Earlier today, a Makuake crowdfunding campaign by the Animation for Next Industrial Innovation Conference (ANIC, henceforth) and the Japan Animation Creators Association (JAniCA, henceforth) ended its run. The campaign, which intended to raise funds for the victims of July’s arson fire at Kyoto Animation, closed with 7,727,000 yen ($71,304.76 USD). 1,083 backers donated to the drive, with an average donation of 7135 yen ($65.84 USD) per backer.
The campaign originally had a funding goal of one milion yen.
Funds will be used to aid the victims of the disaster, including those who were harmed physically and mentally that are still in recovery and their families. Mesages will be relayed to the members of Kyoto Animation.
On July 17, fire broke out at Kyoto Animation’s No. 1 studio. Thirty-six passed away in the blaze, and thirty-three were injured.
Police determined the cause of the fire to be arson, and have arrested a suspect in the action. According to NHK, the police apprehended a male who was seen spraying an accelerant “like gasoline” both in and around the studio. The man’s license indicates that he is in his 40s.
According to NHK, the suspect was saying “Go die” as he ignited the fuel.
Kyoto Animation was established in 1981 by former Mushi Pro staff members. Since its foundation, the studio has worked on numerous prominent anime titles, including The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Clannad, K-On!, Free!, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, and Sound! Euphonium.
Source: Anime! Anime!
