Gainax Dissolved: A New Chapter in Anime History

Gainax Officially Dissolved

In a pivotal announcement from Hideaki Anno, the founder of Studio Khara, Gainax has officially dissolved following the conclusion of its bankruptcy proceedings. The dissolution was confirmed on December 10, 2025, as the rights to all of Gainax's works have been transferred to their rightful owners.

Background on Gainax's Bankruptcy

Gainax's financial struggles deeply intensified after 2012, marked by an extensive debt crisis exacerbated by mismanagement within the company's upper management layers. Consequently, the studio filed for bankruptcy in May 2024 after years of mounting debts and failing to repay loans.

Key Factors in Bankruptcy:

• Mismanagement: Anno outlined serious concerns regarding former executives, including Yoshinori Asao and Hiroyuki Yamaga, who contributed to the studio's downfall.
• Criminal Issues: Tomohiro Maki, who served as managing director, was arrested in December 2019, leading to a severe operational decline within Gainax.
• Loss of Rights: The studio struggled to retain production rights due to lawsuits and financial issues, ultimately losing its capability to produce animation.

Actions Taken Post-Bankruptcy

Following the restructuring efforts led by new representative director Yasuhiro Kamimura, Gainax collaborated with multiple entities, including Studio Khara and various production committees, to appropriately manage and transfer intellectual properties and materials.

Despite these measures, Gainax could not escape its overwhelming debts, leading to the decision to dissolve the company legally.

Founded in 1984, Gainax gained fame for iconic works in the anime industry, notably co-creating series like Neon Genesis Evangelion. The dissolution marks a significant loss in the anime sector, closing a crucial chapter in its history.

Source: Anime News Network.