Sarin Gas Attack Remembered on 31st Anniversary

The 1995 Tokyo subway attack by the Aum Shinrikyo cult left 14 dead and over 1,000 injured.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 8:10am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

On March 20, 1995, members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult carried out a deadly sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system, killing 14 people and injuring over 1,000. The attack is remembered as one of the most horrific acts of domestic terrorism in Japan's history.

Why it matters

The 1995 sarin gas attack in Tokyo highlighted the dangers of extremist groups with access to chemical weapons and the need for robust counterterrorism measures. It also prompted a major crackdown on the Aum Shinrikyo cult and led to reforms in Japan's security and intelligence agencies.

The details

In the attack, Aum Shinrikyo cult members placed packages containing the deadly nerve agent sarin on five separate subway trains. The sarin was released when the packages were opened, causing widespread panic and chaos. Thousands of commuters were exposed to the toxic gas, leading to a massive emergency response and decontamination effort.

  • The attack occurred on March 20, 1995.
  • It was carried out during the morning rush hour on the Tokyo subway system.

The players

Aum Shinrikyo

A Japanese doomsday cult that carried out the 1995 sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway system.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The 1995 sarin gas attack was a horrific act of domestic terrorism that shook Japan to its core.”

— Taro Aso, Former Prime Minister of Japan

What’s next

The Japanese government continues to commemorate the victims of the 1995 sarin gas attack and has implemented stricter regulations on the production and storage of chemical weapons to prevent similar incidents.

The takeaway

The 1995 Tokyo subway attack served as a wake-up call for Japan and the international community about the dangers of extremist groups with access to chemical weapons. It led to significant reforms in Japan's security and intelligence agencies and highlighted the need for vigilance in preventing and responding to acts of domestic terrorism.