TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese court has handed down a death sentence to Shinji Aoba for his role in the arson attack on a Kyoto Animation studio, which resulted in the deaths of 36 people. The Kyoto District Court declared Aoba mentally capable to face punishment for the crimes and announced his sentence after a brief recess.
The attack took place on July 18, 2019, when Aoba stormed into Kyoto Animation’s No. 1 studio and set it on fire, shocking Japan and eliciting grief from anime fans worldwide. Prosecutors revealed that Aoba’s motive for the attack was revenge, as he believed the company had stolen novels he submitted for a contest.
Aoba, 45, suffered severe burns and spent 10 months in the hospital before his arrest in May 2020. His defense lawyers argued that he was mentally unfit to be held criminally responsible. Despite this, the court found him mentally capable and handed down the death penalty.
The studio, also known as KyoAni, was founded in 1981 and was well-known for its popular anime series. It was a provider of training for aspiring animators. The attack was not only the deadliest fire in Japan since 2001 but also the worst case of arson in modern times.
The devastating attack resulted in the loss of 36 lives and caused serious injuries to more than 30 others. The outpouring of grief from anime fans worldwide underscored the impact of the tragedy on the global community of anime enthusiasts.
Aoba’s disturbing actions highlight the devastating consequences of his reckless and vengeful behavior, leaving a lasting impact on the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as the entire anime industry. The court’s decision to sentence Aoba to death demonstrates Japan’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for such heinous crimes and seeking justice for the victims and their families.