This July marks six years since the Kyoto Animation arson attack, the deadliest act of violence in anime history. It was a loss not only for Japan but for the global creative community. Each anniversary brings reflection, remembrance, and a renewed focus on how the studio and those left behind continue to heal and rebuild.
On the morning of July 18, 2019, a man set fire to Kyoto Animation’s Studio 1 building in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto. The blaze killed 36 people and injured 32 more. Most of the victims were young creators at the start of promising careers. The arsonist was arrested on site. The incident stunned Japan and devastated the animation industry.
Decades of Craft Rooted in Kyoto’s Creative Spirit
A Legacy Etched in Masterpieces and Emotion
Kyoto Animation was founded in 1981 by Yoko Hatta and built a reputation for nurturing in-house talent. Unlike major Tokyo studios, KyoAni focused on training full-time staff, with an emphasis on detail and emotional storytelling. Based in Uji City, the studio quietly became one of Japan’s most respected animation houses, known for elevating the craft through human-scale production and care.
The studio’s works include Clannad, K-On!, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, and A Silent Voice. Violet Evergarden earned praise for its visual beauty and emotional depth, while Free! captured global fans with its mix of sports and drama. Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid became a modern fan favorite. Each series reflects KyoAni’s signature blend of warmth, subtlety, and creative excellence.
A Solemn Memorial at the Studio Ruins
Voices of Grief and Strength Echo Through the Ceremony
On July 18, 2025, a memorial was held at the former Studio 1 site. Flowers were placed before a simple altar as employees, families, and company leadership gathered in silence. Many of those who joined the company after the fire also attended. “We have never forgotten our colleagues,” said President Hideaki Hatta. “We carry them with us as we continue forward.”
President Hatta expressed his lasting sorrow to the bereaved: “We remain deeply sorry for being unable to protect your loved ones.” A younger employee, who had only worked with the victims for three months, said their memories remain vivid. “Your voices still encourage us,” she said. “Kyoto Animation is not a company that gives up easily. We will keep moving forward.”
Trials and New Beginnings Define the Studio’s Future
The Spirits of 36 Creators Still Soar Above Japan
The trial of arsonist Aoba Shinji is nearing its conclusion. He has confessed to the attack but cited mental illness. Meanwhile, Kyoto Animation continues creating. Their new film, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: The Lonely Dragon, recently hit theaters in Japan. A new TV anime series, CITY THE ANIMATION, began in July. Plans are progressing for a permanent memorial to be constructed at the Studio 1 site.
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A monument in Uji’s “Tea and History Park,” erected in 2023, features 36 birds taking flight. Each represents a lost creator and the legacy they left behind. One family member said, “Standing before the monument gives us quiet courage.” Kyoto Animation continues to move forward, hand in hand with grief and resilience, guided by the spirits of those they lost.
AloJapan.com