japanese Cult, Responsible for 1995 Sarin Gas Attack, Still Recruiting Young Adults
Shoko Asahara, leader of Aum Shinrikyo cult. AFP/Getty Images
TOKYO (AP) — thirty years after the deadly sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system,the Aum Shinrikyo cult,tho officially disbanded in 1996,continues to attract followers,particularly among young adults. Japanese authorities remain vigilant as splinter groups, still devoted to the doomsday prophecies of the cult’s founder, Shoko Asahara, actively seek new members.
Cult Recruitment Tactics Target Unaware Youth
according to Japan’s Public Security Intelligence Agency, more then 860 individuals have joined Aum Shinrikyo splinter groups, such as Aleph and Hikarinowa, in the past decade alone. A staggering 52% of these new recruits were born after the 1995 sarin gas attack, highlighting the cult’s success in targeting a younger generation largely unfamiliar with the group’s history. As of January, the total number of followers stood at approximately 1,600.
These groups reportedly approach young people in bookstores,engaging those browsing yoga and self-help books. By initially offering yoga classes or study groups, they build trust before introducing their doctrines. This calculated approach allows them to exploit the lack of awareness surrounding the sarin gas attack among those in their 20s and 30s, effectively expanding their reach.
Remembering the Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack
On March 20, 1995, Aum Shinrikyo members released sarin gas, a nerve agent 500 times more potent than cyanide, on three Tokyo subway lines during rush hour. The attack,carried out in the name of fulfilling the cult’s apocalyptic prophecies,resulted in 14 fatalities and injured more than 6,300 people,leaving a scar on the nation’s psyche.
What specific tactics do Aleph and Hikarinowa employ to recruit young adults, and how do these methods exploit vulnerabilities in potential recruits?
Japanese Cult, Responsible for 1995 Sarin gas Attack, Still recruiting Young Adults: Q&A
Shoko Asahara,leader of Aum Shinrikyo cult. AFP/Getty Images
TOKYO (AP) — Thirty years after the deadly sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system, the Aum Shinrikyo cult, though officially disbanded in 1996, continues to attract followers, particularly among young adults.Japanese authorities remain vigilant as splinter groups,still devoted to the doomsday prophecies of the cult’s founder,Shoko Asahara,actively seek new members.
Q&A: Aum Shinrikyo and its Legacy
Q: What was Aum Shinrikyo?
A: Aum Shinrikyo was a Japanese doomsday cult founded by Shoko Asahara. They gained notoriety for the 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway, which killed 14 people and injured thousands.
Q: Is Aum Shinrikyo still active?
A: Officially disbanded, Aum Shinrikyo functions through splinter groups like Aleph and Hikarinowa.These groups continue to attract members, especially among younger generations.
Q: how do these splinter groups recruit?
A: They target young people in bookstores, offering yoga classes or study groups to build trust before introducing their doctrines. This is effective because many young adults are unaware of the cult’s history.
Q: Who was Shoko Asahara?
A: Shoko Asahara was the charismatic leader and founder of Aum Shinrikyo.He was the mastermind behind the sarin gas attack and was executed in 2018 for his crimes.
Q: What is sarin gas?
A: Sarin is a highly toxic nerve agent, 500 times more potent than cyanide. Exposure can lead to death through respiratory failure.
Q: How many people have joined the splinter groups?
A: Over 860 individuals have joined aleph and Hikarinowa in just the past decade, with 52% of new recruits born after the 1995 attack. The total number of followers is approximately 1,600 as of January.
Q: What can I do to protect myself or others from cult recruitment?
A: Be wary of groups offering easy answers or promising fast self-improvement. Research any organization thoroughly, especially if they seem secretive or isolate members from family and friends.
The continued recruitment by aum Shinrikyo’s splinter groups highlights the enduring threat of extremism and the importance of remaining informed about cult tactics.
