Shoko Asahara (麻原 彰晃, Asahara Shōkō, March 2, 1955 – July 6, 2018) was a Japanese religious activist, political activist, terrorist, and former death row inmate. His real name was Matsumoto Chizuo (松本 智津夫, Matsumoto Chizuo). He was born in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture.