Kyoto Animation's Hideaki Hatta Passes Away
Kyoto Animation founder, president, and chief executive officer Hideaki Hatta passed away at 76, the studio announced earlier today. Hatta's son, Shinichiro Hatta, will be taking over the company's reins and "remain committed to creating work that can be enjoyed by people all over the world, carrying forward the spirit in our 'all-hands-on-deck' principle," the statement reveals.
Hideaki Hatta founded the KyoAni studio with his wife, Yoko, in 1985. The studio is known for its high production values and for employing salaried animators and training them, rather than relying on freelancers, and works such as Violet Evergarden, A Silent Voice, Clannad, K-On!, Sound! Euphonium, and more. Hatta was credited as a producer on a number of the studio's works.
Following the 2019 arson attack on Kyoto Animation’s Studio 1 building in the Fushimi Ward of Kyoto, Hatta planned to build a memorial on the site. However, that plan was not well-received by the city officials, who feared the memorial would attract too many visitors to the residential neighborhood. In 2024, the City of Uji erected a memorial in the Historical Park of Green Tea and Uji Town, designed by Tokyo University of the Arts students and funded with part of the donations collected after the incident. Hatta donated the memorial, which depicts 36 birds (one for each of the victims), to the city.
The wake and funeral were conducted by the family. The full statement can be found below:
Statement on the Passing of Hideaki Hatta,
President and Chief Executive Officer
We regret to announce the passing of our company's President and Chief Executive Officer, Hideaki Hatta, on February 16, 2026, at the age of 76.
We extend our deepest gratitude for the kindness and support shown to him throughout his life and respectfully provide this statement with sincere appreciation.
Since our founding in 1985, for more than four decades, he served as President with the guiding principle of 'all-hands-on-deck,' striving to build an entertainment company that values people and is grounded in sincere animation production.
Shinichiro Hatta has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer effective immediately to continue the work and values carried on by Hideaki Hatta. We remain committed to creating work that can be enjoyed by people all over the world, carrying forward the spirit in our 'all-hands-on-deck' principle.|
In addition, the wake and funeral service were held privately among family members. No floral tributes, monetary contributions, or visits will be accepted under any circumstances. We thank you for your understanding.
- Kyoto Animation Co., Ltd.
