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Hideaki Hatta, co-founder and CEO of Kyoto Animation who served as president from its 1985 debut, has passed away at 76 years of age. On March 2, 2026, Kyoto Animation issued an announcement confirming that he passed away on February 16, with Shinichiro Hatta taking on the role in his place. It’s heartbreaking news, as KyoAni released over 20 years’ worth of incredible anime content under his tenure.
Kyoto Animation is home to some of anime’s most consistently strong series, with seminal early hits like Nichijou, Clannad, and Kanon and all-timers like Violet Evergarden to its name. Following Hatta’s passing of an undisclosed illness, the company is pushing forward with Hatta’s successor, carrying his vision “to create works that can be enjoyed by people all over the world.”
Kyoto Animation Co-Founder & President Oversaw a Historic Studio Run
KyoAni is one of the most beloved, consistently excellent studios. During Hatta’s tenure, dozens of anime spanning from comedies to heartbreaking drama, have benefited from its staff’s attentiveness to expressive body language, and powerful emotive storytelling steeped in romanticism. With Shinichiro now carrying that torch, and the studio set to adapt RuriDragon, Hatta’s legacy will be honored.
Becoming iconic upon its debut in the 2000s, KyoAni has shown remarkable resilience in the face of enormous hardship and loss. The company even endured following a deadly arson attack with 2019’s KyoAni studio fire in Fushimi, which killed 36 and injured 34 others. This powerful spirit shows once again as the company carries its co-founder’s vision into the future.
The company confirmed Hatta’s funeral and wake were a private affair attended by only family members. Kyoto Animation also confirms it’ll be declining any condolences, including flowers, money, or tributes sent to them. Our thoughts are with Hatta’s family following his passing.
AloJapan.com