Shoko Asahara

The shocking story of Aum Shinrikyo, the doomsday cult that unleashed a deadly nerve gas in Tokyo’s subway system in 1995. Founded by disillusioned yoga teacher Shoko Asahara, Aum transformed into a terrorist organization while Japan’s police and media turned a blind eye. Featuring rare archival footage and an interview with one of Asahara’s former high-ranking disciples. A Sundance premiere.

Atsushi Sakahara, a victim of the 1995 sarin gas attack in Tokyo's subway system, travels with Hiroshi Araki, an executive of Aleph (formerly Aum Shinrikyo), the attack's perpetrators, visiting their respective hometowns and the university they both attended. Conversations unfold, building intimacy: we learn why Araki joined the infamous organization led by Shoko Asahara and why, still, Araki remains an executive member of the cult, even though he was not directly involved in any of the crimes.The beginning of a friendship, a trip for redemption, or the confirmation that each human has to go their own way.

This series exploring sects reveals how such organisations function like miniature dictatorships and rely on the classic techniques of propaganda and repression. This edition focuses on the recruitment techniques used by gurus to woo 'innocents' to their groups.

Sect leader of Aum Shinrikyo, known as Shoko Asahara, and Takeshi Kitano meet in an interview.

Propaganda anime produced by the notorius Japanese doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo.