Man pleads guilty in arson attack that killed 36 at Japanese animation studio
Shinji Aoba, 45, is accused of setting fire to Kyoto Animation's No. 1 studio on July 18, 2019, and has been charged with many charges of murder, attempted murder, and arson. 36 individuals were killed in the fire, while more than 30 more suffered severe burns or other injuries.
According to Japanese media, Aoba showed up in a wheelchair and a surgical mask before the Kyoto District Court.
According to Aoba's account, at the moment of the incident, all he could think about was the attack, but he never imagined that so many people would perish.
According to the sources, he stated that he now believes he overstepped the mark.Aoba was severely burned over 90% of his body during the attack, including his face, torso, and limbs, and came dangerously close to dying.
He was treated for burns at a hospital for 10 months while unconscious, undergoing many skin transplant procedures that ultimately saved his life, according to the authorities.
The incident took place when about 70 people were working inside the studio in southern Kyoto, Japan's historic capital.
According to experts, many of the victims' deaths were likely caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
The firm, commonly known as KyoAni, was established in 1981 and produced a hugely popular anime series about high school girls while also providing training for aspiring animators.
The tragedy stunned Japan and sparked a global outpouring of sorrow from anime enthusiasts