/stories told appeal to all ages🧐🇦🇺

[@multiethnic0837]

I agree with you my husband like to listen horror stories and Im not interested at all cause I don't like the voice of the narrator until he found this channel and introduce it to me And from that day I started watching his stories and always waiting the new upload all time and it got my one year old son's attention too when he heard mrballen he instantly stop what his doing and sit and smile while watching it 😂.I like the way he narrate his story he is very natural that's why it got my attention

[@pittmanfh]

He hasn't even been a KZbinr for that long. Exponential audience growth with this guy. From Navy Seal to KZbinr.

[@annalucy89]

@@pittmanfh I was thinking the same thing, the guy literally started this channel (according to his content) a little over a year ago and he's already up to nearly 4 million subscribers!? That's crazy! maybe that happens more than I know but I just found that very impressive. Maybe because he's releasing content that so many people at various ages love listening to these types of stories, at least I do at age 31!

[@planes3333]

I like it how there is a sound effect for knocking on the door and also the key in the lock