Mainichi Shimbun: Kyoto Animation Has Formed Memorial Committee

Don’t look now, but in less than a month, it will mark three years since the devastating and heartbreaking arson attack on Kyoto Animation. It was a dark day that no one in the anime world will soon forget. The J-List Blog has actively reported on updates regarding this story ever since the attack occurred. Finally, we’re getting to report on something that at least resembles a happy update regarding this tragedy. 

In a report posted to the Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun, an unnamed source revealed they might soon erect a memorial at the site of the former studio. According to the report, Kyoto Animation, after careful consideration and discussion, has created a committee made up of four family members, five Kyoto Animation executives, and eight other Kyoto Animation employees to discuss what memorial should be posted and when it should be installed. This has yet to be officially announced by Kyoto Animation themselves, but there are many reasons why they have yet to officially say anything.

Unfortunately, while the report says that a committee has been formed, it’s also worth noting that not everyone is on board with the idea. Over the years, residents of the Kyoto residential neighborhood where the studio once stood have said that they do not want a memorial to be erected because it would become an otaku pilgrimage site and they do not want that kind of traffic clogging up their area. 

It is my firm hope that the residents of this area and the committee can find some kind of compromise that will make both sides happy. While it’s understandable that residents of the area don’t want a bunch of tourists constantly blocking the street in order to pay their respects, family members who lost loved ones that day deserve some kind of remembrance spot where they can honor the deceased. 

Sources: Mainichi Shimbun, SoraNews24