Final Bankruptcy Liquidation Completed, Corporation Officially Dissolved
Director Anno: "Anger at Former Management's Irresponsibility"
Gainax, the animation studio that symbolized an era of Japanese animation with works such as "Neon Genesis Evangelion," has completely disappeared from history after 42 years since its founding.
On December 12, local media outlets, citing industry sources, reported that Gainax had completed the final procedures for bankruptcy liquidation on December 10, and as a result, the corporation has officially ceased to exist.
Gainax was established in 1984, beginning with the theatrical animation "Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honn?amise." In the 1990s, the studio achieved consecutive successes with titles such as "Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water" and "Neon Genesis Evangelion," earning recognition for changing the course of Japanese animation.
However, in the 2000s, the studio's production capabilities weakened as major creators branched off to form independent studios like Studio Khara and Trigger. After 2012, a series of poor management decisions accumulated, leading to a decline.
In particular, reckless management practices-such as venturing into the uncertain restaurant business, establishing a CG company without a clear plan, and issuing large unsecured loans to executives-rapidly worsened the studio's finances. In addition, unpaid royalties, lawsuits over loans, and mass resignations further crippled the animation studio's operations. The arrest of the then-CEO in 2019 on charges of quasi-forcible indecent assault dealt a decisive blow.
Ultimately, Gainax filed for bankruptcy at the Tokyo District Court in May 2024, and the commencement of bankruptcy proceedings was officially announced in June of the same year.
Hideaki Anno, a founding member of Gainax and director of the "Evangelion" series, released a statement expressing his complex feelings regarding the situation. He said, "It is regrettable that a company I was involved with for over 20 years, even as a shareholder, has come to this end, but I am quietly accepting it."
In his statement, Director Anno also strongly criticized the former management's lack of ethics, adding, "After learning about their false responses and irresponsible attitudes, I felt a deep sadness rather than anger."
However, it has been reported that the intellectual property (IP) and production materials for the major works have been preserved and not scattered. The rights related to "Evangelion" have already been transferred to Studio Khara, and some IPs, such as "Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt," have also been handed over to the relevant production companies, allowing their legacy to continue.
Director Anno commented, "It is a small relief in the midst of misfortune that the works and materials have been returned to the creators through proper procedures."
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