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Japan Today
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
Kyoto Animation arson marks 6th anniversary with death penalty finalized
A memorial service is held on Friday to honor the victims of the 2019 arson attack on a Kyoto Animation C. studio in Kyoto. Kyoto Animation Co held a memorial on Friday to honor the 36 victims of the 2019 arson attack, with families renewing the memories of their loved ones on the anniversary day that came months after the assailant dropped an appeal to overturn his death sentence. "Works that have been left (by the victims) are still moving the hearts of many people. You have clearly made a mark on the world, and we are proud of that," a representative of the families said in a message read out in a ceremony at the site in Kyoto where the burned down No. 1 Studio once stood. About 150 people, including bereaved family members and Kyoto Animation President Hideaki Hatta, attended the event that was held privately. A total of 36 sunflowers -- the same number of the victims -- were laid at an altar under a tent. The deadly attack delivered a heavy blow to Kyoto Animation, often referred to as "KyoAni" and known worldwide for producing hit anime works including "K-On!" and "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya." Hatta said in his speech at the ceremony that he feels the absence of the victims as their peers continue their work. The company, as it did last year, asked fans to refrain from coming to the site of the studio on the day of the anniversary. But it expressed its appreciation for their continued support. The assailant, Shinji Aoba, 47, was sentenced to death by the Kyoto District Court in January 2024 for the arson that triggered one of Japan's worst mass murder cases, after the court found him mentally competent to be held accountable for his crimes. Aside from those killed, 32 others suffered injuries of various degrees. The capital punishment was finalized after Aoba submitted documents to drop his appeal in January this year, but his lawyers contested the validity. In July last year, Kyoto Animation set up a monument to remember the victims at a park in Uji, a city in Kyoto Prefecture where the company's headquarters is located. It also plans to build a monument at the site of the No. 1 Studio. © KYODO
The Mainichi
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Kyoto Animation arson marks 6th anniv. with death penalty finalized
KYOTO (Kyodo) -- Kyoto Animation Co. held a memorial on Friday to honor the 36 victims of the 2019 arson attack, with families renewing the memories of their loved ones on the anniversary day that came months after the assailant dropped an appeal to overturn his death sentence. "Works that have been left (by the victims) are still moving the hearts of many people. You have clearly made a mark on the world, and we are proud of that," a representative of the families said in a message read out in a ceremony at the site in Kyoto where the burned down No. 1 Studio once stood. About 150 people, including bereaved family members and Kyoto Animation President Hideaki Hatta, attended the event that was held privately. A total of 36 sunflowers -- the same number of the victims -- were laid at an altar under a tent. The deadly attack delivered a heavy blow to Kyoto Animation, often referred to as "KyoAni" and known worldwide for producing hit anime works including "K-On!" and "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya." Hatta said in his speech at the ceremony that he feels the absence of the victims as their peers continue their work. The company, as it did last year, asked fans to refrain from coming to the site of the studio on the day of the anniversary. But it expressed its appreciation for their continued support. The assailant, Shinji Aoba, 47, was sentenced to death by the Kyoto District Court in January 2024 for the arson that triggered one of Japan's worst mass murder cases, after the court found him mentally competent to be held accountable for his crimes. Aside from those killed, 32 others suffered injuries of various degrees. The capital punishment was finalized after Aoba submitted documents to drop his appeal in January this year, but his lawyers contested the validity. In July last year, Kyoto Animation set up a monument to remember the victims at a park in Uji, a city in Kyoto Prefecture where the company's headquarters is located. It also plans to build a monument at the site of the No. 1 Studio.
Japan Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
Six years on, victims of fatal Kyoto Animation attack remembered
A memorial was held in the city of Kyoto on Friday for victims of a deadly arson attack on Kyoto Animation's No. 1 studio six years ago. "United as one, we will continue to create our works together," Hideaki Hatta, president and CEO of the anime production company known as KyoAni, said in a statement. Some 150 people including bereaved relatives and employees attended the ceremony at the former site of the studio, offering silent prayers. "I believe you are still making animations even in the sky," a bereaved parent whose daughter was killed in the attack said in a memorial speech. "They must be cheerful, enjoyable and wonderful pieces," the parent added. "I will never forget you." In his speech, Hatta noted that the company has created seven animated films and four television anime series in the past six years. "We want to continue creating works that we can be proud of," he said. The arson attack occurred on July 18, 2019, leaving 36 people dead and 32 others injured. Shinji Aoba, the 47-year-old attacker, was sentenced to death by the Kyoto District Court in January 2024. He appealed the ruling, but withdrew his challenge in January this year, making his death sentence final. The defense has filed a petition with the Osaka High Court to nullify the withdrawal of the appeal, claiming that a death penalty should not be finalized due to a "temporary impulse." Last year, KyoAni and the bereaved families set up a monument in honor of the 36 victims at a park in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, where the company is headquartered. The company also plans to build a memorial monument at the former site of its No. 1 studio that will not be open to the public.
Kyodo News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
Kyoto Animation arson marks 6th anniv. with death penalty finalized
KYOTO - Kyoto Animation Co. held a memorial on Friday to honor the 36 victims of the 2019 arson attack, with families renewing the memories of their loved ones on the anniversary day that came months after the assailant dropped an appeal to overturn his death sentence. "Works that have been left (by the victims) are still moving the hearts of many people. You have clearly made a mark on the world, and we are proud of that," a representative of the families said in a message read out in a ceremony at the site in Kyoto where the burned down No. 1 Studio once stood. About 150 people, including bereaved family members and Kyoto Animation President Hideaki Hatta, attended the event that was held privately. A total of 36 sunflowers -- the same number of the victims -- were laid at an altar under a tent. The deadly attack delivered a heavy blow to Kyoto Animation, often referred to as "KyoAni" and known worldwide for producing hit anime works including "K-On!" and "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya." Hatta said in his speech at the ceremony that he feels the absence of the victims as their peers continue their work. The company, as it did last year, asked fans to refrain from coming to the site of the studio on the day of the anniversary. But it expressed its appreciation for their continued support. The assailant, Shinji Aoba, 47, was sentenced to death by the Kyoto District Court in January 2024 for the arson that triggered one of Japan's worst mass murder cases, after the court found him mentally competent to be held accountable for his crimes. Aside from those killed, 32 others suffered injuries of various degrees. The capital punishment was finalized after Aoba submitted documents to drop his appeal in January this year, but his lawyers contested the validity. In July last year, Kyoto Animation set up a monument to remember the victims at a park in Uji, a city in Kyoto Prefecture where the company's headquarters is located. It also plans to build a monument at the site of the No. 1 Studio.
6 days ago
- Entertainment
6 Yrs On, Victims of Fatal KyoAni Arson Attack Remembered
News from Japan Society Jul 18, 2025 13:26 (JST) Kyoto, July 18 (Jiji Press)--A ceremony was held in the western Japan city of Kyoto on Friday to mourn the victims of a deadly arson attack on Kyoto Animation Co.'s No. 1 studio six years ago. "United as one, we will continue to create our works together," Hideaki Hatta, president and CEO of the anime production company known as KyoAni, said in a statement. Some 150 people including bereaved relatives and employees attended the ceremony at the former site of the studio, offering silent prayers for the victims. "I believe you are still making animations even in the sky," a bereaved parent whose daughter was killed in the attack said in a memorial speech. "They must be cheerful, enjoyable and wonderful pieces," the parent added. "I will never forget you." In his speech, Hatta noted that the company has created seven animated films and four television anime series in the past six years. "We want to continue creating works that we can be proud of," he said. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
