35 People Killed in Arson Attack at Kyoto Animation Studio

An attack so tragic that the Prime Minister has referred to the incident as “too tragic for words”. It’s being referred to as Japan’s worst mass casualty since WWII. If you’re wondering exactly what transpired, here’s everything you need to know about the Kyoto Animation Studio fire. 

On Thursday, July 18th around 10:30 am, a 41-year-old man broke into the Kyoto Animation Studio. Authorities are still investigating exactly who the man was, but witnesses in the area are adamant that he was angry with the studio for some reason. The massive fire broke out after the suspect sprayed the studio with gasoline before setting it ablaze.

Witnesses suspected that the man may be a disgruntled employee because he could be heard saying “drop dead” as he set the multi-alarm blaze. They say these actions were followed by a loud explosion and a vivid inferno that consumed the entire building. 

Officials say that most of the casualties were on the top floor stairs of the three-story building. You can imagine the horror of those on the top floor looking for any way out – only to be engulfed by flames. Rescue crews pronounced 33 people dead and 36 people in the hospital with ranging injury conditions.

After the vicious attack, the man reportedly ran from the building towards a close-by train station. He may have been being chased down by employees of the studio attempting to capture the assailant. 

Kyoto has a long, treasured history and was held in high regard to the public. The Animation powerhouse was founded in 1981 and is responsible for hugely popular K-On and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. They recently had a series picked up by Netflix as well.

On the flipside, Kyoto has a reputation of putting immense pressure on its staff and paying an undesirable salary to animators. With all of this history and several popular shows and creations, Kyoto has acclaimed a massive base and become the first successful studio outside of Tokyo. 

Fans of Kyoto and anime, in general, have taken to social media to share their condolences, memories, and optimistic thoughts for the future. 

 

I am still saddened by the tragedy at Kyoto Animation Studio. Not many people know that this company treated their employees better than most anime studios! – @therese_q

 

Kyoto animation was amazing at what they did one of my 3 favorite studios to ever win me over they could do something other studios couldn’t make me go through every emotion – @Rileybr09117285

 

Kyoto Animation is by far one of the studios that brought life back to my empty soul. They have saved me a lot of times when I feel down. Their stories, characters, and care to the wholeness of a show. So I was crushed to learn what happened – @UtterlyHevel

 

Reading the reactions of the fans who are genuinely crushed shows just how powerful art and creativity are to the human mind and spirit. Sometimes you have no idea how impactful you are in someone’s everyday lives until tragedy strikes. It’s incredibly sad that so many lives were senselessly taken while doing something positive and bringing joy to others. 

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help with restoring what Kyoto has lost. But of course, the precious lives that were taken cannot be replaced. We want to send our personal condolences to the employees, families, friends, and supporters of the Kyoto Animation Studio and well wishes in their rebuilding process. 

As of July 29th, Kyoto Animation has successfully recovered data from a first-floor server that has survived the attack.

This story is still developing.