Former Police Chief Regrets Delay in Searching Cult Facilities

A Bureau Chief's Regret

Takashi Kakimi, a former bureau chief who oversaw police investigations into Aum Shinrikyo, has expressed deep regret for the "indecision" that allowed the cult to carry out its deadly sarin gas attack in Tokyo in 1995.

Kakimi, who was the director-general of the Criminal Affairs Bureau of the National Police Agency at the time, revealed in an interview that police had planned to search Aum Shinrikyo facilities in Tokyo and Yamanashi Prefecture as early as March 22, 1995. However, on the morning of March 20, Aum Shinrikyo members released sarin nerve gas on five trains, killing 14 people and injuring over 6,000.

Kakimi acknowledges that police could have chosen to carry out a search before completing investigations, as there were suspicions that sarin existed at Aum facilities. He feels responsible for the delay and believes that a sooner search could have prevented the attack.

This is the first time Kakimi has discussed details of the investigations. He had remained silent on the issue after retiring from the NPA in 1996. His decision to speak out now stems from a desire to record the police decisions for posterity and to take responsibility for the tragic outcome.

The sarin attack was a horrific event that shook Japan and highlighted the dangers of cults and extremist groups. Kakimi's regret serves as a reminder of the importance of taking swift action against such threats and the devastating consequences that can occur when authorities hesitate.