Man installs ‘wind phone’ to help grieving people, inspired by a Japanese man’s way of mourning

After decades as a paramedic, Mark Beaulieu saw firsthand the pain of loss. To help others process grief, he set up a “wind phone” in the woods—a quiet place where people can share their thoughts and memories of loved ones who have passed.

Mark and his wife have spent the past few years exploring hiking trails near their home in Ontario as part of their commitment to a healthier lifestyle.

Along the way, they discovered a spot that quickly became their favorite. Seeing its peaceful surroundings, Mark knew it was the perfect place to set up a “wind phone”—a project he hoped would offer comfort to those coping with loss.

“I was scrolling on social media one day when I came across the story of a tsunami that happened in Japan. This one town was devastated by the tsunami. The only thing left standing in this area was a phone. And so this gentleman decided to name it a wind phone,” Mark tells PEOPLE.

He quietly set up the wind phone in March, keeping it to himself first. He didn’t share his plans with anyone, including his wife.

When she spotted the old dial phone in their garage and asked what he would do with it, he simply smiled and told her he had something in mind.

Facing his own emotional struggles and wanting to find a way to heal while also supporting others dealing with grief, his goal was simple—if the project could help even one or two people, it would be worth it.

Mark revealed the wind phone a secret to his wife during a fall hike, showing her the phone and explaining its purpose.

She was surprised he had followed through with the idea. Shortly after, he shared the project with his daughter, Sydney, who filmed a video of the phone while walking and posted it on TikTok.

The video quickly went viral.

At first, Mark didn’t think much of the video, but everything changed when he got a text from his daughter, Sydney, saying, “Dad, you’re famous.”

She explained that the TikTok video had gone viral, starting with around 16,000 views.

Mark was doubtful, but the video had already exceeded a million views by the next day.

Sydney believes the TikTok video went viral, especially during the holiday season, when people often feel the loss of loved ones more deeply.

Mark agrees, saying the video resonated because it acknowledged grief meaningfully.

Commenters applauded Beaulieu’s project, suggesting ways to make the space more welcoming for those mourning.

Ideas included adding small details to make the environment more comforting for visitors.

Mark was inspired by a suggestion to add wind chimes to the space, which he felt complemented the wind phone perfectly.

Other recommendations, like adding a box of tissues or a book, led him to place a small storage unit to keep things dry.

Now, the spot includes wind chimes, a book, and a photo album where visitors can leave messages or photos.

Although some have asked him to check on what’s been added, he believes the space is meant to be a personal and private experience.

While he doesn’t expect many to use the notebook or leave a photo, he values offering the option.

Ultimately, Mark sees the space as a peaceful place for people to connect with lost loved ones.

Mark created the wind phone without any expectations, hoping it would support himself and others in similar situations.

He’s been pleasantly surprised by the growing interest, with people reaching out for advice on building their own. Beaulieu has been happy to share resources with them.

He and his daughter are grateful for the positive response, particularly how much the project has resonated with those who discovered it through the video.

Sydney has been incredibly moved by the supportive comments, noting that most feedback has been kind, with only a few negative responses.

“For me, any bit of help I can push towards other people is it,” Mark said. “If I can help one person deal with grief and death and dying, all those kinds of things, that’s all I’m looking for.”

History of wind phone

The Wind Phone, created by Itaru Sasaki in Japan, began as a personal project to cope with the loss of his cousin to cancer.

Sasaki set up a disconnected rotary phone in a phone booth in his garden, allowing him to feel connected to his cousin. He called it “Kaze No Denwa,” meaning “The Wind Phone.”

After a 2011 earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan, Sasaki moved the phone booth to a windy hill near Ōtsuchi, where he invited mourners to use it to connect with their lost loved ones. This act provided comfort to those grieving.

Today, the Wind Phone stands as a symbol of resilience and healing. People worldwide visit to find peace and closure, inspired by Sasaki’s idea, which has sparked similar projects globally.

The Wind Phone in the Garden of Bell Gardia is still maintained by Sasaki and his wife, with support from a charitable foundation.

Here’s Sydney’s viral TikTok video showing her dad’s wind phone:

@sydneybeaulieu What should we add to it? #grief #holiday ♬ Save My Soul – noahrinker