High ranking Members

Though most of Aum's following resided in Russia, the highest ranking officials were of Japanese origin. Whereas most members of the cult were simply innocent devotees to Aum, Asahara's inner circle was responsible for organizing and leading the crimes committed. Under Shoko Asahara's guidance, Aum Shinrikyo structured its self much like the Japanese government and established ministries and departments for running all aspects of the cult.

Some important high-ranking members included:

• Seichi Endo (34 in 1995) - Health and Welfare Minister

Endo's department developed and researched chemical and biological weaponry. Endo has since been indicted of murder.

•   Tomomitsu Niimi (31 in 1995) - Minister of Home Affairs

The ministry of Home affairs under Tomomitsu's guidance was responsible for "maintaining control and discipline over the membership". Niimi is directly responsible for numerous kidnappings and the torture of dissident and runaway members. Niimi has admitted to the use of sarin gas on former members and critics of the cult.

•  Ikuo Hayashi (48 in 1995) - Treatment Minister 

Hayashi used his skills as a trained physician to administer drugs to unruly members and was important to the sarin attack. Hayashi travled to the United States to gather information on sarin.

• Kiyohide Hayakawa (45 in 1995) - Minister of Construction 

"Mastermind" behind the cult's growth. Was in charge of acquiring land, building facilities and purchasing weaponry. He was the leader of operations in the United States, Russia, and Australia (where Aum allegedly mined for Uranium).

•   Hideo Murai - Minister of Science and Technology (36 in 1995)

Died in 1995 when assassinated by a yakuza. Lead a team of over 300 well educated scientists in research. Was crucial to the sarin gas attacks.