Aum Shinrikyo and religious terrorism in Japanese collective memory

Aum Shinrikyō's sarin attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995 left a lasting impact on Japanese society. This book explores the competing memories of the religious terrorism group and how the incident became a cultural trauma in collective memory. It examines sources such as mass media reports and interviews with victims and ex-members to reveal multiple narratives over the causes of Aum's violence, brainwashing, and mind control. The book argues that the entrenchment of moral binaries in commemorative processes can hinder social repair and reconciliation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Aum Shinrikyō's sarin attack on the Tokyo subway in March 1995 left an indelible mark on Japanese society, marking a significant turning point in the country's history. This groundbreaking book is the first to offer a comprehensive study of the competing memories of Aum Shinrikyō's religious terrorism. By developing a sociological framework that examines how uneven distributions of power and resources shape commemorative processes, the author delves into the development of the Aum Affair as a cultural trauma in Japanese collective memory following the devastating Tokyo attack. Through a rigorous interrogation of a diverse range of sources, including mass media reports and in-depth interviews with victims and ex-members of Aum Shinrikyō, the book sheds light on the multiple clashing narratives surrounding the causes of Aum's violence, the efficacy of brainwashing and mind control, and the debate over the justification of capital punishment.

What emerges from this comprehensive analysis is a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics that shape the construction of cultural trauma. The book shows that while cultural trauma construction necessarily involves the use of moral binaries such as good vs. evil, pure vs. impure, and sacred vs. profane, the entrenched entrenchment of these binary codes in commemorative processes can ultimately hinder social repair and reconciliation.

This book is a valuable contribution to the field of memory studies, as it sheds light on the ways in which individuals and societies cope with the aftermath of violent events. It provides insights into the mechanisms through which cultural trauma is transmitted, reproduced, and transformed over time, and offers valuable lessons for policymakers and practitioners working in the field of conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction.

In conclusion, Aum Shinrikyō's sarin attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995 was a tragic event that left a lasting impact on Japanese society. This book offers a groundbreaking exploration of the competing memories of Aum Shinrikyō's religious terrorism, providing a sociological framework that sheds light on the complex processes that shape the construction of cultural trauma. By interrogating a wide range of sources and engaging with the ethical and political dimensions of memory, the author contributes to our understanding of how individuals and societies navigate the aftermath of violent events, and offers valuable insights for building more resilient and inclusive communities.

Weight: 502g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197267370