A Japanese man who admitted to starting a fire at the popular Kyoto Animation studio in 2019 that killed 36,&nbsp;has been sentenced to death by the court, local media reported.&nbsp;

The man identified as Shinji Aoba, 45,&nbsp;reportedly broke into the studio, sprayed petrol around the ground floor and alighted it before shouting "Drop dead".&nbsp;

The Kyoto District Court found Aoba guilty of setting the three-story building on fire and&nbsp;ruled that he was "neither insane nor suffering diminished mental capacity at the time of the crime".&nbsp;

Despite admitting to starting the fire in the trial that started in September last year, Aoba's attorneys entered a&nbsp;not-guilty plea. His team&nbsp;argued that even if he was to be convicted, he should be given a reduced sentence on account of his "state of diminished capacity", adding that he was delusional at the time of the attack.

Notably, Aoba&nbsp;claimed the anime studio had stolen his ideas after rejecting his novels at an annual award contest the studio hosts. However, to this date, there is absolutely no evidence that the studio plagiarised his work.&nbsp;

<h2>Death penalty in Japan</h2>

Among developed nations, Japan is the minority that hands out capital punishment to criminals, usually involved in murder cases with more than one victim.

As of December last year, at least 107 people were on death row. In 2018, the country executed 13 people, including the leader of a doomsday cult, responsible for the 1995 sarin attacks on Tokyo's subway.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kyoto-animation-studio-suspected-arson-attack-in-japan-leaves-at-least-30-dead-236927" target="_blank">Watch | Kyoto Animation studio: Suspected arson attack in Japan leaves at least 36 dead</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kyoto-animation-studio-suspected-arson-attack-in-japan-leaves-at-least-30-dead-236927/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Aoba suffered injuries in arson attack</h2>

Notably, Aoba nearly died in the attack as well, suffering severe burns on 90 per cent of his body, including on the face, torso and limbs.

Consequently, he remained unconscious for weeks and was treated for 10 months at a hospital&nbsp;specialising in burns where he underwent several skin transplant operations, according to Japanese media reports.&nbsp;

As for the beloved studio, also known as KyoAni, famous for producing graphic novels and films with high production value, justice may have been finally served.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyoto-animation-fire-suspect-has-criminal-record-was-treated-for-mental-health-issues-report-237136" target="_blank">Also read | Kyoto Animation fire suspect has criminal record, was treated for mental health issues: Report</a>

Some of the popular animation works by the studio include K-On! and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. After the attack, Apple CEO Tim Cook posted about the studio&nbsp;and how&nbsp;KyoAni's artists "spread joy all over the world and across generations with their masterpieces".

Later, a US-based animation company managed to raise $2.4 million via crowdfunding for the studio to help it get back on its feet.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A Japanese man who admitted to starting a fire at the popular Kyoto Animation studio in 2019 that killed 36, has been sentenced to death by the court, local media reported.

A Japanese man who admitted to starting a fire at the popular Kyoto Animation studio in 2019 that killed 36, has been sentenced to death by the court, local media reported. The man identified as Shinji Aoba, 45, reportedly broke into the studio, sprayed petrol around the ground floor and alighted it before shouting "Drop dead". The Kyoto District Court found Aoba guilty of setting the three-story building on fire and ruled that he was "neither insane nor suffering diminished mental capacity at the time of the crime". Despite admitting to starting the fire in the trial that started in September last year, Aoba's attorneys entered a not-guilty plea. His team argued that even if he was to be convicted, he should be given a reduced sentence on account of his "state of diminished capacity", adding that he was delusional at the time of the attack. Notably, Aoba claimed the anime studio had stolen his ideas after rejecting his novels at an annual award contest the studio hosts. However, to this date, there is absolutely no evidence that the studio plagiarised his work. Death penalty in Japan Among developed nations, Japan is the minority that hands out capital punishment to criminals, usually involved in murder cases with more than one victim. As of December last year, at least 107 people were on death row. In 2018, the country executed 13 people, including the leader of a doomsday cult, responsible for the 1995 sarin attacks on Tokyo's subway. Watch | Kyoto Animation studio: Suspected arson attack in Japan leaves at least 36 dead Aoba suffered injuries in arson attack Notably, Aoba nearly died in the attack as well, suffering severe burns on 90 per cent of his body, including on the face, torso and limbs. Consequently, he remained unconscious for weeks and was treated for 10 months at a hospital specialising in burns where he underwent several skin transplant operations, according to Japanese media reports. As for the beloved studio, also known as KyoAni, famous for producing graphic novels and films with high production value, justice may have been finally served. Also read | Kyoto Animation fire suspect has criminal record, was treated for mental health issues: Report Some of the popular animation works by the studio include K-On! and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. After the attack, Apple CEO Tim Cook posted about the studio and how KyoAni's artists "spread joy all over the world and across generations with their masterpieces". Later, a US-based animation company managed to raise $2.4 million via crowdfunding for the studio to help it get back on its feet. (With inputs from agencies)

Death penalty to Shinji Aoba, arsonist behind Japan anime studio fire that killed 36

Many victims of an arson attack on a Japanese animation studio were young with bright futures, some joining only in April, the shaken company president said on Saturday, as the death toll climbed to 34.

Thursday's attack on Kyoto Animation, well known for its television series and movies, was Japan's worst mass killing in two decades. It was all the more poignant because of the youth of the victims in a country where the population is among the world's oldest.

Many of the victims of the attack, in the ancient capital of Kyoto, were young women, company president Hideaki Hatta said.

"Some of them joined us just in April. And on the eighth of July, I gave them a small, but their first, bonus," he said.

"People who had a promising future lost their lives. I don't know what to say. Rather than feeling anger, I just don't have words," Hatta said.

Fifteen of the victims were in their 20s and 11 were in their 30s, public broadcaster NHK said. Six were in their 40s and one was at least 60. The age of the latest victim, a man who died in hospital, was not known. The names of the victims have not been disclosed.

The studio had about 160 employees with an average age of 33.

Police have confirmed the identity of the suspect as Shinji Aoba, but have declined to comment further.

Aoba lives in a modest, two-floor apartment building 500 km (310 miles) from Kyoto in a rural suburb just outside Omiya, a commuter hub north of Tokyo.

A 27-year-old neighbour said Aoba had once grabbed him and yelled at him over a noise dispute.

"He started yelling at me to my face to shut up. He grabbed me by the collar and started pulling my hair. It was terrifying," the neighbour, who declined to be identified, said.

Plagiarism claim&nbsp;

Aoba had been convicted of robbery in the past and is suspected of carrying out the arson attack because he believed his novel had been plagiarized, Japanese media have said.

But Hatta, the company president, said he had no idea about any plagiarism claim, adding he had not seen any correspondence from the suspect.

People living near the studio said they saw a man fitting Aoba's description in a nearby park the day before the attack. Police suspect he may have spent a day or more in the area to prepare.

Resident Rie Bannai said her nephew saw the man sleeping on a bench in the park.

Police have not formally arrested Aoba, as he is being treated for heavy burns, NHK said, but have taken the unusual step of releasing his name.

Rui Yamaguchi, who works in a factory nearby, said he saw the suspect when he was detained.

"He looked like a mannequin with no hair and blackened. One of his pants legs had gone around his calf. It looked like it had burnt off," he said.

'Beautiful and warm'

Near the blackened studio building, where the smell of burning timber lingered over the neighbourhood, animation fans gathered to add to a growing pile of flowers, drinks and other offerings.

Bing Xie, 25, a Chinese student at Kyoto University, said she could not forgive the arsonist.

"The criminal who does this seems to have been mentally disturbed, but I can’t forgive him. The young people at Kyoto Animation were beautiful and warm and it is hard to accept they are gone."

Police guarded the site as investigators, some on the roof near where many died in a connecting stairwell, examined the blackened building.

Hatta said the building needed to be torn down because it was so badly damaged.

Tributes to the victims lit up social media, with world leaders and Apple Inc's chief executive offering condolences. The hashtag #PrayforKyoAni, as the studio is known among fans, has become popular.

Kyoto Animation produces popular "anime" series such as the "Sound! Euphonium". It is also known for "Violet Evergarden", which has been shown on Netflix.

Many victims of an arson attack on a Japanese animation studio were young with bright futures, some joining only in April, the shaken company president said on Saturday, as the death toll climbed to 34.

Many victims of an arson attack on a Japanese animation studio were young with bright futures, some joining only in April, the shaken company president said on Saturday, as the death toll climbed to 34. Thursday's attack on Kyoto Animation, well known for its television series and movies, was Japan's worst mass killing in two decades. It was all the more poignant because of the youth of the victims in a country where the population is among the world's oldest. Many of the victims of the attack, in the ancient capital of Kyoto, were young women, company president Hideaki Hatta said. "Some of them joined us just in April. And on the eighth of July, I gave them a small, but their first, bonus," he said. "People who had a promising future lost their lives. I don't know what to say. Rather than feeling anger, I just don't have words," Hatta said. Fifteen of the victims were in their 20s and 11 were in their 30s, public broadcaster NHK said. Six were in their 40s and one was at least 60. The age of the latest victim, a man who died in hospital, was not known. The names of the victims have not been disclosed. The studio had about 160 employees with an average age of 33. Police have confirmed the identity of the suspect as Shinji Aoba, but have declined to comment further. Aoba lives in a modest, two-floor apartment building 500 km (310 miles) from Kyoto in a rural suburb just outside Omiya, a commuter hub north of Tokyo. A 27-year-old neighbour said Aoba had once grabbed him and yelled at him over a noise dispute. "He started yelling at me to my face to shut up. He grabbed me by the collar and started pulling my hair. It was terrifying," the neighbour, who declined to be identified, said. Plagiarism claim Aoba had been convicted of robbery in the past and is suspected of carrying out the arson attack because he believed his novel had been plagiarized, Japanese media have said. But Hatta, the company president, said he had no idea about any plagiarism claim, adding he had not seen any correspondence from the suspect. People living near the studio said they saw a man fitting Aoba's description in a nearby park the day before the attack. Police suspect he may have spent a day or more in the area to prepare. Resident Rie Bannai said her nephew saw the man sleeping on a bench in the park. Police have not formally arrested Aoba, as he is being treated for heavy burns, NHK said, but have taken the unusual step of releasing his name. Rui Yamaguchi, who works in a factory nearby, said he saw the suspect when he was detained. "He looked like a mannequin with no hair and blackened. One of his pants legs had gone around his calf. It looked like it had burnt off," he said. 'Beautiful and warm' Near the blackened studio building, where the smell of burning timber lingered over the neighbourhood, animation fans gathered to add to a growing pile of flowers, drinks and other offerings. Bing Xie, 25, a Chinese student at Kyoto University, said she could not forgive the arsonist. "The criminal who does this seems to have been mentally disturbed, but I can’t forgive him. The young people at Kyoto Animation were beautiful and warm and it is hard to accept they are gone." Police guarded the site as investigators, some on the roof near where many died in a connecting stairwell, examined the blackened building. Hatta said the building needed to be torn down because it was so badly damaged. Tributes to the victims lit up social media, with world leaders and Apple Inc's chief executive offering condolences. The hashtag #PrayforKyoAni, as the studio is known among fans, has become popular. Kyoto Animation produces popular "anime" series such as the "Sound! Euphonium". It is also known for "Violet Evergarden", which has been shown on Netflix.

'I don't have words': Boss of torched Japan studio mourns bright, young staff

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-arsonist-believed-his-novel-was-stolen-by-japanese-studio-report-237091">The fire that tore through a building</a> in Japan killing 33 people may have spread so fast not only because it was fuelled by petrol but because it was funnelled up a spiral staircase and there were no sprinklers to douse it, experts said on Friday.

A man shouting "die" and screaming accusations of plagiarism sloshed what appeared to be petrol in the three-storey Kyoto Animation building on Thursday before setting it ablaze.

That alone could have been enough to make it impossible for victims to escape, architects said.

But an open, three-storey spiral staircase inside the building created an especially deadly environment for fire.

"The structure of the building was that it had one spiral staircase penetrating through three floors acting as a chimney, the most effective way of starting a fire," said Momoko Higuchi, a Tokyo-based architect.

"Because the fire was with petrol, the effect was like a bomb. Most died of smoke."

Watch:&nbsp;Suspected arson attack in Japan leaves at least 30 dead

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kyoto-animation-studio-suspected-arson-attack-in-japan-leaves-at-least-30-dead-236927/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The building did not have sprinklers, nor indoor fire hydrants, but it did not have to have them under Japan's fire code, a Kyoto Fire Department official said.

An inspection of the building in October had found no fire safety problems, he said.

Buildings usually fall into different categories depending on size, said Shinichi Sugawara, a professor emeritus at Tokyo University of Science.

While fire shutters are often required around structures like spiral staircases, to enclose then to prevent the spread of fire, Sugawara said he had heard that they were not needed in this case.

Some Japanese media has said that was because of the building's relatively small floor space.

"I personally think that all places like that should have shutters, and all buildings should have sprinklers, regardless of size," he said.

But the most lethal factor may simply have been the petrol.

"Petrol vaporizes quickly and really burns fast, and given the kind of business it was, there may have been a lot of papers and things lying around," Sugawara added.

"Then the smoke would rise up the stairs."

The fire that tore through a building in Japan killing 33 people may have spread so fast not only because it was fuelled by petrol but because it was funnelled up a spiral staircase and there were no sprinklers to douse it, experts said on Friday.

The fire that tore through a building in Japan killing 33 people may have spread so fast not only because it was fuelled by petrol but because it was funnelled up a spiral staircase and there were no sprinklers to douse it, experts said on Friday. A man shouting "die" and screaming accusations of plagiarism sloshed what appeared to be petrol in the three-storey Kyoto Animation building on Thursday before setting it ablaze. That alone could have been enough to make it impossible for victims to escape, architects said. But an open, three-storey spiral staircase inside the building created an especially deadly environment for fire. "The structure of the building was that it had one spiral staircase penetrating through three floors acting as a chimney, the most effective way of starting a fire," said Momoko Higuchi, a Tokyo-based architect. "Because the fire was with petrol, the effect was like a bomb. Most died of smoke." Watch: Suspected arson attack in Japan leaves at least 30 dead The building did not have sprinklers, nor indoor fire hydrants, but it did not have to have them under Japan's fire code, a Kyoto Fire Department official said. An inspection of the building in October had found no fire safety problems, he said. Buildings usually fall into different categories depending on size, said Shinichi Sugawara, a professor emeritus at Tokyo University of Science. While fire shutters are often required around structures like spiral staircases, to enclose then to prevent the spread of fire, Sugawara said he had heard that they were not needed in this case. Some Japanese media has said that was because of the building's relatively small floor space. "I personally think that all places like that should have shutters, and all buildings should have sprinklers, regardless of size," he said. But the most lethal factor may simply have been the petrol. "Petrol vaporizes quickly and really burns fast, and given the kind of business it was, there may have been a lot of papers and things lying around," Sugawara added. "Then the smoke would rise up the stairs."

Spiral stairs, no sprinklers may have contributed to deadly Japan fire

A man suspected of torching an animation studio in Japan, killing 33 people in the country's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/appalling-arson-attack-on-japanese-animation-studio-kills-at-least-33-236930">worst mass killing in two decades</a>, planned the attack because he believed his novel had been plagiarised, media said on Friday.

The unidentified man shouted "Die!" before dousing the entrance to Kyoto Animation's studio building with what appeared to be petrol and setting it ablaze around 10:30 a.m. (0130 GMT) on Thursday, media said.

The 41-year-old told the police, "I did it," when he was detained, adding he had started the fire because he believed the studio had stolen his novel, Kyodo news said, citing investigative sources.

Kyoto police declined to comment. Broadcaster Nippon TV said he was under anaesthesia after burning himself and police were unable to question him.

He "seemed to be discontented, he seemed to get angry, shouting something about how he had been plagiarised", a woman who saw the suspect being detained told reporters.

The explosive blaze killed 33 people and 10 more were in critical condition, authorities said late on Thursday. It marks the worst mass killing since a suspected arson attack in Tokyo killed 44 in 2001.

A resident of the Tokyo suburb of Saitama, some 480 km (300 miles) east of the ancient capital of Kyoto, the man was believed to have bought two 20 litre gasoline cans at a hardware store and prepared the petrol in a park near the studio, Nippon TV said, citing police.

He came to the area on train, the broadcaster said. Public broadcaster NHK showed footage of what it said appeared to be the man lying on his back as he spoke to a police officer, shoeless and with apparent burns on his right leg below the knee.

The man had no connection with Kyoto Animation and his driver's licence gave an address in Saitama, a northern suburb of Tokyo, NHK said.

None of the victims' identities had been disclosed as of Friday. There were 74 people inside when the fire started, Kyodo said.

"I imagine many of the people who died were in their twenties," said 71-year-old Kozo Tsujii, fighting back tears after laying flowers near the studio in the rain on Friday morning. He said he drives by the studio on his daily commute.

"I'm just very, very sad that these people who are so much younger than me passed away so prematurely," he said.

Bodies piled up

Nineteen of the 33 who died had been found on the staircase leading up to the roof from the third floor, bodies piled on top of others, Kyodo news agency said, citing authorities.

Firefighters arriving soon after the fire began found the door to the roof was shut but could be opened from the outside, Kyodo said.

The victims may have rushed up the stairs to escape the blaze on the lower floors and found themselves unable to open the door, it added.

The fire wasn't put out until early on Friday morning.

Police investigators searched the smouldering shell of the building for evidence in an investigation that Kyodo said covered suspected arson, murder and attempted murder.

"I love fighting games, all things about Japan," said Blake Henderson, a 26-year-old Alabama native and fan of the anime studio who had come to pay his respects.

"I love Japan so much and this one incident won't change my entire perspective on Japan, but it still hurts," he said.

Petrol cans

Two petrol cans, a rucksack and a trolley were found near the site, and television images showed what appeared to be five long knives laid out by police as possible evidence on the ground outside the three-storey building.

Kyoto Animation, located in a quiet suburb about 20 minutes by train from the centre of Japan's ancient capital, produces popular "anime" series such as the "Sound! Euphonium".

Its "Free! Road to the World - The Dream" movie is due for release this month.

Jun Shin, a 30-year-old Chinese man living in nearby Osaka, visited the site on Thursday night to place flowers near the burnt-out office and say a prayer.

"I am an anime fan," Jun, an information technology worker, told Reuters. "I have watched animation since I was a student, and this was a terrible event, I just want to come and mourn. It left me speechless."

A man suspected of torching an animation studio in Japan, killing 33 people in the country's worst mass killing in two decades, planned the attack because he believed his novel had been plagiarised, media said on Friday.

A man suspected of torching an animation studio in Japan, killing 33 people in the country's worst mass killing in two decades, planned the attack because he believed his novel had been plagiarised, media said on Friday. The unidentified man shouted "Die!" before dousing the entrance to Kyoto Animation's studio building with what appeared to be petrol and setting it ablaze around 10:30 a.m. (0130 GMT) on Thursday, media said. The 41-year-old told the police, "I did it," when he was detained, adding he had started the fire because he believed the studio had stolen his novel, Kyodo news said, citing investigative sources. Kyoto police declined to comment. Broadcaster Nippon TV said he was under anaesthesia after burning himself and police were unable to question him. He "seemed to be discontented, he seemed to get angry, shouting something about how he had been plagiarised", a woman who saw the suspect being detained told reporters. The explosive blaze killed 33 people and 10 more were in critical condition, authorities said late on Thursday. It marks the worst mass killing since a suspected arson attack in Tokyo killed 44 in 2001. A resident of the Tokyo suburb of Saitama, some 480 km (300 miles) east of the ancient capital of Kyoto, the man was believed to have bought two 20 litre gasoline cans at a hardware store and prepared the petrol in a park near the studio, Nippon TV said, citing police. He came to the area on train, the broadcaster said. Public broadcaster NHK showed footage of what it said appeared to be the man lying on his back as he spoke to a police officer, shoeless and with apparent burns on his right leg below the knee. The man had no connection with Kyoto Animation and his driver's licence gave an address in Saitama, a northern suburb of Tokyo, NHK said. None of the victims' identities had been disclosed as of Friday. There were 74 people inside when the fire started, Kyodo said. "I imagine many of the people who died were in their twenties," said 71-year-old Kozo Tsujii, fighting back tears after laying flowers near the studio in the rain on Friday morning. He said he drives by the studio on his daily commute. "I'm just very, very sad that these people who are so much younger than me passed away so prematurely," he said. Bodies piled up Nineteen of the 33 who died had been found on the staircase leading up to the roof from the third floor, bodies piled on top of others, Kyodo news agency said, citing authorities. Firefighters arriving soon after the fire began found the door to the roof was shut but could be opened from the outside, Kyodo said. The victims may have rushed up the stairs to escape the blaze on the lower floors and found themselves unable to open the door, it added. The fire wasn't put out until early on Friday morning. Police investigators searched the smouldering shell of the building for evidence in an investigation that Kyodo said covered suspected arson, murder and attempted murder. "I love fighting games, all things about Japan," said Blake Henderson, a 26-year-old Alabama native and fan of the anime studio who had come to pay his respects. "I love Japan so much and this one incident won't change my entire perspective on Japan, but it still hurts," he said. Petrol cans Two petrol cans, a rucksack and a trolley were found near the site, and television images showed what appeared to be five long knives laid out by police as possible evidence on the ground outside the three-storey building. Kyoto Animation, located in a quiet suburb about 20 minutes by train from the centre of Japan's ancient capital, produces popular "anime" series such as the "Sound! Euphonium". Its "Free! Road to the World - The Dream" movie is due for release this month. Jun Shin, a 30-year-old Chinese man living in nearby Osaka, visited the site on Thursday night to place flowers near the burnt-out office and say a prayer. "I am an anime fan," Jun, an information technology worker, told Reuters. "I have watched animation since I was a student, and this was a terrible event, I just want to come and mourn. It left me speechless."

Suspected arsonist believed his novel was stolen by Japanese studio: Report

Thirteen people are believed to have died in a suspected arson attack at an animation company in the Japanese city of Kyoto on Thursday, a fire department official told AFP.

"Twelve people were found in cardio-respiratory arrest in the ground and the first floor," the official said, using a phrase commonly used in Japan to signify victims have died but their deaths have not yet been officially certified.

The 12 victims were found after the fire department confirmed the first death in the blaze, bringing the apparent toll in the fire to 13, with many others wounded.

Thirteen people are believed to have died in a suspected arson attack at an animation company in the Japanese city of Kyoto on Thursday, a fire department official told AFP.

Thirteen people are believed to have died in a suspected arson attack at an animation company in the Japanese city of Kyoto on Thursday, a fire department official told AFP. "Twelve people were found in cardio-respiratory arrest in the ground and the first floor," the official said, using a phrase commonly used in Japan to signify victims have died but their deaths have not yet been officially certified. The 12 victims were found after the fire department confirmed the first death in the blaze, bringing the apparent toll in the fire to 13, with many others wounded.

13 feared dead in suspected arson attack at Japan animation company

At least 30 people are feared dead and 35 injured in a suspected arson attack at a renowned animation studio in the Japanese city of Kyoto on Thursday. Watch full video to know more.

Kyoto Animation studio: Suspected arson attack in Japan leaves at least 30 dead

Fire swept through <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-feared-dead-in-fire-at-japan-animation-studio-236791">an animation studio in Japan</a> on Thursday and 23 people were feared killed and scores injured, with the cause suspected to have been arson after a man was seen shouting "die" as he doused the building with petrol.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the fire in the city of Kyoto - the latest grisly killing in a country known for its low crime rates - "too appalling for words" on Twitter and offered condolences to the victims.

Police had taken a 41-year-old man into custody who had shouted "die" as he poured what appeared to be petrol around the three-story Kyoto Animation building shortly after 10 a.m. (0100 GMT), public broadcaster NHK reported.

Thirteen people were confirmed dead and at least 10 more had no vital signs after they were found in the studio, an official for the Kyoto City Fire Department said.

White and black smoke billowed from the windows of the building, television footage showed.

"I heard the sound of fire engines and stepped outside my house, and saw big flames spewing out of the building," NHK quoted a 16-year-old boy as saying.

"Fire department officials were trying to rescue the injured in a nearby park but it seemed like there weren't enough of them," he said.

Popular series

The studio produces popular series such as the "Sound! Euphonium". It's "Free! Road to the World - The Dream" movie is due for release this month.

The 10 people without vital sounds were found in the studio, some on the third floor and others in a staircase leading up to the roof, the fire official said.

Another 36 were injured, 10 of them seriously, the official said.

The suspected arsonist was injured and was being treated in hospital, so police could not question him, NHK said.

Kyoto police declined to comment.

Violent crime is relatively rare in Japan but occasional high-profile incidents have shocked the country.

Less than two months ago, a knife-wielding man slashed at a group of schoolgirls at a bus stop in Kawasaki, a city just south of Tokyo, killing one girl and the father of another, while injuring more than a dozen children.

In 2016, a man armed with a knife broke into a facility for the disabled in a small town near Tokyo and killed 19 patients.

Fire swept through an animation studio in Japan on Thursday and 23 people were feared killed and scores injured, with the cause suspected to have been arson after a man was seen shouting "die" as he doused the building with petrol.

Fire swept through an animation studio in Japan on Thursday and 23 people were feared killed and scores injured, with the cause suspected to have been arson after a man was seen shouting "die" as he doused the building with petrol. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the fire in the city of Kyoto - the latest grisly killing in a country known for its low crime rates - "too appalling for words" on Twitter and offered condolences to the victims. Police had taken a 41-year-old man into custody who had shouted "die" as he poured what appeared to be petrol around the three-story Kyoto Animation building shortly after 10 a.m. (0100 GMT), public broadcaster NHK reported. Thirteen people were confirmed dead and at least 10 more had no vital signs after they were found in the studio, an official for the Kyoto City Fire Department said. White and black smoke billowed from the windows of the building, television footage showed. "I heard the sound of fire engines and stepped outside my house, and saw big flames spewing out of the building," NHK quoted a 16-year-old boy as saying. "Fire department officials were trying to rescue the injured in a nearby park but it seemed like there weren't enough of them," he said. Popular series The studio produces popular series such as the "Sound! Euphonium". It's "Free! Road to the World - The Dream" movie is due for release this month. The 10 people without vital sounds were found in the studio, some on the third floor and others in a staircase leading up to the roof, the fire official said. Another 36 were injured, 10 of them seriously, the official said. The suspected arsonist was injured and was being treated in hospital, so police could not question him, NHK said. Kyoto police declined to comment. Violent crime is relatively rare in Japan but occasional high-profile incidents have shocked the country. Less than two months ago, a knife-wielding man slashed at a group of schoolgirls at a bus stop in Kawasaki, a city just south of Tokyo, killing one girl and the father of another, while injuring more than a dozen children. In 2016, a man armed with a knife broke into a facility for the disabled in a small town near Tokyo and killed 19 patients.

Arson suspected as fire engulfs Japanese studio; at least 23 feared dead

kyoto-animation-studio

Kyoto Animation Studio, News on Kyoto Animation Studio, stories on Kyoto Animation Studio, articles on Kyoto Animation Studio, Kyoto Animation Studio stories at Wion, Kyoto Animation Studio news, Kyoto Animation Studio latest news

kyoto animation-studio