and apparently the roof was closed... I don't think proper security measures were taken because it was just too >sudden but people in the first floor managed to use the fire alarm.

Yeah, I've just read this, roof was closed so that you CAN'T open it from inside the building... That is really stupid in terms of fire security. Dunno how this is ok according to the Japanese police.

No, the door to the roof was not locked and firemen can open it when they tried enter the building from the roof.

Given that there were explosions, it may lead pressure differences that make door hard to open. Also, the vicitms may have succumbed to the toxic gas and smoke when they were trying to escape via the stairway leading to the roof.

People underestimate just how little time there is to find a way out of a burning building and how little smoke it actually takes to disorient as well as disable and overcome a person, not to mention the raw instinctual panic that can cause more trouble than anything. Time is more accurately measured in seconds than minutes.

Add into that how many people were in such a small building, and of course a who-could-ever-foresee-such-a-thing-during-a-normal-workday mentally ill man who had blocked exits intentionally in addition to actively seeking out and burning people who were trying to flee, and it's no mystery at all why so many perished, especially in stairwells or on their way to the roof.

It's all just ridiculously, needlessly tragic and I'm gonna be bummed out for a long time over it. And I hate that I almost feel like I have no right to feel so bummed out, because I'm so numb to such tragedy in the world at this point I usually feel nothing but a moment of grim acceptance as I add another human atrocity to the list in my head, so why is this "special"?

Just ugh.

Everyone probably has a different answer for that.. hm. I feel like part of why it hits a lot of us so hard is because, even though there's a lot of stupid bickering that goes on in the anime/nerd culture community, as a whole, it's pretty tight knit. For example, I went to the zoo last month wearing a Monster Hunter tshirt and got 3 compliments on it, from strangers. Like, it's awesome that it's okay (whoa, even cool) to be a nerd now. We all like being nerds and sharing that with each other, so when someone has hurt equal minded people, so brutally and senseless? It kind of feels personal.

I suggest people to NOT visit twitter about this matter, is the most disgusting place right now (or big US press) when it comes to such tragedy... People trying to use this to push twisted agendas or political views, it makes things even worse and it will surely ruin your day.

last edited at Jul 20, 2019 6:39PM

Luckily, I never use Twitter. I have FB with like 18 people I know IRL and that is the extent of my social media indulgence. I can't comprehend how people can be on blast all the time. It overwhelms me just thinking about that.

I mostly stick to BBC or NHK for world news, too. Everything is just too biased and "look at how I can make this work for me" nowadays and I hate that crap. Let me think my own thoughts please.

The NY Times has been careful and accurate in its reporting. And also, their descriptions of KyoAni shows are kind of unintentionally amusing, which is always a plus during dark times like this.

Kyoto Animation was co-founded by Yoko Hatta and her husband, Hideaki Hatta, in 1981, and went on to produce high-quality, meticulously detailed works. They included “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya,” a science fiction series based at a high school, and “Lucky Star,” whose intelligent female protagonist is distracted from her studies by anime and video games. Kyoto Animation also played a role in the careers of two star women directors of television anime, said Patrick W. Galbraith, a lecturer at Senshu University who has written extensively about the art form. “That’s significant,” he said. Naoko Yamada directed the series “K-On!” for Kyoto Animation, and Hiroko Utsumi directed “Free!” a series about a boys’ swimming team. “Free!” stood out in the anime world, often known for being preoccupied with the female form, because it focused on the male body instead.

last edited at Jul 20, 2019 10:14PM

Was disappointing that BBC was one of those outlets with scalding hot takes for easy clicks.

The NY Times has been careful and accurate in its reporting. And also, their descriptions of KyoAni shows are kind of unintentionally amusing, which is always a plus during dark times like this.

Kyoto Animation was co-founded by Yoko Hatta and her husband, Hideaki Hatta, in 1981, and went on to produce high-quality, meticulously detailed works. They included “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya,” a science fiction series based at a high school, and “Lucky Star,” whose intelligent female protagonist is distracted from her studies by anime and video games. Kyoto Animation also played a role in the careers of two star women directors of television anime, said Patrick W. Galbraith, a lecturer at Senshu University who has written extensively about the art form. “That’s significant,” he said. Naoko Yamada directed the series “K-On!” for Kyoto Animation, and Hiroko Utsumi directed “Free!” a series about a boys’ swimming team. “Free!” stood out in the anime world, often known for being preoccupied with the female form, because it focused on the male body instead.

This is actually funny and kind of endearing, thanks for sharing!

Was disappointing that BBC was one of those outlets with scalding hot takes for easy clicks.

Yeah, nowhere is really "safe" anymore. Everything is about clickbait and taking advantage of the big news of the minute to invite more website traffic. It's a natural but sad progression into the modern age of worldwide information sharing.

I wouldn't have known about this tragedy were it not for the fact that I am a serial lurker here, and saw this topic, and had to go searching for information. I don't do TV, radio, or social media. For my own mental health.

A sinister part of me is glad the perp is suffering the agony of severe burns, like those he attacked and burned. And then there is that other part that feels sympathy for the guy, since he clearly struggled with demons and wasn't able to find the right kind of help. But mostly it's just general disgust and sorrow.

I hope KyoAni fights back by rebuilding, and doesn't let this destroy them. And I hope all the loved ones forced to deal with such sudden overwhelming loss and sorrow are able to heal.

A Kyoto fire official said that the building did not have any sprinklers or indoor fire hydrants, although these are not legally required by the fire code.

Damn it. Just damn...I don't know what to say...

Kyoto Animation Officially Starts Accepting Direct Donations

People underestimate just how little time there is to find a way out of a burning building and how little smoke it actually takes to disorient as well as disable and overcome a person, not to mention the raw instinctual panic that can cause more trouble than anything. Time is more accurately measured in seconds than minutes.

Add into that how many people were in such a small building, and of course a who-could-ever-foresee-such-a-thing-during-a-normal-workday mentally ill man who had blocked exits intentionally in addition to actively seeking out and burning people who were trying to flee, and it's no mystery at all why so many perished, especially in stairwells or on their way to the roof.

It's all just ridiculously, needlessly tragic and I'm gonna be bummed out for a long time over it. And I hate that I almost feel like I have no right to feel so bummed out, because I'm so numb to such tragedy in the world at this point I usually feel nothing but a moment of grim acceptance as I add another human atrocity to the list in my head, so why is this "special"?

Just ugh.

I think it's because of who these people were that makes this travesty more poignant than others at least for those who loved the creations of these many talented souls. It's one thing to hear that 20 random faceless people died and completely another to learn that just one person you knew and was fond of has passed away.

None of us knew these people personally but in every creation there is a glimpse of the heart and mind of its creator, even more so when it comes to works of art, and most of us here have been personally moved by the various works of art these people brought to the world. Even though we didn't know them personally, these were not random faceless people. These were the kind hearted souls that created some of the works of art we loved.

I think at least that is why it bothers me so much more with this particular travesty. These were people that mattered, people that actively made the world a better and brighter place for us all. People who didn't deserve to die and whose future contributions are now forever lost. That is what makes this so much sadder than past incidents.

A Kyoto fire official said that the building did not have any sprinklers or indoor fire hydrants, although these are not legally required by the fire code.

"these are not legally required by the fire code"

Goddammit what?????

the people who are asking what might compel a person to do something like this didn’t read lol. It says that his novel may have been plagiarized by somebody in the studio. Although what he did was terrible, they were also at fault for trying to steal someone else’s ideas. Disney committed the same crime to the guy who produced “Book of Life” and “El Tigre,” and these big name studios needed to be taught a lesson.

last edited at Jul 25, 2019 1:22AM

the people who are asking what might compel a person to do something like this didn’t read lol. It says that his novel may have been plagiarized by somebody in the studio. Although what he did was terrible, they were also at fault for trying to steal someone else’s ideas. Disney committed the same crime to the guy who produced “Book of Life” and “El Tigre,” and these big name studios needed to be taught a lesson.

There are legal means to sue anyone breaching intellectual property laws (depending on the country). It needn't be deadly. And I find it horrifying that (IF what you said is true about KyoAni stealing the guy's work) you'd mistake revenge for justice.

Revenge is a carnal and irrational desire to get more than even--usually traitorously, cowardly and brutally.
Justice means all parties involved getting what they deserve under the rule of law.

(IF the allegations were true-- I say allegations because [[his novel MAY HAVE BEEN plagiarized]] you wrote)

The guy had every right to sue them and carry on doggedly and honorably in the legal fight.
KyoAni peeps had the right to due process and are innocent until proven guilty.

[["Although what he did was terrible, they were also at fault for trying to steal someone else’s ideas."]]

The only way it seems to me that he could get away is if he pleads insanity in courts (just the way I see it, maybe in cases like this one, Philippine laws are totally different from the Japanese. I don't know how the Japanese courts treat those who play Insanity as a get-out-of-jail card)

Over all find your position as the losing side.
There really is NO way to try and justify this person's arson and murder in this case.

the people who are asking what might compel a person to do something like this didn’t read lol. It says that his novel may have been plagiarized by somebody in the studio. Although what he did was terrible, they were also at fault for trying to steal someone else’s ideas. Disney committed the same crime to the guy who produced “Book of Life” and “El Tigre,” and these big name studios needed to be taught a lesson.

So far there hasn't been one scrap of evidence suggesting his allegation existed anywhere outside of his own diseased mind. It is wise to remember not everything that is spoken is necessarily true and this is even more so important to remember when the source is a violently unhinged mad man.

Time will tell if there was anything to the nut job's claim, but as it stands there is no reason to believe it is true.

the people who are asking what might compel a person to do something like this didn’t read lol. It says that his novel may have been plagiarized by somebody in the studio. Although what he did was terrible, they were also at fault for trying to steal someone else’s ideas. Disney committed the same crime to the guy who produced “Book of Life” and “El Tigre,” and these big name studios needed to be taught a lesson.

So far there has been no evidence to show that the man's IP had been plagiarized. There is, however, evidence from records that he suffered from mental illness.

And you know what? Even if it HAD been plagiarized? YOU DON'T GO AND BURN 34 PEOPLE TO DEATH. Trying to rationalize it by saying they were also "at fault" is just gross.

Thanks CaioGuedesAUT for the multiple coverage reports and shadesofgreymoon for the link, I'll link it in the main post.

the people who are asking what might compel a person to do something like this didn’t read lol. It says that his novel may have been plagiarized by somebody in the studio. Although what he did was terrible, they were also at fault for trying to steal someone else’s ideas. Disney committed the same crime to the guy who produced “Book of Life” and “El Tigre,” and these big name studios needed to be taught a lesson.

Blaming KyoAni, at least in part, for the death and suffering that was inflicted is going beyond the pale. To suggest they somehow deserved it is indefensible.

You get a month ban for that.

No official statement from the authorities about the full list of deceased yet, but the parents of Naomi Ishida, a color designer for things like Haruhi and a Silent Voice, formally announced that she's one of the casualties.
https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-07-25/kyoto-animation-colorist-naomi-ishida-passed-away-in-studio-fire/.149318

I updated the first post with official statements from the Company's and the government itself.

As for the names of the victims, we still don't know all the details, some victims are still in grave danger or with their families in the hospital and first and foremost is always a delicate subject that I wouldn't like to mess up or spread rumors about, so I'll wait for that. I know the parents of Naomi wouldn't lie, I hope she can rest in peace... But there's a director that most likely didn't survive but because there's nothing official I don't want to spread more sorrow.

last edited at Jul 29, 2019 9:42AM

So they're gonna try to stick it through. I'm glad. I'd assumed they'd have to close after something like this.

Update: Data receovered from a server on the first floor.
https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-07-29/kyoto-animation-recovers-data-from-server-after-studio-1-fire/.149489

Update: Data receovered from a server on the first floor.
https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-07-29/kyoto-animation-recovers-data-from-server-after-studio-1-fire/.149489

Finally some good news.

Yes! I saw the news too, very happy about that... At first they said everything was lost, but the fire couldn't reach beyond the concrete walls in the servers!