Kyo-Ani Arson Incident Seihandai's thoughts September 2 15:31

People from all over the world, not only in Japan, visited there without interruption.

It is a flower arrangement set up near the first studio of Kyoto Animation in Kyoto. It was a place to connect people who died with the fans for 37 days from the second day after the incident until August 25, when it was removed.

There were various thoughts of the visitors at the flower offering stand, such as memorial prayer, gratitude, and wish for revitalization. (Reporting team reporter Taniguchi Megumi Ebisuka Megumi Shinchi)

The flower offering started naturally

The incident occurred on July 18th in the first studio of Kyoto Animation in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto.

An intruding man sprinkled with gasoline and set fire. Of the 70 employees, 35 died and 34 were seriously injured. Even now, the three employees who are hospitalized with severe burns are still at risk of life and continue to work hard.

A terrible incident in which the lives of many people who have supported Japanese animation were instantly taken away.

On the scene, people who join hands from the next day were seen, and the flower offering began naturally.

Two days later, Kyoto Animation installed a flower stand near Keihan Electric Railway Rokujizo Station, about 100 meters south of the first studio. We asked each and every person who gave us consent to the interview.

Many people expressed their gratitude for being saved by many works by Kyo Ani that beautifully depicted casual everyday life. A part of that voice.

“Even when I had a hard time, I was able to manage my mind by watching“ K-ON! ”. It was a support to live. "(Male in his 20s)

“When I was in bullying, my work helped me and gave me a friend and a place to stay.”

“Kyo-Ani has wonderfully detailed drawings and drawings not found in other companies, and there are many animators that beautifully reproduce places that are difficult to express, such as water and musical instruments.” (Female, 20s)

“Kyo-ani's work inspired me to get an anime job. I really regret the loss of the lives of my colleagues who do the same job.”

"I have to pray for happiness. But it's hard to see a burnt building. So it came after the sun went down. The reality was not accepted."

People who give illustrations

Many people offered hand-drawn illustrations depicting popular characters from Kyoto animation works to the flower arrangements.

August 18 was just one month after the incident. A junior high school first grade girl had in her hand an illustration of the character of her favorite anime “Daily”. He told me that he drew it by himself, thinking about the staff.

“The animators who made anime that impressed many people died of violence and were injured and very sad. For me, Kyoto Anni gives me smile and happiness.” Girl student)

Kyo-ani works changed life

People who are fans of works from all over the world, such as Europe, America and China, visited the flower arrangement table.

One of them, a British student, Eugene Lee (19). He said that the reason why he decided to study abroad in Kyoto was that he wanted to visit the stage of Kyoto animation works.

Lee was particularly influenced by the popular anime “Hyoka”.

This is a story about a male high school student who didn't actively engage with others, and gained a life through interaction with heroines and friends.

When Lee himself was a high school student, he thought that he wouldn't have a close relationship with his friend, just like the main character, and that he would be fine as long as he was. However, by seeing “Hyuka”, he began to want to take good care of his friends and make his life richer.

“Kyo-ani's character looks like a real person, and emotions can be understood only by body movements. The life of the hero resembles my life. I wanted to have a hard time, otherwise I wouldn't have a relationship or bond with my friends right now. Eugene Lee)

Cheering Messages from the World to Kyo Ani

Lee invited people all over the world to express their gratitude and gathered support messages.

In about a week, about 120 people from Europe, America, India, Australia, etc. received their thoughts on Kyo Ani.

Lee carefully copied each word on colored paper and read it all in front of the first studio. Finally, we tweeted “Thank you Kyo Ani” and offered colored paper to the flower stand. This is a part of the message of support.

“Your works helped me keep going during tough times.When I wanted to kill myself, your shows made me feel happy.I am praying for you, Kyoani.Take as long as you need to recover, I will be waiting.”
(Thanks to your work, I was able to stay in trouble when I faced difficulties. Your work made me feel happy when I wanted to commit suicide. I pray for Ani, I think it will take a long time to recover, but I will keep waiting)

“Thank you for your works over the years! They have helped to shape my worldview and encourage me to live better!”
(Thank you for producing anime for many years. Kyo-ani's anime shaped my world and gave me a better life.)

“TUNAGU”

Donations donated to Kyoto Animation exceeded 2 billion yen (as of August 29), and the call for donations continues at the holy land that was the stage for crowdfunding and anime.

On the other hand, many animators who have created numerous works will be sacrificed, and long-term efforts will be required to support the bereaved family and rebuild the company.

This time, we asked more than 100 people who visited the flower garden.

Many people said, “I want to connect the thoughts and works of the deceased people” and “This time it is our turn to support”.

We would like to continue facing this incident so that we can connect each of these thoughts.

Takamatsu Broadcasting Station reporter Jun Taniguchi entered in 2016

Kyoto Broadcasting Station reporter Megumi Ebitsuka entered in 2018

Reporter of Kyoto Broadcasting Station