As reported by Tokyo-based news agency Kyodo News, a fire outbreak reportedly happened in KyoAni, an animation studio located in Kyoto. Several people are severely injured, while many employees reportedly died in the fire. The fire started at around 10:30AM last July 18. The suspect, who started the fire by allegedly pouring gasoline around the studio, is described as a man in his 40s.
【アニメ会社で火事 これまでに1人が死亡、35人がけが、このうち10人ほどが意識不明の状態】
建物の中にはまだ複数の人が心肺停止の状態で取り残されているという情報があり、現在も救出活動を続けているということです。https://t.co/dranQUspc4#nhk_news #nhk_video pic.twitter.com/8je9BMVIBT— NHKニュース (@nhk_news) July 18, 2019
KyoAni (also known as Kyoto Animation) produced several popular anime series and movies. This includes the shows “The Melancholy Life of Haruhi Suzumiya,” “Free! Iwatobi Swim Club,” “K-ON,” “Clannad,” “Hyouka,” “Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid,” and “Violet Evergarden,” among others, plus the film “A Silent Voice.”
Photo credits: KyoAni Official Posters
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Several anime fans tweeted about the incident on social media:
Hearts go out to the victims and families affected by the kyoani fire. I hope the arsonist gets slammed in the face with justice
If u dont know, Kyoto animations created free!, k-on, silent voice and an abundance of beautiful high quality works pic.twitter.com/UqZnlLJwAg
— C Tran (@c_tran2) July 18, 2019
My wife introduced me to Kyoto Animation’s work, the people at KyoAni are pure talent. This is tragic, our hearts & prayers go out to them.
Their animation is beautiful; Air, Kanon, Clannad, Haruhi Suzumiya, K-On!, Free!, Miss Kobayashi, etc.
That arsonist better face justice! https://t.co/cjTViOcASf pic.twitter.com/wg0mg7K0Xz
— Mario J. Lucero (@Smile_Lee) July 18, 2019
It’s 4:30am right now but I need to be awake to say this:
KyoAni has created some of the most incredible works I have ever seen, anime or otherwise. I doubt I would be the same person I am without some of them. This is a huge loss however it turns out.#京アニ#KyotoAnimation pic.twitter.com/cbdPUk5hpU— カタルパ@梓の恋 (@KatarupaTwt) July 18, 2019
I’m shocked and devastated to hear about the kyoani situation… Every single person working there helped create my favorite movie ever made, and to hear that some have possibly passed is… so very depressing
I wish the very best to everyone involved and their families!! pic.twitter.com/ksy1N4zAcC— Vivi ✨GET SMOKED (@cometspiri) July 18, 2019
KyoAni is my favorite studio, tons of love and care was felt in everything they put out but it was also for the amazing creatives there. It’s a garden of art and seeing someone try destroy it and take away some of the flowers adding beauty to world breaks my heart. pic.twitter.com/DSgcxQkS4m
— Enzo Perez (@EnzotheOtaku) July 18, 2019
Hearing about the arson incident at KyoAni breaks my heart.
This is a studio responsible for many life changing series that got many into the anime community through their direction & handcrafted personal details. I hope everyone involved recovers soon.#ThankYouKyoAni pic.twitter.com/RIgF8papCI
— Akio ?? (@GlennAkio) July 18, 2019
Sending our deepest condolences to the victim’s family, and praying for the others’ safety.