NHK's science documentary program "Dark Side Mysteries" will air "Heaven's Gate Mass Suicide Incident: Let's Go to Heaven on a UFO" on NHK BS from 9:00 PM on January 23rd. The program explores the tragedy of the American cult "Heaven's Gate," which occurred around the same time as the Aum Shinrikyo incident, based on the testimony of former members.
Thirty-nine followers, who lived quietly together under the motto "Let's all evolve as better people!", took their own lives, leaving behind a video of them smiling mysteriously. Why? What does the smile mean? The cult began as a group of people who found life difficult in the world and huddled together. However, the cult's teachings unintentionally changed, driving them into a corner.
This film explores 20 years inside a hidden cult and follows how the psychology of a closed society blocks any escape routes.
The program will be hosted by Chiaki Kuriyama, narrated by Jouji Nakata, and hosted by announcer Masato Ikema.
