Kyoto Animation is one of Japan's most renowned animation studios, but the site suffered a massive fire that claimed the lives of 36 people in 2019. So, after nearly four years, it has been decided that the studio's arsonist will receive his verdict in 2024.
Japan – Attack on Kyoto Animation studio ends next year
According to Crunchyroll , the Kyoto District Court has ruled that Shinji Aoba , the 41-year-old man who set fire to Kyoto Animation, will receive his verdict on January 25, 2024. Before he receives his judgment, the court has ruled that Aoba will appear in court for the first time on September 5.
However, he had to undergo two psychological evaluations to determine his mental fitness to stand trial. One evaluation was conducted by the prosecution, the other by the defense, and both confirmed he was fit to stand trial. Pre-trial proceedings began in May, so the trial is expected to conclude by December of this year, with a verdict in January.
Aoba set fire to Kyoto Animation on July 18, 2019, killing several people at the studio and injuring 34 others with burns. However, Aoba was also caught in the fire and was hospitalized for nearly a year. After he was released from the hospital, the court indicted the arsonist in December 2020.
The victims who died in the fire included Futoshi Nishiya (chief animation director of Free! ), Yasuhiro Takemoto (director of The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya ), Shouko Ikeda (character designer of Sound! Euphonium ), and many other professional animators.
Have you ever watched Kyoto Animation anime and were also shocked when the studio burned down? Leave your comment below!
Source: Crunchyroll
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