By Juliet Hindell in Tokyo

The number two leader of Japan's Aum Shinrikyo doomsday cult has been released from jail in Hiroshima.

Fumihiro Joyu had completed a three-year prison sentence for perjury and falsification of documents, but is now expected to assume leadership of the cult.

His release has caused a sensation in Japan with live television coverage of his journey from Hiroshima to Tokyo.

More than 100 police surrounded the prison in Hiroshima in preparation for Joyu's release but there were even more journalists and TV cameras ready to catch the first glimpse of the Aum cult's second-in-command.

Joyu had become widely known in Japan as the charismatic public relations chief of the cult.

But he was in Russia at the time of Aum's sarin nerve gas attack on Tokyo commuter trains. Twelve people died and 5,000 more became ill.

The cult's leader, Shoko Asahara, is still on trial in connection with the gassing and other crimes.

Joyu emerged from jail wearing a grey suit and looking pale and thin. Television cameras then followed his every move as he boarded a plane for Tokyo and tried to check in to a hotel.

The hotel refused him entry even to the lobby and Joyu was driven off to an undisclosed location in the capital.

Potential leader?

In a statement he said that he planned to return to the cult but that as he had just been released from prison he would not discuss his future. He said that he wanted to rest and ponder his plans.

But Joyu is widely expected to assume leadership of the cult which has only recently admitted some members were involved in the gas attack.

Two months ago the cult said it was suspending its activities. The return of Joyu may mean that it will become active once again.