It’s been almost four years since the tragic massacre at Kyoto Animation that killed over 30 people and injured many others. Finally, those affected by the tragedy can get some closure as the legal process has finally caught up and is ready to put the suspect on the stand.
First reported by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, it’s been confirmed that the trial of Shinji Aoba will begin on September 5th, with the final verdict to be rendered on January 25th, 2024. The court proceedings will consist of 32 hearings over four months, with their frequency rising as the months progress to the final verdict.
This has been a story we’ve followed closely since the initial attack on the beloved studio, and over the last four years, the pain has yet to fully heal. I genuinely hope those who lost loved ones in this horrific act can finally overcome this tragedy and find some much-needed relief. Fans worldwide lost many talented souls in this massacre, and it’s still mind-boggling that anyone could see it in themselves to commit such a heinous act.
While there is still no update on if a memorial will be erected at the site of the old studio that has since been demolished, the studio has been trying hard to find a way to honor those lost while still respecting the wishes of the local neighborhood who doesn’t want their quiet area to become a tourist hotspot for fans who want to gather and pay their respects for those lost in the fire.
As always, stay tuned to the J-List blog for more updates on this story when the trial begins in earnest and when we hear more from both the prosecution and defense in the hearings.
Don’t forget that we have Kyoto Animation products in our store, including this wonderful Tohru the Bunny Dragon figure!
Sources: Asahi Shimbun, Anime News Network, Crunchyroll News
