March 20, 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Tokyo subway sarin attack, which left a profound mark on Japan's history. On that fateful day in 1995, members of the cult Aum Shinrikyo released deadly sarin gas in the Tokyo Metro, killing 14 people and injuring approximately 6,300 others. This tragic incident not only shocked the nation but also left lingering effects that many victims are still grappling with.
Reflecting on the perpetrators, Aum Shinrikyo was initially a yoga and meditation group established by Matsumoto Chizuo (later known as Shoko Asahara) in 1984. Over time, the organization morphed into a dangerous cult that began to attract young followers with its promises of enlightenment. However, as the organization’s ideologies became more extreme, it also became synonymous with violence, culminating in several tragedies, including the murder of attorney Shoken Sakamoto and his family in 1989 and the Matsumoto sarin incident in 1994.
On March 20, 1995, Aum effectively orchestrated one of Japan's worst terrorist attacks during the busy morning rush hour. Around 8 a.m., its believers punctured bags filled with sarin gas on three subway lines — Hibiya, Chiyoda, and Marunouchi. As the toxic gas spread, panic ensued, leading to chaos on the subway platforms. Eyewitness accounts described horrific scenes: passengers collapsing, many showing symptoms of poisoning, while emergency responders struggled to manage the situation.
In the immediate aftermath, actions taken by the police came under scrutiny. According to Takashi Sakaki, former director of the Criminal Investigation Bureau at the National Police Agency, there was "insufficient sharing of a sense of crisis within the police". Disagreements among police officials about how to respond delayed interventions that could have potentially prevented the disaster.
Just two days later, on March 22, police conducted simultaneous searches of Aum facilities, uncovering evidence that included large quantities of chemical agents used in the preparation of sarin. However, many questioned if earlier action could have thwarted the attack entirely, especially given prior incidents linked to the cult.
The health impacts have continued long after the tragedy. The RSC Recovery Support Center, an NPO supporting victims, has recorded over 2,700 individuals who have undergone annual checkups since 1996. Victims report symptoms ranging from persistent fatigue to PTSD, with many expressing ongoing fears of riding subways, exacerbated by the cult's continued activities.
At a recent forum addressing the 30-year anniversary, three university students, Ayumi Hirakawa, Naomi Sakuma, and Katsuya Imamura, spoke passionately about the need for awareness of this dark chapter in history. Many younger individuals were born after the attack and remain largely unaware of its implications. Hirakawa noted, "This incident is not just history; it still impacts many lives today."
Attending memorial gatherings at various subway stations, many former victims and their families reflected on their ongoing battle with the aftereffects of the attack. For those like Shinji Kimura, an attorney who leads the recovery center, the personal accounts of suffering remind the community that urgent care and support are still needed. “The symptoms of aftereffects are more severe than we initially thought, and a large number of people are coming for checkups complaining of the damage. We couldn't leave them alone,” he said, emphasizing the importance of collective support.
Meanwhile, issues surrounding Aum Shinrikyo's successor organization, Aleph, highlight ongoing concerns regarding cult influence and the potential for future violence. Police and researchers alike are vigilant, noting that while Asahara and others were executed, the pernicious ideologies behind the movement endure.
As this anniversary draws nearer, the police and wider community are called to ensure that lessons from this tragedy are not forgotten. With many officers now retired who were directly involved in the investigation, there lies an urgency to solidify memories and understandings of that day.
In conclusion, the Tokyo subway sarin attack remains a profound reminder of the risks posed by sectarian violence and the societal responsibility to uphold justice and memory. As one police chief poignantly stated, "The subway sarin incident is an event that must never be forgotten." In recognizing the past, the hope is to protect future generations from similar disasters.
