Kyoto Animation arson suspect regains consciousness in hospital and says words such as "pain"

On July 18, a studio building of Kyoto Animation Company in Kyoto, Japan was deliberately set on fire. As of now, the fire has caused more than 30 injuries and 35 deaths.

The suspected arsonist is a 41-year-old man named Shinji Aoba. People at the scene said he was carrying flammable liquids and poured them on the building and the staff, but it is not clear why he set the fire. The arsonist has been controlled by the police, but he was also burned and was sent to the hospital for treatment.

Recently, according to foreign media reports, Shinji Aoba briefly regained consciousness in the hospital and uttered words such as "pain (痛い)".

According to official statements, Shinji Aoba was previously under general anesthesia. When the effect of the drug gradually wore off, he regained consciousness and spoke some words. His vision and hearing seemed to be working normally. The hospital plans to perform a skin transplant on him, and his chances of full recovery are increasing.

However, Shinji Aoba's symptoms are still very serious and it is expected to take a long time to recover.

It was previously reported that Kyoto Animation's attorney confirmed that the company had received submissions suspected to be from Shinji Aoba, and that the submitter and the submitter's address were the same as the suspect.

According to Baidu Encyclopedia, Shinji Aoba robbed 21,000 yen in cash at knifepoint at a convenience store in Yumida, Bando City, Ibaraki Prefecture in 2012. He was later arrested and sentenced to three years and six months in prison for robbery.