KYOTO, Japan – The Kyoto Animation Studio, known for producing popular anime series and movies, fell victim to an arson attack in 2019. The attack, carried out by Shinji Aoba, resulted in the deaths of 36 people, injuries to 32 others, and the destruction of the studio’s supplies and computers. Aoba, who claimed that the studio had stolen concepts from his work, has been sentenced to death after finally entering a guilty plea to the charges.
Aoba, who was not employed by the studio, entered the studio’s building with gasoline, setting it on fire and causing devastation to the animation staff. The attack was one of the deadliest cases in recent decades and led to a national mourning period in Japan.
After spending more than ten months in the hospital recovering from burn injuries, Aoba was taken into custody and officially indicted in December 2020. The court found him mentally competent and solely accountable for the arson attack, leading to his sentencing to death on January 25, 2024.
President of Kyoto Animation, Hideaki Hatta, expressed his admiration for the jury’s conduct during the trial and acknowledged the justice served, despite the deep sense of sorrow and regret that remains.
This devastating attack not only took the lives of many individuals but also had a profound impact on the victims’ families and society as a whole. The sentencing of Aoba brings a sense of closure to the survivors and the relatives of the victims, who have been waiting for justice to be served.
The decision to sentence the arsonist to death comes after a prolonged legal process and serves as a reminder of the lasting consequences of such tragic events. Despite the passage of time, the wounds left by the attack still linger, and the impact on the animation community will be felt for years to come.
As the animation studio seeks to move forward from this harrowing experience, the decision to bring the perpetrator to justice represents a step toward healing and closure for the victims and their families. The studio will continue to honor the memory of those they lost while working to rebuild and create a safe and nurturing environment for its employees.