TOKYO, Japan – Shinji Aoba, the man sentenced to death for the arson attack on a Kyoto Animation Co. studio in 2019, has expressed his intention to appeal the verdict in order to speak out more about the crime. Aoba, 45, admitted to the guilt but stated his desire to use the appeal as an opportunity to address further aspects of the incident. This statement came as a surprise as it was the first time Aoba agreed to meet with a reporter, showing a shift in his willingness to speak about the horrific attack that resulted in the loss of 36 lives.
During the interview at the Osaka Detention House, Aoba, who was left badly burned from the fire he started, revealed his intentions to appeal and continue the court case in order to have the chance to express additional thoughts about the incident and leave behind lessons for others. He also admitted to feeling a sense of responsibility for his actions and expressed the shock he felt when the death sentence was announced in court.
Aoba’s decision to appeal has sparked mixed reactions from the public, including the bereaved family members. Some family members expressed understanding and hoped that Aoba’s further statements could serve as a deterrent for the commission of similar crimes in the future. However, others initially felt that Aoba’s criticisms directed at Kyoto Animation showed a lack of remorse, but they reconsidered their stance upon learning of his desire to speak out further.
In response to Aoba’s intentions, Kyoto Animation Co. expressed continued grief and sorrow over the tragic loss of their employees in the arson attack, emphasizing the pain they continue to feel upon reflecting on the incident. With the initial shock of the verdict behind them, the company is bracing themselves for the potential impact of Aoba’s forthcoming statements.
As the process of appealing the verdict unfolds, the community remains on edge, hoping for closure and possible insights derived from Aoba’s intent to speak out, with the goal of preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The unfolding of Aoba’s appeal promises to be a deeply emotional and revealing chapter in the aftermath of this devastating crime.