Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Fourth anniversary of Kyoto Animation arson attack

Today is the fourth anniversary of the horrible arson attack at Kyoto Animation (KyoAni), which resulted in 36 fatalities and 33 injured.

At 10:30 Japan time, Kyoto Animation streamed a video in memory of the victims.

(Note: This video will only be available on July 18, 2023 JST. Someone posted a copy of the video here on YouTube. I am not very sure if this is allowed but I am including the link for those who may be interested but missed the date.)

I have translated the contents of the memorial video below since I don't want to reproduce the video here without permission.
 
<prior to video's premiere>
Kyoto Animation Co., Ltd.
Fourth Anniversary Memorial Ceremony
Streaming is scheduled to start at 10:30 on July 18
 
<start of video's premiere>
Kyoto Animation Co., Ltd.
Fourth Anniversary Memorial Ceremony
The video will start at 10:34. Please wait a while more.

<start of memorial video at 10:34 local time>
Kyoto Animation Co., Ltd.
Fourth Anniversary Memorial Ceremony

Today marks four years since July 18, 2019.
We are streaming this video for everyone who have been showing us your support.

We will now observe a minute of silence.

<Observe a minute of silence>
<End of a minute of silence>
Thank you

Four years have gone by since that sudden parting, when we did not even have the chance to say thank you or goodbye.
 
There are times when we feel like stopping, but we tell ourselves,
"Let's do work that makes them proud."
"Let's keep the promises we made with everyone."
"Let's achieve the dreams we talked about."
We encouraged ourselves thus, and reached today, one day at a time.

We wish to express our deepest prayers for our beloved comrades.

For this memorial service on the fourth anniversary, we have received messages from family members as well as affiliates who create animation together with us. There are also messages received from our staff. Please allow us to introduce some of these messages without the names of their authors.
 
 
From a family member:
The ancients said that a tiger leaves its skin after death, and a person leaves his or her name after death.Queen's Freddie Mercury continues to bring excitement to the world even after his death.

Your works are left for future generations as works of animation together with your names in the end credit rolls, bringing excitement to people far in the future, warming their hearts, and giving them courage.

Today, like kabuki and ukiyo-e, animation has come to be widely recognized as a form of art. You who have accomplished such great work have truly left behind your names.

Kyoani's employees are carrying on your techniques and passion, and will continue to create amazing works going forward.

Your father is but a plain salaryman and cannot achieve work that will leave behind a name, but I am proud to have someone like you as my daughter.

 
From an affiliate:
I wish to express my deepest condolences.
 
Fours years have passed but the pain has never healed.
 
Your amazing animation works are seen by people all over the world. The stories created with beautiful visuals and rich character designs continue to bring us enjoyment without fading away.

Here are the fruits of your efforts, born from inspiring each other. We will convey their charms and deliver them to more people.

Your passions are in our hearts. You are like our family members, overflowing with warmth.

Please continue to watch over us.

The works that will be made in the future will continue to charm even more people in the world and widen the circle of excitement.

And I hope that, together with the heartwarming stories created with your dreams, they will continue to be loved forever...
 
 
From a staff:
Four years have passed, but I keep remembering all of you. Whether in work or the things you said and your attitudes toward work. Your professional work attitudes support me even today.

Firm, resolute, positive; that's how I remember you.

But sometimes, the fact that I cannot see you again grips my heart like an unbearable loneliness.

This loneliness will never go away, and it is very painful. But the passions you left behind truly give us courage.

And so, we continue to create works. We continue to grow.

We will always treasure your passions, and we hope to give them form in the shape of our works.

Please continue to watch over us.
 
 
<end of messages>
We wish to express our deepest gratitude for your continued support.
Your support has allowed us to create and deliver animation until today.
We will continue to create animation with passion, keeping our gratitude and the thoughts of our comrades in our hearts.
We look forward to your support.
 
July 18, 2023, Kyoto Animation Co., Ltd.
 
Kyoto Animation Co., Ltd.
Fourth Anniversary Memorial Ceremony
The video has ended.
Thank you.
 
<end of video> 

List of 35 victims who appeared in credit roll of Violet Evergarden the Movie
 
 
News articles:


 

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