The dark legacy of an incendiary attack that left an indelible mark on Japanese animation

In a chilling verdict, the Kyoto District Court in Japan has sentenced Shinji Aoba, the individual responsible for the devastating incendiary attack on the first building of Kyoto Animation studios, to death. This ominous incident unfolded on the morning of July 18, 2019, when Aoba entered the building carrying around 40 liters of gasoline.

The attack resulted in the tragic loss of 36 lives, while another 32 people suffered severe injuries, marking one of the deadliest events in Japan since the end of World War II. The fire consumed a significant portion of materials and computers in Kyoto Animation's first building.

The investigation revealed that Aoba, with no work affiliation with the studio, sprayed gasoline in the area and on various employees before igniting it. After setting the fuel ablaze, he attempted to escape but was apprehended by the police about 100 meters from the building. Witnesses reported that during the incident, he accused the studio of plagiarism.

The assailant, Shinji Aoba, was arrested on May 27, 2020, after more than ten months of recovery from life-threatening burns. On December 16, 2020, he was formally charged, and ultimately, on September 5, 2023, Aoba admitted his guilt to the charges.

This tragic event not only had devastating consequences in terms of loss of lives and injuries but also left an indelible mark on the anime industry. Kyoto Animation, known for its significant contribution to the world of anime, faced delays in works and collaborations, as well as the suspension or cancellation of various events.

Aoba's admission, claiming that he believed Kyoto Animation had plagiarized several of his works, adds an additional layer of tragedy to this case. The death sentence issued by the Kyoto Court underscores the gravity of this crime and leaves an indelible imprint on the history of Japanese animation.

Source: Livedoor News