A Japanese court issued a death sentence on Thursday, finding the defendant, Shinji Aoba, guilty of murder and other crimes for perpetrating a shocking arson attack on an anime studio in Kyoto, Japan, resulting in the death of 36 people.
The Kyoto District Court declared Aoba mentally competent to face punishment for his actions and pronounced the capital sentence following a recess in a two-part session on the same day.
On July 18, 2019, Aoba forcibly entered Kyoto Animation’s No. 1 studio and ignited a fire.
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The majority of the victims were suspected to have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning, with over 30 others sustaining severe burns or injuries.
Despite shouting “You die!” During the assault, Aoba was neither a current nor former employee of Kyoto Animation Company, a well-known producer of successful TV series.
Aoba, experiencing unemployment and financial difficulties due to frequent job changes, had devised a distinct plan to carry out an attack on a train station north of Tokyo one month before executing the arson on the animation studio.
The court, in its verdict, highlighted that Aoba had meticulously studied previous criminal cases related to arson, indicating a premeditated intent and mental capability on his part.
“The assault, which swiftly transformed the studio into a scene of anguish, claimed the lives of 36 individuals and subjected them to indescribable pain,” remarked the judge.
Anime Studio Attack: About 70 Present in Kyoto
Approximately 70 individuals were present within the anime studio situated in southern Kyoto, the historic capital of Japan, at the time of the assault.
According to an account from one survivor, a black cloud was observed emanating from downstairs, followed by intense heat.
Subsequently, he leaped from a window in the three-story building in an effort to escape the stifling conditions.
An expert, noted that the vulnerability of the roughly 7,500-square-foot structure was exacerbated by its compactness and the presence of only one exit, particularly susceptible to an attack on the building’s entrance.
The assailant evidently undertook thorough planning, going to great lengths to acquire gasoline, which is rigorously regulated in Japan and not retailed in containers.
The company, established in 1981 and commonly known as KyoAni, gained prominence for producing a highly successful anime series centered around high school girls.
Additionally, the studio served as a training ground for individuals aspiring to enter the animation industry.
Aoba, described by Japanese media as a troublesome individual with a history of frequently changing contract jobs and residences, as well as engaging in disputes with neighbors, is believed to have meticulously orchestrated the crime.