Kyoani Arson Attack Victims Remembered
A memorial service was held on Monday for people killed in an arson attack at a western Japan animation studio three years ago.
The fire at Kyoto Animation on July 18 in 2019 killed 36 people and injured 32.
About 120 people, including victims' family members and employees of the company, took part in the ceremony held at the former site of the studio.
Attendees observed a minute of silence shortly after 10:30 a.m. -- the time the attack took place.
Then the attendees laid flowers and offered prayers at an altar decorated with 36 sunflowers.
Kyoto Animation President Hatta Hideaki said in a statement that he regrets the loss of the 36 lives, no matter how many years pass. He expressed hope that his company will keep the victims' feelings in mind and continue to create works.
It is still unclear when the 44-year-old suspect, Aoba Shinji, will go on trial.
Procedures for starting the trial are believed to have progressed little since the suspect underwent his second psychiatric evaluation.
Sources say the trial may begin next year at earliest.
Elderly family members of some victims say they hope the trial will start soon because they want to know while they are still in good health why the suspect carried out the attack.