This archive report was first published on 20 July 2019.
On Thursday, a devastating fire swept through Kyoto Animation's studio in Japan, claiming the lives of 34 people and leaving dozens more injured.
Police have identified the 41-year-old suspect, Shinji Aoba, who is currently in serious condition with burns covering his body.
According to a senior police officer, the fire was determined to be an arson attack and a murder investigation is underway.
Local media reported that Aoba had served three and a half years in prison for stealing cash from a convenience store, and police suspect he may have stayed at a nearby park for several days to secretly inspect the studio.
As the community mourns the loss of life, anime fans and insiders are left heartbroken and shocked by the tragedy.
Founded in 1981, Kyoto Animation is a renowned studio responsible for beloved television series like 'The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya', and its loss is deeply felt by fans worldwide.
On Saturday, people continued to pay tribute to the victims, leaving flowers in front of the building that housed Kyoto Animation.
Police have stated that the suspect's profession was unknown, but some media reports have suggested that Aoba believed the company had stolen his work.
However, the president of Kyoto Animation has denied receiving any submissions from Aoba, according to the Yomiuri Shimbun.
