The death sentence for Aoba Shinji over the fatal arson attack on Kyoto Animation's studio has been finalized.

Aoba set fire at the studio in July 2019, killing 36 people.

The focus of his trial was on whether he was criminally responsible for his crime.

The Kyoto District Court deemed him fully liable and in January 2024 handed him the death penalty as sought by prosecutors.

Aoba's lawyers had appealed the decision, but the Osaka High Court said the defendant withdrew the appeal on January 27.

As the prosecutors had not appealed, the district court's capital punishment became final.