Japan pays tribute to victims of 1995 Tokyo sarin gas attack

The nation of Japan is commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Tokyo subway sarin attack. This incident, which occurred on March 20, 1995, resulted in the deaths of thirteen individuals and caused injuries to over 5,800 others. A fourteenth casualty, suffering from severe brain damage as a result of the attack, passed away in 2020. Numerous survivors continue to experience visual impairments, persistent fatigue, and psychological trauma. Five members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult perpetrated the attack by releasing sarin, a nerve agent, into the carriages of morning commuter trains. The perpetrators punctured bags containing the substance with sharpened umbrella tips before absconding. The religious sect, under the leadership of Chizuo Matsumoto, also known as Shoko Asahara, propagated the belief in an impending apocalypse, asserting that the massacre would elevate the souls of its followers to a higher spiritual plane. Despite the official dissolution of the Aum Shinrikyo sect, authorities indicate that clandestine groups remain active within Japan. These groups reportedly engage in proselytism, recruiting young individuals through social media platforms and messaging applications.