TOKYO — A devastating apparent arson attack on a renowned Japanese animation firm has left anime fans and insiders heartbroken, with many likening the fire to a terror attack on their community. I was heartbroken,” said James Coleman, a 17-year-old tourist walking in Tokyo’s famed anime and gaming district Akihabara on Friday. After the fire, anime fans at home and abroad tweeted their support with the hashtag #KyoAniStrong and #PrayForKyoAni. Police have detained a 41-year-old man, with reports suggesting he had accused Kyoto Animation of plagiarism. “Kyoto Animation and others must continue to produce animations with a message.”‘Fear and trauma’Founded by a husband-wife couple, Kyoto Animation originally specialized in delicate animation tasks usually done by women, and continued to employ many women among its staff.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer July 19, 2019 10:18 UTC