The world watched in horror as an arson attack destroyed the building and ended 35 lives of Kyoto Animation in Kyoto, Japan. This senseless act led to an outpouring of love and support for the studio from around the world. I wanted to take a look back at Kyoto Animation and the wondrous works they have created over the years.
The company was created in 1981 by the married couple Yoko Hatta and Hideaki Hatta. The company became a corporation in 1999. It was in the 2000’s that the company began to hit it’s stride. It produced manga and light novel anime adaptions and well as feature films. In 2009, it began to host Kyoto Animation Award which sought out new stories to bring to the world. The company’s philosophy seems to be one of producing quality work while also looking to the future.
Two of my favorite anime that the studio created was Lucky Star and Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid. Lucky dealt with the daily life of four high school girls and their interests. Maid was slightly more fantasy based, as a dragon becomes a maid for a girl who helped her out. These shows showed the attention to detail the studio was known for. When a few episodes of Lucky were not up to the level expected, the studio replaced the director.
The movie A Silent Voice was a powerful examination of high school and the ways we build up walls around us. This is not a light movie, the issue of suicide is a central topic. This movie makes you feel something and you would be forgiven for forgetting you are watching something animated. The art is gorgeous and relaistic. Everything about it works and you will be thinking of it long after it is over.
Below is a Go Fund Me link if you can donate so the studio can rebuild. No mention of the suspect or his motives will appear here. Kyoto Animation deserved to be remembered for their works. Tell us what your favorite show was in the comments.