2019 Kyoto Animation Arson
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Overview
2019 Kyoto Animation Arson refers to a fire that broke out at the Kyoto Animation Co anime studio in July 2019, which is suspected to have been caused by an arson attack. The fire resulted in deaths of at least 34 people and injured several dozen more.
Background
At approximately 10:30am local time (9:30pm EST) on July 18th, 2019, a fire broke out at the three-story building of Kyoto Animation studio in Kyoto, Japan.[1] 74 people were in the building at the time of the fire. A 41-year-old Japanese man, later identified as Shinji Aoba, was seen pouring a flammable liquid inside, saying "drop dead" before setting fire to the building. Several witnesses reported an explosion, with the fire quickly engulfing the entire building.
The fire resulted in deaths of at least 34 people and injuries 35 more, including the suspected arsonist, who has been apprehended by the police. No obvious connection between the individual and the studio was confirmed.
Notable Developments
On July 18th, Kyoto Animation president Hideaki Hatta said that the studio had been receiving emails containing death threats addressed to the studio's office and sales department.[5]
On the same day, users on 4chan[2] and Russian 2ch[3] imageboards reported that two hours prior to the fire, a thread was started on Japanese Futaba (2chan) imageboard in which an anonymous user posted "May I make my debut in the news?" As of 7:20 EST July 18th, 2019, the connection between the post and the arson had not been confirmed.
Suspect Identity
On July 19th, 2019, the Japanese police released the name of the suspect, who was identified as a 41-year-old resident of Saitama City Shinji Aoba.[6] In 2012, Aoba was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison after robbing a convenience store, with some sources reporting that he lived on welfare and was treated for mental health issues. Investigative sources reported that Aoba accused Kyoto Animation of stealing his idea for a novel during the arrest.[7][8]
Online Reactions
Online, users in Japan and worldwide condemned the arson, expressing condolences to the families of those killed and injured.
In the hours after the fire, American licensing company Sentai Filmworks launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to provide financial help to the Kyoto Animation studio.[4] The campaign raised over $330,000 of its $500,000 goal within seven hours with over 10,000 donations and over $1.3 million in 32 hours with over 42,600 donations.
Search Interest
External References
[1] NHK – At least 16 dead in suspected arson in Kyoto
[2] 4chan – /a/ Post #190738390
[3] Twitter – 2ch's Tweet
[4] GoFundMe – Help KyoAni Heal
[5] NHK – Kyoto fire: Death toll rises to 25
[6] NHK – Suspected arsonist has criminal record
[7] Kyodo News – Man held over Kyoto anime studio attack admits to using gasoline
[8] Independent – Kyoto Animation fire: Suspect behind arson attack that killed 33 'believed studio had stolen his idea for novel'
![| nippon.com Your Doorway to Japan Q o y f a Latest In-depth Japan Data News Guide Video/Live Sections Popular Home > News > KyoAni Arson Victims Mourned 1 Year On KyoAni Arson Victims Mourned 1 News from Japan Year On | Society Jul 18, 2020 Recommended for You It Like 3 f Facebook * Print + More Twitter Email Japanese First Graders Dream of Being Bakers and Athletes Read in other languages Apr. 15, 2020 English | E| | Français | Español | u | PyccKUň Pilgrims and Prejudice: Pray for The Kyoto Animation Kyoani Arson Attack in the Media Kyoto, July 18 (Jiji Press)--A ceremony was held on Saturday to mourn the 36 victims of Oct. 24, 2019 an arson attack on Kyoto Animation Co's No. 1 studio in the western Japan city of Kyoto a year ago. Going to the Dogs and Cats: Two of Japan's The ceremony, which started at 10:30 a.m. (1:30 a.m. GMT) at the site of the studio in Favorite Pets Fushimi Ward, was attended by 85 people from 30 bereaved families and nine people related to the famed anime company, better known as KyoAni, including President Apr. 11, 2016 Hideaki Hatta. Japan Introduces Stricter Penalties for Aggressive "We won't erase the proof of your lives," a bereaved relative said in a message. All participants offered a minute of silence and laid flowers to the victims. Driving July 16, 2020 The arson "suddenly deprived talented creators from all over the country of their future," Hatta said. "We remain in grief one year on." Expressing his sympathy to the victims and bereaved relatives, Hatta pledged that his Popular Picks company will move forward, remembering that "we have worked with our colleagues" to create anime works. "Our hearts are always with our fellow creators." Japanese Actor Haruma Miura Dies in Apparent Suicide of July 18, 2020 Tokyo to Be Excluded from Go To Travel Scheme July 16, 2020 Top Court Backs Fine on Cartoonist for Sending 3D Genitals Data July 16, 2020 Over 600 New Coronavirus Cases Confirmed in Japan July 16, 2020 Tokyo Raises Coronavirus Alert to Highest Level July 16, 2020 [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] 8th TICAD Africa Meeting to Be Held in Tunisia in 2022](https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/list/001/874/106/327.png "one year")
Top Comments
TimG57867
Jul 18, 2019 at 08:57AM EDT
Generic Nick
Jul 18, 2019 at 09:52AM EDT