After facing years of financial mismanagement and unsuccessful ventures, the anime studio Gainax, famous for creating Neon Genesis Evangelion, has filed for bankruptcy, marking the end of its 40-year history.
The Tokyo District Court accepted the petition, and all copyrights have been transferred to Studio Khara, led by Evangelion’s creator Hideaki Anno.
Gainax’s statement highlighted several executive failures and poor business decisions, including an ill-conceived CG company, unsecured loans to executives, and failed investments, leading to their downfall.
Gainax faced numerous difficulties, such as being expelled from production committees due to unpaid royalties and being sued for loans.
Studio Khara had previously sued Gainax for unpaid royalties, illustrating the financial troubles within the company.
The studio’s statement depicted a scenario where many executives left to form new ventures using the Gainax name, further weakening the original studio’s capabilities.
The arrest of former representative director Tomohiro Maki for sexual assault in 2019 exacerbated the company’s decline.
A review of Gainax’s financial situation revealed significant undisclosed borrowings and the unauthorized selling of intellectual property.
The studio’s attempt to mitigate its debts, including selling rights to the series Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt, was insufficient. By May 2024, a debt collection company sued Gainax, leading to their decision to file for bankruptcy.
The studio acknowledged its inability to overcome the massive debt and expressed regret to those who had faith in the company.
Gainax’s collapse signifies the end of a key player in the anime industry, responsible for iconic series like Evangelion, FLCL, and Gurren Lagann.
The studio had seen many of its prominent figures leave to establish other successful studios, such as Hiroyuki Imaishi, who founded Studio Trigger, and Shinji Higuchi, who co-founded Gonzo.
These departures contributed to the studio’s diminishing production capabilities over time. To prevent misuse of the Gainax trademark, it has been transferred to Studio Khara.
Gainax’s statement credits Khara as a significant supporter during their financial struggles. The bankruptcy of Gainax marks a significant moment in anime history, closing the chapter on a once-influential studio that had made substantial contributions to the medium.
