Apocalypse Devotees of Aum Shinrikyo, a Japanese cult, believed in their own survival; hence, they initiated it themselves.
In humble beginnings, Chizuo Matsumoto, later known as Shoko Asahara, led a meager life as a tatami mat maker's son. Tormented by childhood glaucoma and expelled from school as a bully, he later sold herbal remedies inadequately to support his family.
His life took a mystical turn in the 1980s when Asahara started delving into meditation and religious philosophy. Mixing teachings from Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Nostradamus prophecies, he found popularity offering salvation and better lives to followers, all while claiming to be the enlightened master of Japan.
Yoga and meditation classes stood at the foundation of Aum Shinrikyo, a cult organization Matsumoto (Asahara) established in 1987. The group flourished, recognized as a religious organization in Japan just two years later. Books and multiple talk show appearances solidified Asahara's claim to offering health, wealth, and spirituality.
As time progressed, Asahara's promises grew grander. He claimed to be the "Holy Pope," "Saviour of the Country," and "Tokyo's Christ," offering salvation, taking on the world's sins, and promoting his wisdom. The insular community encouraged many of its members to abandon their families and embrace cult life. An increasing following encompassed sophisticated intellectuals from elite families.
The group isolated members from the outside world, utilizing shock therapy and hallucinogenic drugs. Rumors suggested that some frequenters attempting to leave were killed or held against their will, with one victim forced to drink copious amounts of hot water to purge his system.
Asahara's irrefutable conviction in the imminent apocalypse proved to be the cult's deadliest aspect. He believed Aum Shinrikyo members would be the only survivors, prompting the group to acquire vast quantities of sarin gas to hasten the advent of a world inhabited solely by the devout.
In 1990, Aum attempted to gain political influence in Japan, only to abandon the endeavor when their parliamentary candidates failed. Afterwards, the Japanese government officially branded Aum Shinrikyo as a cult.
Obscured from authorities' detection, the cult built chemical plants like Satyan 7 to develop poisonous substances, one of which was anthrax. In 1993, the cult contaminated their building's roof with anthrax-infected liquid, causing a putrid stench that did not lead to any injuries.
On March 20, 1995, cult members armed with concealed sarin gas bags boarded multiple Tokyo subway trains, releasing the gas and causing the devastating attack that killed 13 people and injured over 5,500. The ensuing police raids uncovered dehydrated and malnourished followers and massive chemical stockpiles, leading to the arrest of Asahara and other top members.
Asahara faced trial, receiving a death sentence in 2004. He was executed by hanging on July 6, 2018. Despite this, the cult survived, rebranding itself as Aleph, with remnants still active today in Eastern Europe and Russia.
While the world remains wary of the cult's disciples, former members have shared their harrowing experiences inside the cult, revealing cases of severe physical and mental abuse. The impact on individual lives, families, and Japanese society continues to be felt as an unsettling reminder of the danger that can lurk within the shadows of charismatic leadership and eschatological beliefs.
- The increase in Asahara's political claims, such as being the "Holy Pope" and the "Saviour of the Country," attracted sophisticated intellectuals from elite families, further blending the lines between general-news, history, and crime-and-justice.
- Despite Asahara's execution in 2018, the Aum Shinrikyo cult, now rebranded as Aleph, continues to make headlines in crime-and-justice and general-news, serving as a cautionary tale about the darker aspects of politics and religious philosophy.
