Kyoto Animation arson attack
An arson attack at Kyoto Animation's Studio 1 building in the Fushimi ward of Kyoto, Japan, took place on Thursday, 18 July 2019. Shortly after 10:30 a.m., an unidentified 41-year-old man poured gasoline inside the offices and on workers, shouting "Die!" or "Drop dead!" (死ね) and setting fire to the building. The man fled but was chased by a Kyoto Animation employee before almost immediately collapsing on the street, where the police apprehended him.
Incident
The fire began with an explosion at around 10:30 a.m. local time (01:30 UTC) when the perpetrator walked into Studio 1 and lit the building on fire with 40 liters (8.8 imp gal; 11 US gal) of gasoline. The gasoline was carried on a trolley after being transferred from two 20-litre cans near the building. He is reported to have been shouting "Die!" (死ね) as he carried out the attack. The perpetrator also poured gasoline over some people, causing them to run out into the street in flames.
As the fire grew by the entrance, people were trapped inside the building. Nineteen dead bodies were found on the third floor by the stairs to the roof attempting to escape. The perpetrator fled the scene but was chased by a Kyoto Animation employee and soon collapsed on the street, where he was apprehended by police. Multiple unused knives were found lying by the scene.
The fire was put out at 3:19 p.m. local time (06:19 UTC). Once the rescue efforts had ended, it was confirmed by NHK News that all persons and bodies in the studio at the time had been accounted for.
At 10:00 p.m. local time (13:00 UTC), the Fire and Disaster Management Agency published its report stating the building was destroyed by the fire. The building is also noted to have had no deficiencies in fire safety compliance during its last inspection on 17 October 2018.
Victims
At least 33 people, including Yasuhiro Takemoto, the director of Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid, had perished in the fire, and 36 others were injured with 10 in serious condition. At least 73 people were inside the building at the time of the fire.
Those confirmed safe include Naoko Yamada, who directed K-On! and A Silent Voice. Those who died are yet to be identified by name as the police do not identify the bodies of the deceased; this is eventually done by doctors at the morgues who "declare" the person dead.
Suspect
A 41-year-old male has been identified as the suspect, and his name is "Shinji Aoba".
After being apprehended by police the suspect was taken to the hospital with severe burns in the legs, chest, and face. During his transport to the hospital, he admitted to having started the fire, accusing the studio of "ripping off" or "plagiarising" (パクり やがって). Further questions are being denied as his injuries are treated at the hospital.
Reactions
A GoFundMe appeal was launched in the wake of the fire by American anime licensor Sentai Filmworks, which raised about US$250,000 in the first four hours and reached US$850,000 in the first twelve hours. It has since surpassed the $1,000,000 mark and is still gaining funds.
Numerous people related to the industry expressed concern, such as animator and filmmaker Makoto Shinkai.
Former Prime Minister Shinzō Abe, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, and the Chinese and French embassies in Japan provided words of condolence.