7 Documentaries Investigating Aum Shinrikyo and Its Infamous Attacks

Unraveling the Cult's Dark Legacy

The Aum Shinrikyo cult and its devastating attacks have left an indelible mark on Japanese history. Several documentaries have explored this dark chapter, shedding light on the group's origins, beliefs, and the events that led to the infamous Tokyo subway sarin gas attack in 1995.

These films offer unique perspectives on Aum Shinrikyo, ranging from examinations of the cult's leader Shoko Asahara to interviews with former members and survivors of the attacks. By delving into this complex and disturbing subject, these documentaries provide valuable insights into the psychology of cults, the impact of extremism, and the aftermath of terrorist acts on individuals and society as a whole.

1) A

"A" is a powerful documentary film released in 1998 that explores the aftermath of the Tokyo subway sarin attack carried out by Aum Shinrikyo. Directed by Tatsuya Mori, the film offers a unique perspective on the cult following the arrest of its leaders.

The documentary centers on Hiroshi Araki, a 28-year-old spokesman for Aum Shinrikyo. Araki's story provides insight into the mindset of cult members who had severed family ties and rejected materialism before joining the group.

Mori's film delves into the complex world of Aum Shinrikyo, examining the cult's beliefs and practices. It presents a nuanced look at the organization's members and their struggles in the wake of the devastating 1995 attack.

"A" stands out for its intimate portrayal of individuals within the cult, offering viewers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Aum Shinrikyo during a tumultuous period in its history.

IMDb: A (1998)

2) Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche by Haruki Murakami

Haruki Murakami's "Underground" offers a unique perspective on the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack. This non-fiction work delves into the psychological aftermath of the incident through interviews with survivors and former Aum Shinrikyo members.

Murakami's approach combines journalistic investigation with his signature narrative style. He presents a series of compelling interviews that reveal the human impact of the attack on ordinary Japanese citizens.

The book explores the complex motivations behind the cult's actions and examines the wider societal implications. Murakami's work provides insight into the Japanese psyche and how the nation grappled with this unprecedented act of domestic terrorism.

"Underground" stands out for its focus on individual experiences rather than sensationalized accounts of the attack. It offers a nuanced examination of the event's long-lasting effects on Japanese society.

Wikipedia: Underground (Murakami book)

3) A2

A2 is a 2001 documentary film directed by Tatsuya Mori. It serves as a sequel to his 1998 film "A", which explored the Aum Shinrikyo cult after the 1995 Tokyo subway attacks.

The film continues to follow Hiroshi Araki, a former spokesman for Aum Shinrikyo. It documents the cult's struggles in the aftermath of the attacks and subsequent arrests of its leaders.

A2 provides insight into the remaining members' efforts to rebuild their lives and organization. It explores their attempts to distance themselves from the violent actions of their former leaders.

Mori's documentary offers a unique perspective on the long-term consequences of the Aum Shinrikyo attacks. It examines the challenges faced by cult members who were not involved in the violence.

A2 raises questions about redemption, societal reintegration, and the lasting impact of cult membership. The film presents a complex view of the individuals caught in the aftermath of one of Japan's most notorious terrorist incidents.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0298950/

4) Aum Shinrikyo: A Japanese Guru and His Followers by Ian Reader

Ian Reader's documentary offers a comprehensive examination of Aum Shinrikyo and its leader, Shoko Asahara. The film explores the group's evolution from a spiritual movement to a terrorist organization.

Reader investigates Aum's claims and teachings, shedding light on how a group focused on yoga and meditation became involved in violent activities. He delves into Asahara's personality and the development of his doctrines.

The documentary places Aum Shinrikyo within the context of contemporary Japanese religious patterns. It analyzes the factors that led to the group's radicalization and its eventual participation in criminal activities.

Reader's work provides valuable insights into the Tokyo subway attack of 1995 and other illegal actions carried out by Aum Shinrikyo. The film serves as a crucial resource for understanding the complex dynamics of this controversial religious movement.

More information about Ian Reader's work on Aum Shinrikyo

5) Shoko Asahara's Vision of Doom documentary

Shoko Asahara's Vision of Doom offers a chilling look into the mind of Aum Shinrikyo's founder. The documentary examines Asahara's apocalyptic prophecies and their influence on his followers.

Through interviews and archival footage, the film traces Asahara's rise from a small-time yoga instructor to the leader of a doomsday cult. It explores how he cultivated a devoted following by blending elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, and New Age beliefs.

The documentary delves into Asahara's predictions of a coming apocalypse and his claims of possessing supernatural powers. It shows how these ideas shaped Aum Shinrikyo's ideology and ultimately led to violence.

Experts provide analysis on the psychological tactics Asahara employed to maintain control over his disciples. The film also examines the societal factors in Japan that may have contributed to Aum Shinrikyo's appeal.

Shoko Asahara's Vision of Doom serves as a stark warning about the dangers of charismatic leadership and extremist ideologies.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118563/

6) NHK World - Tokyo Report Special: Aum Shinrikyo

NHK World, Japan's public broadcaster, produced a special report on Aum Shinrikyo as part of its Tokyo Report series. The documentary aired on July 5, 2018, coinciding with the execution of Aum's former leader and six disciples.

The program offers a comprehensive look at the doomsday cult's history and its involvement in the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack. It explores the aftermath of this tragic event and its lasting impact on Japanese society.

NHK's special report features interviews with experts, survivors, and former cult members. It provides valuable insights into the cult's recruitment methods, beliefs, and the factors that led to its violent acts.

The documentary also examines the legal proceedings against Aum Shinrikyo members and the cult's transformation in the years following the attack. It serves as an important resource for understanding this dark chapter in Japan's recent history.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/194/

7) Vice Documentary: Japan's Cult Underground

Vice's documentary "Japan's Cult Underground" offers a gripping exploration of Aum Shinrikyo's lingering influence in modern Japan. The film delves into the aftermath of the 1995 sarin gas attack and examines how the cult's ideology continues to attract followers.

The documentary features interviews with former cult members, providing rare insights into the group's inner workings. It also investigates the emergence of splinter groups that formed after Aum Shinrikyo's downfall.

Filmmakers venture into hidden corners of Japanese society, uncovering underground meetings and secret rituals. The documentary sheds light on the psychological factors that draw individuals to extremist beliefs.

"Japan's Cult Underground" raises important questions about religious freedom, social isolation, and the lasting impact of Aum Shinrikyo on Japanese culture. It presents a balanced view of the complex issues surrounding new religious movements in Japan.

https://www.vice.com/en/article/7xwj3q/japans-cult-underground

Aum Shinrikyo: Origins and Beliefs

Aum Shinrikyo emerged in 1980s Japan as a controversial new religious movement. Founded by Shoko Asahara, the group combined elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, and apocalyptic prophecies.

Foundation and Founder: Shoko Asahara

Chizuo Matsumoto, later known as Shoko Asahara, established Aum Shinrikyo in 1984. Born in 1955 to a poor family of tatami mat makers, Asahara was partially blind from birth. He initially opened a small yoga studio in Tokyo called Aum Association of Mountain Wizards.

The group quickly expanded beyond yoga, attracting followers with promises of spiritual enlightenment and supernatural powers. Asahara claimed to have achieved enlightenment in the Himalayas and positioned himself as a messianic figure.

By the late 1980s, Aum Shinrikyo had gained official religious status in Japan. The organization grew rapidly, establishing communes and recruiting educated young professionals.

Core Teachings and Ideologies

Aum Shinrikyo's beliefs blended elements from various religions and esoteric traditions. The group taught that the world was heading toward an apocalyptic event, which only Aum members would survive.

Key aspects of their ideology included:

  • Reincarnation and karma

  • Attaining enlightenment through meditation and ascetic practices

  • Belief in supernatural abilities like levitation and telepathy

  • Apocalyptic prophecies, including a third world war

Asahara claimed to be the reincarnation of Buddha and the only person who could lead humanity to salvation. The group's teachings became increasingly paranoid and violent over time, focusing on an impending doomsday scenario.

Aum Shinrikyo's ideology justified violence as a means of spiritual purification. This extremist worldview ultimately led to the group's involvement in terrorist activities, including the infamous Tokyo subway attack in 1995.

The Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack

The Tokyo subway sarin attack on March 20, 1995 was a coordinated terrorist act carried out by members of Aum Shinrikyo. This devastating event killed 13 people and injured over 5,000, marking it as the deadliest terrorist incident in modern Japanese history.

Planning and Execution

Aum Shinrikyo members meticulously planned the attack, targeting five subway lines during morning rush hour. They used plastic bags filled with liquid sarin, puncturing them with sharpened umbrella tips as they exited trains.

The attackers boarded separate trains on different lines, timing their actions to maximize casualties. They targeted busy stations like Kasumigaseki, home to many government offices.

The colorless, odorless sarin quickly vaporized, causing immediate symptoms in passengers. Victims experienced eye pain, difficulty breathing, and seizures. Many collapsed on platforms and in train cars.

Immediate Aftermath and Responses

Emergency services were quickly overwhelmed by the scale of the attack. Hospitals struggled to treat the sudden influx of patients with unknown symptoms.

First responders, unaware of the chemical agent, became secondary victims. Many suffered from sarin exposure while treating affected passengers.

The Japanese government mobilized military and police forces to secure the subway system. They also launched a massive investigation to identify the perpetrators.

Public panic ensued as news of the attack spread. The incident shattered Japan's sense of security and raised questions about the nation's preparedness for chemical attacks.

Aum Shinrikyo's involvement became clear within days, leading to raids on their compounds and the arrest of key members, including leader Shoko Asahara.

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