Gainax Officially Disbands! Peek at the Last Anime from This Legendary Studio

Kapanlagi.com - Studio Gainax, a big name that has carved its history in the anime industry, has officially disbanded on December 11, 2025. This closure marks the end of a 42-year journey filled with innovative works and unexpected turmoil.

The disbandment of Gainax came after a series of financial problems, mismanagement, and prolonged scandals. This complicated situation has significantly worsened since around 2012.

Bankruptcy was filed in May 2024, followed by a public announcement on June 7, 2024, and cessation of operations. Now, the Gainax trademark has been transferred to Studio Khara and other parties.

1. Gainax's Glorious Footprint in the Anime Industry

Gainax is known as a studio that has produced many iconic and revolutionary works in the history of anime. Titles like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Gunbuster, and Gurren Lagann have shaped a generation of fans.

These works are not only entertaining but often combine the mecha genre with deep psychological and philosophical themes.

2. The Beginning of Gainax's Decline

The decline of Gainax studio began to be felt around 2012, marked by poor management decisions. Various investments outside the core anime business, such as restaurants and CG companies, triggered financial problems.

Additionally, large unsecured loans to executives exacerbated the studio's ever-increasing debt situation.

3. Scandals and Financial Crisis Peaks

The financial situation of Gainax has worsened, with accumulated debt reaching over £380 million in 2020. This crisis was exacerbated by the loss of anime production staff who chose to establish affiliate studios.

The peak occurred in 2019, when the then-president of Gainax, Tomohiro Maki, was arrested for indecent acts, which completely damaged the studio's image and operational capacity.

4. Transfer of Gainax Trademark to Other Studios

After filing for bankruptcy, the Gainax trademark was officially transferred to Studio Khara, founded by Hideaki Anno, one of the founders of Gainax and the creator of Evangelion. Studio Khara collaborates with Kadokawa and Studio Trigger.

This collaboration aims to ensure that all intellectual property rights and production materials of Gainax are correctly transferred to the rightful owners and creators.

5. Wish Upon the Pleiades: The Last Anime from Gainax

In the midst of turmoil and decline, the last anime project directly produced by Gainax is the series Wish Upon the Pleiades or Houkago no Pleiades. This anime marks the end of an era for the legendary studio's production.

This series was originally released as web animation before being adapted into a full television series, showcasing Gainax's final efforts in creativity.

6. The Adventure Story of Subaru and the Witch Girls

Wish Upon the Pleiades tells the story of Subaru, a star-loving girl who meets a group of witch girls at the school observatory. They are tasked with collecting 'machine fragments' for a little alien from Pleiades so it can return to its home planet.

Subaru joins them, using a magic wand to fly and transform into a witch girl, facing mysteries while learning about friendship and cooperation.

7. Unique Collaboration with Subaru Car Manufacturer

An interesting fact about this anime is its collaboration with the Japanese car manufacturer, Subaru. The initial concept of Wish Upon the Pleiades first appeared as a short web animation series in 2011.

This project was intentionally produced to promote the Subaru brand, combining elements of science fiction with clever marketing.

8. The Transformation from ONA to Popular TV Series

After succeeding as an Original Net Animation (ONA), the project Wish Upon the Pleiades was then adapted into a full television series. This TV series aired in 2015, offering a longer storyline and several script changes.

This transition demonstrates the potential and appeal of a story that successfully captivated audiences from the web format to the television screen.

9. Mahō Shōjo Genre with a Touch of Science Fiction

This anime falls into the magical girl (mahō shōjo) genre, but with a very strong touch of science fiction. The story centers around space exploration and intriguing astronomical elements.

This unique combination provides a new perspective on the mahō shōjo genre, making it different from most similar anime.

10. FAQ About Gainax

Q : When was Studio Gainax officially dissolved?
A : Studio Gainax, the legendary anime studio, was officially dissolved on December 11, 2025, ending its 42-year history in the industry.

Q : What was the main cause of Gainax's dissolution?
A : The dissolution of Gainax was caused by a buildup of severe financial problems, mismanagement, and a series of scandals, including significant debt and the arrest of its former president.

Q : What was the last anime title produced by Gainax?
A : The last anime produced directly by Studio Gainax before its dissolution was the web and television animated series titled *Wish Upon the Pleiades* (Houkago no Pleiades).

Q : Who did Gainax collaborate with for the anime *Wish Upon the Pleiades*?
A : Gainax collaborated with the Japanese car manufacturer, Subaru, for the *Wish Upon the Pleiades* project, which was initially released as promotional web animation.

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