KOFU, Japan, Feb. 28–(Kyodo) _ The village of Kamikuishiki, Yamanashi Prefecture, known as the base of the AUM Shinrikyo cult, will officially disappear on Wednesday when it merges with two adjacent municipalities.
“Kamikuishiki village has a history of fighting against AUM Shinrikyo and forcing it out,” Kamikushiki Mayor Makoto Kobayashi said. “Some said the AUM incidents will be forgotten if the name of Kamikuishiki disappears, but the merger is necessary for financial reason.”
The northern part of Kamikuishiki will be integrated into the city of Kofu, while the southern part will be absorbed into the town of Fuji Kawaguchiko.