The Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack: March 20, 1995

On March 20, 1995, a coordinated domestic terrorist attack was carried out on the Tokyo subway system by members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult. This event marked one of the most severe acts of domestic terrorism in Japan’s history, resulting in 13 deaths and injuring over 5,000 people.

Background

Aum Shinrikyo, meaning “Supreme Truth,” was a religious cult founded by Shoko Asahara in 1984. The group combined elements of Buddhism, Hinduism, and apocalyptic Christian prophecies, and it gained a significant following in Japan during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Asahara, who claimed to be a messianic figure, led the cult with a vision of an impending apocalypse, which he believed could be hastened by acts of violence.

The Attack

On the morning of March 20, 1995, five members of Aum Shinrikyo boarded trains on three different lines of the Tokyo subway system during rush hour. Each member carried a plastic bag filled with liquid sarin, a potent nerve agent, wrapped in newspaper. Armed with umbrellas with sharpened tips, they punctured the bags, allowing the sarin to evaporate into the train cars and stations.

Key Locations

• Chiyoda Line: One of the targeted lines, where the sarin release caused significant casualties.
• Marunouchi Line: Another line affected, with multiple stations experiencing exposure.
• Hibiya Line: The third line targeted, contributing to the widespread panic and chaos.

Immediate Aftermath

The attack resulted in immediate chaos and confusion. Victims experienced symptoms such as blurred vision, difficulty breathing, and convulsions. Emergency services were overwhelmed by the scale of the incident, and hospitals across Tokyo were inundated with patients suffering from sarin exposure.

Broader Impact

The Tokyo subway sarin attack had profound implications:

• Public Safety Concerns: It exposed vulnerabilities in public transportation systems and highlighted the threat of chemical terrorism.
• Legal and Security Reforms: The Japanese government implemented stricter security measures and revised laws to prevent future attacks.
• Global Awareness: The attack drew international attention to the dangers of domestic terrorism and the potential use of chemical weapons by non-state actors.

Consequences for Aum Shinrikyo

In the aftermath, Japanese authorities conducted extensive investigations, leading to the arrest of Shoko Asahara and other key members of Aum Shinrikyo. Asahara was later convicted and sentenced to death, along with several other cult leaders. The group was declared a terrorist organization, and its activities were severely curtailed.

Historical Significance

The Tokyo subway sarin attack remains a stark reminder of the potential for domestic groups to carry out large-scale acts of terrorism. It underscored the need for vigilance and preparedness against unconventional threats and prompted a reevaluation of security protocols worldwide.

In conclusion, the events of March 20, 1995, continue to resonate as a pivotal moment in the history of terrorism, illustrating the devastating impact of chemical weapons and the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism.