The Troubled Legacy of Aum Shinrikyo Children After the Sarin Attack
The Aum Shinrikyo cult, notorious for the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack, left behind a legacy of trauma for its child followers, many of whom remain in secrecy about their past. An investigation revealed serious health and psychological issues among the children, who received minimal support. Experts advocate for the establishment of safe zones for these individuals and stress the need to recognize them as victims.
The Aum Shinrikyo cult was infamous for the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin attack, where it released the toxic nerve agent during rush hour, leading to 14 fatalities and approximately 6,300 injuries. The group’s leader, Asahara Shoko, was executed in 2018 for this and other offenses. At the time of the incident, Aum had over 11,000 followers, many accompanied by children who faced indoctrination and social isolation.
The minors were separated from their parents and forbidden from attending school. NHK’s investigation uncovered Kenichi, a pseudonym, who was taken to the Aum compound by his mother and lived there for five years. When approached for an interview, he expressed shock, emphasizing the need to keep his involvement a secret from his family, stating, “You must never come near my family. They don’t know a thing.” He fears exposure about his past, which he describes as fabricated to conceal his true childhood.
Post-attack, 112 children were temporarily housed in child consultation centers across Japan. Many showed concerning health issues, including skin problems, as noted by former official Hosaka Mitsuo. He remarked on the children’s lack of hygiene, stating, “They don’t wash their hands or faces because they believe what they learned during religious training will be washed away.” Their diaries reflected a deep mistrust of the outside world.
Of the children in temporary custody, 68 returned to family settings, while others were placed in public care facilities, which were inadequate for their needs. Former Aum adults could access government support, but the children lacked similar resources. An expert panel formed to assess support needed for these children concluded its research in two years without substantial recommendations and highlighted ongoing needs for long-term care. Experts now advocate for establishing safe zones for former Aum children, arguing that it is crucial to acknowledge them as victims, just like the casualties of the subway attack.
The Aum Shinrikyo cult left an enduring impact not just on its victims during the 1995 subway attack but also on the children who were indoctrinated and uprooted from their families. Many former Aum children are now adults, living in fear of exposure regarding their past. Lack of adequate support has been highlighted, necessitating safe spaces for them to seek help and share their stories. It’s essential to recognize the plight of these children and provide necessary resources to aid their recovery.
Original Source: www3.nhk.or.jp
