Shinji Aoba, the guy in hot water over the deadly 2019 arson at Kyoto Animation, has decided to drop his appeal against the death penalty. The Osaka High Court shared this update on Tuesday regarding the tragic incident that claimed 36 lives and injured 32 more. With the appeal off the table, the trial is now wrapped up, and Aoba's death sentence is officially confirmed following last year's guilty verdict.

Kyoto Animation's suspected arsonist has had their death sentence confirmed after they decided to drop their appeal

Aoba was found guilty by the Kyoto District Court on January 25, 2024. His lawyers wasted no time and filed an appeal the very next day. This case has been ongoing since the tragic fire at Kyoto Animation’s Studio 1 on July 18, 2019, as reported by NHK News Web.

This heartbreaking event not only left a deep mark on the anime community but also became one of the most devastating mass murders in Japan's history.

A look back at the 2019 arson attack on Kyoto Animation studio

The main trial for Aoba kicked off in September 2023, according to Anime News Network. It came to light that the 41-year-old man had purchased 40 liters of gasoline to ignite the KyoAni building, convinced that the studio had copied his work. While prosecutors pushed for the death penalty, the defense argued for a not guilty plea, pointing to mental health concerns. Following the tragic event, the suspect suffered severe burns all over his body. Just days before the trial began, a documentary featuring Dr. Takahiro Ueda, who examined Aoba’s case, was broadcast in Japan.

KyoAni's awesome offerings for fans include Hyouka, A Silent Voice, and a bunch of other beloved titles

Kyoto Animation has been behind some major hits, like the beloved slice-of-life show Hyouka, along with other favorites such as Clannad, Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions, Free!, Sound! Euphonium, Tsurune, K-On, and Violet Evergarden. They’ve also made some notable films, including The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya and A Silent Voice. In a shocking incident, Aoba attempted to set the studio in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, on fire using gasoline.

Established in 1985, Kyoto Animation has been slowly getting back on its feet since the tragic events of 2019. Their first big release post-attack was Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid S in 2021. Looking ahead, they’ve got two projects lined up for 2025: the movie Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid: The Lonely Dragon Wants to Be Loved and CITY THE ANIMATION.

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