Description
“Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche” is a non-fiction work by Haruki Murakami. The book was originally published in two parts in 1997 and 1998 in the literary magazine “Bungei Shunju” and later compiled into a single volume in 2000. The English translation by Alfred Birnbaum was first published in 2001.
“Underground” examines the 1995 Tokyo subway sarin gas attack carried out by the Aum Shinrikyo cult. The cult released sarin gas in the Tokyo subway system during rush hour, resulting in the deaths of 13 people and the injury of over a thousand others.
Haruki Murakami interviews and profiles the survivors of the attack, providing a platform for them to share their experiences and perspectives. He also explores the psychological and social impact of the attack on Japanese society. In addition to the interviews with survivors, Murakami also delves into the perpetrators’ backgrounds and motivations.
The book is a unique blend of journalism, personal narratives, and social commentary. It reflects Murakami’s deep exploration of the human condition and the societal repercussions of a traumatic event. “Underground” offers a powerful and thought-provoking examination of the aftermath of a tragic incident that shook Japan.
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