To use this site, please disable the ad blocking feature and reload the page.
This website uses cookies to collect information about your visit for purposes such as showing you personalized ads and content, and analyzing our website traffic. By clicking “Accept all,” you will allow the use of these cookies.
Users accessing this site from EEA countries and UK are unable to view this site without your consent. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.
The Yomiuri Shimbun People gather for a memorial ceremony at the ruins of Kyoto Animation Co.’s No. 1 studio in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, on Tuesday.
The Yomiuri Shimbun
15:07 JST, July 18, 2023
KYOTO — A memorial ceremony was held Tuesday to mark four years since the deadly arson attack at Kyoto Animation Co.’s No. 1 studio in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, in which 36 people were killed.
During the ceremony at the former site of the studio, about 160 people, including bereaved families and employees of Kyoto Animation, better known by anime fans as KyoAni, offered silent prayers for the victims at around 10:30 a.m., the time when the incident took place.
The ceremony, held in a tent, was closed to the public.
The company limited the number of participants to the ceremony during 2020-22 to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, but it dropped the size restriction this year.
“I believe that continuing to create KyoAni productions allows us to pass on what you did to future generations. I hope you will watch over us fondly,” said Kyoto Animation President Hideaki Hatta, addressing the victims.
Shinji Aoba, 45, has been indicted on murder and four other charges in connection with the attack, which killed 36 people and injured 32.
The first hearing of his trial will be held at the Kyoto District Court on Sept. 5. The trial will be conducted by lay judges, and a ruling will be handed down on Jan. 25.
