Thank You, Kyoto Animation

It is absolutely heartbreaking that the worst tragedy in postwar Japanese history had to happen to one of the best studios in the anime industry.

I just cannot even begin to say how much influence and impact Kyoto Animation has had on my life. Kyoto Animation’s works (Lucky Star, Haruhi, K-ON!, etc…) were my foundational anime and they were what convinced me to start on the path that I’m now on. It is no understatement to say that I would not be who I am today if it were not for these shows. These shows taught me the importance of friendship. These shows taught me the beauty of love. These shows taught me the value of life.

It is because of these shows that I met so many wonderful people, gained so many amazing experiences and grew as a person. While art can always be redrawn, the people creating that art cannot be brought back to life. It pains me to no end to think that someone may not have the opportunity to have their lives changed by Kyoto Animation the way mine was because of this atrocity. The debt that I owe Kyoto Animation cannot be repaid. The only thing I can do is to offer up my humble words of gratitude and condolence as a fan, an admirer and a supporter of the many amazing productions that the studio has produced.

I still cannot fathom how the people who brought so much joy and laughter to millions were the ones to have their lives cut short. My heart goes to the loved ones of those who have sadly lost their lives and of those who were injured in the fire. Our pain must be infinitesimal compared to the pain that they must be going through. My thoughts and prayers are with them. Please know that their lives were not spent in vain.

Bad things happen to good people. I thought that that was an immutable fact of life that I have grown accustomed to. But it is times like these where I am reminded about how cruel reality can really be. However, it is during times like these that I am also reminded about the strength of our community and its ability to come together in times of crisis. To those who have offered up their time, effort and support to those in need, I offer a sincere and heartfelt “thank you”. You are the reason I am proud to call myself an anime fan.