In a shocking verdict, a Japanese judge sentenced Shinji Aoba to death for his role in the deadly arson attack at Kyoto Animation, one of the country's most renowned anime studios, in 2019. Aoba was found guilty of murder and other crimes after he set fire to the studio, killing 36 people and injuring over 30 others. The attack sent shockwaves through Japan, where violent incidents are rare.
The Kyoto District Court determined that Aoba was mentally capable of facing punishment for his crimes, despite his history of mental illness. The court revealed that Aoba had planned the attack meticulously, even plotting a separate assault on a train station a month prior. He believed that Kyoto Animation had stolen a novel from him, and in a fit of rage, he barged into the studio armed with gasoline and a gas lighter.
The judge, Keisuke Masuda, described the attack as turning the studio into “hell” and causing unimaginable pain to the victims. Many of them died from carbon monoxide poisoning as the fire quickly engulfed the building. Aoba's actions were fueled by a grudge and a desire for revenge, as he had failed to achieve success as a novelist.
Kyoto Animation, also known as KyoAni, has been a prominent fixture in the anime world, known for its "slice of life" stories and intricate artwork. The studio's production largely took place in the building that was targeted in the arson attack. The company's president, Hideaki Hatta, expressed his grief over the loss of his colleagues and vowed to continue producing great works.
Aoba, who had been severely burned in the fire himself, spent 10 months in the hospital before his arrest in May 2020. He appeared in court in a wheelchair, and his defense lawyers argued that he was mentally unfit to be held criminally responsible. However, the court ruled that Aoba's premeditation and mental capability were evident in his planning and execution of the attack.
The sentencing of Aoba marks the highest number of victims in a criminal trial in Japan in over three decades. The court's decision to impose the death penalty reflects the severity of the crime and serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of such acts of violence. As Japan grapples with this tragedy, the president of Kyoto Animation remains determined to honor the memory of the victims and continue creating exceptional anime works.
