Japan marks 30 years since Tokyo subway sarin attack

TOKYO - Japan marked the 30th anniversary on March 20 of the sarin gas attack on Tokyo’s subway that killed more than a dozen people and injured more than 5,800.

A small group of Tokyo subway workers observed a moment of silence at an annual ceremony at Kasumigaseki station in the heart of the capital’s government district, one of several areas targeted in the 1995 carnage.

Victims and experts warned that the cult behind the coordinated attack remains active and is recruiting young people.

Ms Shizue Takahashi, 78, whose then 50-year-old husband was among those killed, offered flowers at the Kasumigaseki station where he worked.

“When I come here, I clearly recall that day, and I am filled with sadness,” said Ms Takahashi, who has become a tireless campaigner against the Aum Shinrikyo cult that carried out the attack.

“My life really wasn’t like this. It is frustrating to think that,” she said.

On March 20, 1995, five members of the Aum cult dropped bags of Nazi-developed sarin nerve agent inside morning commuter trains, piercing the pouches with sharpened umbrella tips before fleeing.

The trains drove on, trapping passengers inside with the deadly fumes.

Passengers streamed out of stations once the trains stopped, vomiting and struggling to breathe, with emergency workers providing care by the side of the road.

The attack killed 13 people, while a 14th victim died in 2020 after suffering severe brain damage in the attack.

More than 5,800 others were injured, many of whom are still suffering from vision problems, fatigue and psychological trauma.

The cult’s wild-haired, nearly blind leader Shoko Asahara was executed in 2018 along with 12 disciples for the attack and other violent crimes.

Asahara, whose real name was Chizuo Matsumoto, preached that the apocalypse was coming, and that murders could elevate souls