Gainax Closes Its Doors: Anno Exposes Internal Mismanagement

As we reported earlier, in a recent public statement, Hideaki Anno confirmed the official closure of Gainax, the iconic animation studio widely recognized for creating Neon Genesis Evangelion. The announcement, made via Studio Khara's official website on December 11, marks the culmination of Gainax's nearly 42-year history and follows the completion of its bankruptcy liquidation.

Anno's Reflections on Gainax's Legacy

Anno expressed deep regret regarding the studio's closure, emphasizing his long-standing ties to the company. He stated, "This outcome is truly regrettable, but I accept it quietly," highlighting his involvement as a shareholder for over two decades.

Acknowledgment of Support

In his statement, Anno extended gratitude to various industry partners who endeavored to assist in rebuilding Gainax following the 2019 arrest of its then-president, Tomohiro Maki. He praised their relentless efforts spanning nearly six years which included returning rights and production materials through legal avenues, despite facing significant challenges.

Exposing Internal Scandals

In a striking revelation, Anno's statement detailed serious internal issues under past management. He reported improper rights transfers and unauthorized movement of production materials, leading to a civil lawsuit by Khara. A settlement was achieved on January 20, 2023, affirming Khara's claims and prompting an apology from the defendants.

Troubling Messages from Former Executives

Further investigations uncovered distressing internal communications, allegedly revealing repeated deceit by former executives including former Gainax president Yoshinori Asao. These communications indicated attempts to evade repayment of loans and disrespect towards staff and works during governance.

Anno remarked, "Discovering these details left me feeling not anger, but deep sadness," expressing disappointment over the irreparable relationships that have been strained.

Acknowledging Kamimura's Contributions

Despite the turmoil, Anno recognized Gainax's last president, Yasuhiro Kamimura, for his critical role during the company's decline. Kamimura publicly outlined Gainax's downfall and attributes such as risky business decisions since 2012, including failed investments and unsecured loans, as pivotal in the studio's financial troubles.

He commended Kamimura for successfully managing creditor negotiations and safeguarding remaining rights and materials until the end.

Anno closed his statement by thanking Kamimura for his commitment and support throughout the studio's final phase.

Source: Anime News Network