On the morning of July 18, 2019, around 10:31 am, Kyoto Animation Studio 1 in Kyoto, Japan, experienced a shocking arson attack. This incident not only resulted in significant casualties and property damage but also had a profound impact on the global anime industry.
Firstly, looking at the incident itself, it was a deliberate criminal act. According to reports, a 41-year-old man sprayed a liquid suspected to be gasoline inside the building and set it on fire, causing the flames to spread rapidly. The fire lasted for several hours, completely destroying the studio from the first to the third floor. At the time of the incident, around 70 people were working in the studio, many of whom were trapped in the fire and unable to escape. Subsequent investigations by the police confirmed that the man was charged with five counts, including murder and attempted murder.
In terms of casualties, this arson attack had extremely serious consequences. As of December 23, 2019, the incident resulted in the deaths of 36 people and injuries to 35 others. Among the victims were many talented animators, directors, and other production staff, whose passing was undoubtedly a huge blow to Kyoto Animation and the entire anime industry. These individuals were the core strength of Kyoto Animation, and their deaths not only deprived the company of valuable talent but also forced many unfinished anime projects to be put on hold.
In terms of property damage, Kyoto Animation Studio 1 was the company's core department, housing most of the production departments. It was not only the main location for anime production but also a storage place for many valuable materials and resources. The fire resulted in the destruction of a large number of paper materials, which was a significant blow to the company. Additionally, the fire also caused extensive damage and loss of equipment, severely impacting the company's normal operations.
This arson attack was not just a simple criminal act but a significant blow to Kyoto Animation and the entire anime industry. It showed us the cruelty and ruthlessness of criminal behavior and reminded us to cherish the joy and emotions brought by anime works.
In light of this incident, we should reflect deeply and remain vigilant. We should strengthen the management and supervision of public safety to prevent similar incidents from happening again. At the same time, we should also enhance the crackdown on criminal behavior and ensure that those who attempt to disrupt social harmony and stability pay the appropriate price.
Overall, the arson attack on Kyoto Animation Studio 1 on July 18, 2019, was a heartbreaking tragedy. It showed us the cruelty and ruthlessness of criminal behavior and reminded us to cherish the joy and emotions brought by anime works. We should learn from this and strengthen the management and supervision of public safety to prevent similar incidents from happening again.