The tragedy of Japanese animation industry: Kyoto Animation arson case will be pre-trial on May 8

Japan's NHK TV reported that the Kyoto District Court will start preliminary trial procedures on May 8 for the arson and murder case at Kyoto Animation that resulted in 36 deaths and 33 injuries.

The court, prosecution and defense plan to hold the main trial from early September to late December. The parties will decide on the specific schedule and number of days required for the trial during the pre-trial proceedings, which will also discuss previous issues and evidence.

On July 18, 2019, a devastating fire broke out in the Kyoto Animation Studio 1 building. There were 70 people in the building at the time. In addition to the victims in the building, a man in his 40s suffered minor injuries from smoke inhalation on his way to work in the area. Among the dead were several animators and well-known production staff who had worked on well-known classics. Many original drawings and materials for animation works were also destroyed in the fire.

Kyoto Prefectural Police arrested the then 41-year-old suspect who reportedly used gasoline to start the fire. The man allegedly purchased 40 liters of gasoline in two cans and transported the gasoline to Kyoto Animation's Studio 1 building on a wheelbarrow. Japanese prosecutors formally charged the suspect in December 2020.

Demolition of the Kyoto Animation Studio 1 building was completed in April 2020. The studio began recruiting again in July 2020.