The 30th anniversary of the Aum Shinrikyo subway sarin incident, which occurred on March 20, 1995, raises concerns about the fading memory of the tragedy. In Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, the residents are engaged in ongoing protests against the activities of the successor group Hikari no Wa, established by former Aum executive Shigehiro Kamiizumi. Local leaders have expressed fears that a lack of social oversight might lead the group back to its extremist roots.
As the date approaches, the historical impact of the event and its relevance to current circumstances cannot be overlooked. On December 2000, members of the successor group Aleph began residing in a residential building in this quiet neighborhood. The sudden move caught many off guard; the chairman of the local countermeasures council, Mr. Furuma, reflected on the shocking transition: “We never expected that a branch of Aum would be in Setagaya.”
Since their arrival, the apartment complex has turned into a flashpoint for community unrest. Residents began to notice a palpable fear about the looming presence of individuals connected to a group responsible for heinous acts, including murder and chemical terrorism. This fear has changed the pedestrian patterns in the area, leading to fewer visitors to local shops and consequently a drop in sales.
Hikari no Wa continues to conduct activities, including yoga seminars, while remaining under observation by authorities, specifically under the Group Regulatory Act. Local law enforcement maintains a vigilant presence, with police boxes and liaison offices stationed outside the apartment building to monitor the situation closely. Furuma commented on the challenges faced by residents: “Working in unchanged conditions is tough.” Without new incidents to highlight, garnering support for their cause has become increasingly difficult.
Furuma stated that the decrease in public engagement is evident as community interest wanes. He expressed concerns about how the discontinuation of observation measures could lead Hikari no Wa to a return to the teachings of Aum Shinrikyo’s founder, Shoko Asahara, a convicted mastermind behind the subway sarin attack. “If we do not maintain observation, it could lead back to the same dangerous ideologies we’ve worked hard to combat,” he warned. The local council was formed in 2013, motivated by the urgency of monitoring Hikari no Wa’s activities.
In a recent statement responding to inquiries from the Sankei Shimbun, Hikari no Wa acknowledged the ongoing fears among residents, acknowledging the significant tragedies and suffering wrought by the original cult. They offered reassurance, stating that misunderstandings linger about their current operations and beliefs, reporting that they are actively working to host community meetings aimed at alleviating these concerns. However, Furuma remains resolute, claiming understanding of Hikari no Wa's activities is elusive and potentially exploitative in the community's current climate. “Even if they leave Karasuyama, similar concerns will likely emerge elsewhere. I wish to resolve this right here,” he asserted.
The stakes surrounding the approaching anniversary of the subway sarin incident highlight a community's struggle against both history and the unpredictability of its current and future landscape. As the situation continues to evolve, local leaders and residents remain vigilant, determined to maintain their watch against potential threats stemming from a group they believe closely resembles the original Aum Shinrikyo, in ideology and in practice.
Overall, the juxtaposition of a tragic past and a tense present serves as a somber reminder that the remnants of past extremist ideologies can resurface if vigilance wanes. Residents demonstrate an unwavering commitment to safeguarding their community against the shadows of its history, as they preserve the collective memory of a tragedy that should never be forgotten. Only through concerted efforts can they ensure that the violence and terror of the past do not repeat themselves in the future.
