Anime studio hit by deadly fire is known for skill, fan base
Posted Jul 18, 2019 01:03:42 PM.
TOKYO — Kyoto Animation may not be a giant of Japanese anime, but it has core fans and is known for skilled animators and such hits as “Lucky Star,” ”K-On!” and the “Haruhi Suzumiya” series.
The company hit by a deadly fire also has a unique founding history.
It was started in 1981 by a former animator who recruited housewives and based the studio outside Tokyo, the centre of the animation industry.
Some of its mega-hits include “Lucky Star” in 2008, “K-On!” in 2011 and “Haruhi Suzumiya” in 2009. The company better known as KyoAni was to release a new feature “Violet Evergarden,” about a woman who professionally writes letters for clients.
Places featured in the hit animation stories have become pilgrimage destinations for anime fans.
Mari Yamaguchi, The Associated Press
