When I found out Shoko Asahara, the cult leader of Aum Shinrikyo, was married and, more impressively, stay married, I wanted to know more about his wife, Tomoko Ishii. His daughters have been quite outspoken (some in support of him, others against) and a few years ago, there were rumors that his son might take over the leadership. Even now, there are rumors that the cult’s successor, Aleph, continues to support, or have contact with, his family. But Tomoko Ishii is rarely mentioned.

So when we reached the years after Chizuo Matsumoto finishes school and Fumihiko Takayama’s book does a detour into Tomoko Ishii, including speaking with her classmates, I was enthralled. Episode 3 covers Tomoko Ishii life up to her meeting Chizuo Matsumoto; the next episode will continue with the early years of their marriage, before the formation of Aum Shinrikyo.

Kujukuri Beach, in Chiba Prefecture.

Undated photo of Chizuo Matsumoto and Tomoko Ishii.

Listen Now:

Pocket Cast: https://pca.st/8es9u6lt

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/before-after-aum

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/hk/podcast/before-after-aum/id1503524725

Thank you for taking the time to listen to our podcast. Please rate and review; it helps other people find us. But the best way, is to tell your friends. In the next episode, we’ll move onto the first few years of Chizuo Matsusmoto and Tomoko Ishii’s marriage, Chizuo’s first few business ventures and early days in Agon Shu. If you are able, please consider supporting us by becoming a paid subscriber here or on Patreon. All funds go towards finishing the film The Cult Leader and Me.