Kyoto Animation Arsonist, Shinji Aoba, Withdraws Appeal, Death Sentence Likely to Be Finalized

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Shinji Aoba, responsible for the dreadful arson attack on Kyoto Animation in 2019, moved a step closer to receiving his death sentence. On January 27, 2025, it was confirmed by the Osaka High Court that Aoba had withdrawn his appeal the day prior. While there is still a possibility for his legal team to contest this decision, experts suggest that it is now likely final.

On the morning of July 18, 2019, Aoba walked into Kyoto Animation’s Studio 1 located in Kyoto’s Fushimi Ward. He was carrying gasoline, which he used to ignite a fire that engulfed the building. The tragic incident resulted in the loss of 36 lives and left 34 others injured. This horrific event stands among Japan’s deadliest mass murders and has left an emotional and creative gap within the global animation industry.

NHK shared statements from relatives of the affected individuals. The father of the deceased animator was among them, expressing that only his son, Aoba, could understand why the appeal was withdrawn and saw this action as potentially accepting accountability for something.

The mother of a female animator, who tragically perished in the fire, expressed her desire to comprehend his rationale, yet found no other possible outcome except for the loss of 36 lives to be acceptable.

In 2022, during his court case, Aoba stated that he assaulted the studio due to his conviction that they had stolen his creations. His legal team contended that he was not of sound mind to bear responsibility, but this claim was rejected by the Kyoto District Court. Consequently, in 2023, he received a death sentence.

After the unfortunate incident, Kyoto Animation has been gradually making progress. Last year, they released “Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S,” with the late director Yoshiji Kigami listed among its creative team. For 2025, they have planned two projects: “Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: The Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved” and “CITY THE ANIMATION.

Established in 1985, Kyoto Animation has been responsible for producing some of the most cherished anime works, such as “A Silent Voice”, “Violet Evergarden”, “K-On!”, “Sound! Euphonium”, and “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya”. Despite encountering numerous challenges, this studio remains a source of inspiration for fans around the globe.

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2025-01-28 20:44