Fans Rally for Kyoto Animation Following Tragic Fire

Efforts to help are underway after Thursday’s fire at Kyoto Animation resulted in 34 deaths.

Last Thursday, a deadly fire struck anime studio Kyoto Animation at its first studio building, tragically resulting in 34 total deaths. There were also 34 other victims injured. The fire was caused by a suspect using gasoline. The New York Times reported the 41-year-old suspect was seen trying to flee the scene and was heard shouting claims that Kyoto Animation “stole his novel” and “plagiarized his work.” The suspect was brought to a hospital to treat his own serious burns before being transferred to Osaka.

In the aftermath of the fire, brands from around the world are taking steps to help. Animate store chains in Japan are accepting donations for those affected by the fire. For those living outside Japan, Sentai Filmworks created a GoFundMe campaign for anyone on the Internet to send donations. After just three days, the campaign has already raised $1,809,555 with the help of 54,165 donors. The original goal was $750,000.

Anime News Network reported on Kyoto Animation president Hideaki Hatta’s statements to mass media in which he remarks on the future of the site of the fire.

“When I consider the staff and the people in this neighborhood, there are people who don’t want to see such a gruesome sight.”

Hatta said he was considering demolishing the building to create a public park with a monument. Hatta is also considering hosting a memorial ceremony. In response to messages given online sending support, Hatta said those messages are “becoming our emotional support.”

Crunchyroll is accepting submissions for messages of support directed at Kyoto Animation at this link.

Kyoto Animation is well respected for its work in the anime industry. The studio is responsible for works like Clannad, Lucky Star, Free!, and more recently Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid.

Sources: The Sankei News, The New York Times, Anime News Network, Crunchyroll