The legal team defending Shinji Aoba, who was found guilty of starting the deadly fire at Kyoto Animation studio in 2019, has taken the unexpected step of appealing the recent court ruling.
This appeal to a higher court contests the death penalty sentence handed down to Aoba on January 25th, 2024 by the presiding judge Keisuke Matsuda.
During the original trial, Aoba’s defense lawyers had argued that their client was in an altered mental state at the time he set the blaze, unable to distinguish reality from fiction.
They claimed this should lead to a more lenient punishment given his diminished mental capacity.
However, Judge Matsuda determined that Aoba was sane and fully responsible for his criminal actions on the day of the attack. The judge ruled that Aoba’s ability to make rational choices was intact when he intentionally set the animation studio on fire.
This new appeal seeks to overturn the harshest penalty possible for Aoba on the grounds that his mental illness made him less culpable, despite the trial court’s finding. The case will now go to the Osaka High Court for further review and judgment.
Kyoto Animation Arson Victims’ Families Express Frustration and Grief Over Delayed Justice
While the defense team has announced their intention to appeal, further specifics about their legal grounds and strategy have yet to come to light.
This surprise appeal has upset victims’ family members, as it suspends the death penalty sentence that had finally been handed down after a long wait.
“When we got the verdict, at last, I felt a sense of closure in my heart. But learning of this appeal left me with an unbearable feeling,” stated the mother of late color designer Naomi Ishida in an emotional interview.
Ishida worked at Kyoto Animation on acclaimed shows like The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and A Silent Voice before losing her life in the attack.
“As I get older, I worry I may not live to see the outcome of this trial. It’s frustrating that we cannot have closure and move forward when the sentence has not been finalized,” the grieving mother continued.
This resentment over the appeal delaying justice stems from the years of waiting the families have already endured and their desire to finally get accountability for their loved ones.
Families Urge Defendant to Halt Legal Challenge for Swift Justice
Tatsuko Watanabe, the bereaved mother of renowned Kyoto Animation art director Mikiko Watanabe who worked on Violet Evergarden and other shows, also spoke out.
“Appeals are common, but I sincerely hope they halt this one. The defendant knows his actions were wrong, so I want him to stop the appeal process,” she implored.
Tatsuko has been actively lecturing across Japan, stressing the importance of supporting victims of crime. “I think it’s critical we create a society where tragedies like this do not recur. I believe this court case could catalyze positive change,” she commented.
Meanwhile, the father of a young male animator killed in the attack voiced disappointment after attending the trial. He said he sensed no trace of remorse from defendant Aoba.
“Even with the death sentence, it cannot make up for the 36 lives lost…and it won’t bring my son back. I realized yet again that the question of why my son had to die will continue haunting me until the day I die,” the grieving father lamented.
While appeals are expected, victims’ loved ones universally hope the lengthy road to justice will soon close, granting a small measure of closure.
Defense Lawyer Expresses Regret
The defense lawyer representing Shinji Aoba also commented on the controversial appeal he filed. “Regardless of the verdict, I was hoping it would be accepted without challenge. It’s unfortunate things unfolded this way,” he said.
“I wish that if given the platform, the defendant would speak not just to defend himself but to shed light on the circumstances and mindset that enabled such a horrific tragedy to occur. For the sake of society, so that we can prevent such devastating events from ever happening again,” the lawyer added.
The arson blaze broke out at Kyoto Animation’s Studio 1 building on July 18th, 2019, with 70 people inside at the time. The inferno ultimately claimed 36 lives and injured 33 others in the building itself. Smoke inhalation also injured a man in his forties who was on his way to work nearby.
Now, two memorials are set to be unveiled on the 5-year mark of the fateful attack on July 18th, 2024. These monuments will stand as symbols honoring those lost in the senseless tragedy.
