Gainax Studio, which Oversaw 'Neon Genesis Evangelion', Officially Closes, Hideaki Anno Reveals There is Internal Conflict

Kapanlagi.com - The animation studio Gainax, known for producing the anime series NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, has officially ceased operations. This certainty was conveyed directly by Hideaki Anno through a public statement. The closure comes after the bankruptcy liquidation process was declared complete.

In the statement, Anno also revealed that there are internal conflicts within the old management of Gainax. He mentioned various issues that have long been unknown to the public. These findings were described as very regrettable experiences for him.

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1. Gainax Officially Dissolved After Bankruptcy Liquidation

Neon Genesis Evangelion anime poster (Credit: IMDb)

Hideaki Anno, the creator of the anime NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, confirmed that Gainax has officially been dissolved after the entire bankruptcy liquidation process was completed. This statement was made through the official Studio Khara website on December 11. This closure also marks the end of Gainax's journey, which has lasted nearly 42 years.

In his statement, Anno expressed regret over the end of the studio that helped establish his name. He recalled his involvement since the early days of Gainax's founding and his role as a shareholder for more than two decades. "...this outcome is truly regrettable, but I accept it calmly," said Anno.

Anno also expressed appreciation to industry partners who helped with the recovery process leading up to the liquidation of the company. This assistance became increasingly crucial following the arrest of Gainax's then-president, Tomohiro Maki, in 2019. Anno revealed that they worked for nearly six years without pay to ensure that copyrights, production materials, and documents were returned to the rightful parties through legal channels.

2. Anno Reveals Internal Conflicts of the Old Management

Hideaki Anno, creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion (Credit: IMDb)

In addition to announcing the closure, Anno revealed internal issues that were previously unknown to the public. He mentioned improper rights transfers and the unauthorized transfer of production materials under the old management. This situation prompted Khara to file a civil lawsuit, which resulted in a settlement on January 20, 2023, along with an acknowledgment of claims and an apology from the defendant.

Further investigation actually uncovered findings that Anno described as very sad. He revealed internal messages from former executives, including Yoshinori Asao, Hiroyuki Yamaga, and Yasuhiro Takeda, which indicated repeated lies to Khara. These practices included attempts to avoid repaying emergency loans and misleading instructions to staff to avoid communication.

"Knowing all this does not make me angry, but very sad," said Anno. He acknowledged that he had to accept the reality that the old relationship could not be restored, and that was the reason for pursuing legal settlement. At the end of his statement, Anno praised the last president of Gainax, Yasuhiro Kamimura, for his role in explaining the company's decline, managing creditor negotiations, and safeguarding rights and production materials until the end of the studio's journey.

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(kpl/olv)