On July 18, 2019, an arson attack on an animation studio in Kyoto left 36 people dead. 

A private memorial took place at the site where Kyoto Animation's studio used to stand. 

There were 144 participants, including bereaved families of the victims. 

The company's president spoke to reporters afterward. 

 

S/ Hatta Hideaki, President, Kyoto Animation / We are strongly determined that our current staff members will continue to carry the thoughts of the victims in their body and mind as they create more works. 

 

Kyoto Animation has asked people to refrain from visiting the arson site on the anniversary to prevent any commotion. 

Fans visited a park in the neighboring city of Uji where a memorial monument was unveiled four days earlier. 

The object depicting 36 birds flying is aimed at passing down memories of the incident to future generations. 

 

S/ Visitor / It might bring back sad memories, but I hope everyone can think about them and move forward. 

 

In January, the Kyoto District Court sentenced defendant Aoba Shinji to death over charges including murder and arson. 

The defense counsel for the 46-year-old Aoba has appealed the ruling.to the Osaka High Court. 

In the district court, the defense claimed the defendant was not mentally competent at the time of the incident to be held responsible for his actions.