A former terrorist Red Army Faction member and human-rights activists plan to set up a computer store employing an AUM Shinrikyo cultist as a technical adviser.
The planned employment of the AUM member has set alarms ringing among public safety authorities, who say they will keep an eye on the Osaka store's operations when it opens this month.
"There is a possibility that this could become a new source of funds for the cult, and we want to monitor its movements," a public safety official said.
A former Red Army Faction member, 47, who was involved in the hijacking of a Japan Airlines flight bound for Fukuoka from Haneda in 1970, plans to run the show. He stressed that the AUM follower would take care of distribution and technical support, and not be involved in management. But authorities remain skeptical. "Even if they say the follower will not be involved in managing the store, we think there is a need to take precautions," the official said.
The activists reportedly plan to import low-priced computer parts from overseas, and will make both storefront and mail-order sales. Supporters of the group reportedly fronted money for the shop, to be located in Osaka's electrical Nipponbashi district.
Cult officials denied any involvement in the store's opening.
"We have had nothing to do with the planning of this store," a cult spokesman said. "Followers are free to choose where they work and what they do."
In addition to the AUM member, the human-rights activists reportedly plan to employ three daughters born in North Korea to hijackers of the Japan Airlines "Yodo-go" flight. The daughters, who have been issued travel documents to enter Japan, should arrive in the country on May 15.
"One of the aims of opening the store is to provide a place for children like this to work," the former Red Army Faction member said on condition of anonymity.