Sometimes it takes a single moment of tragedy to appreciate the things that should have been obvious. The day news broke that arsonists attacked the main offices of Kyoto Animation (KyoAni) leaving one of its main studio buildings smoldering and several executives and creatives dead was one of those moments. It left the anime community reeling after it happened and the year and months since that attack have been one of reflection, mourning and celebration of works produced by the studio.
The logistical cost of the fire are ugly. All of Studio 1, where much of the administrative offices and training facilities were housed is completely gone. Also the fire, combined with the pandemic, led to the suspension of production on all series by KyoAni for more than a year. The human cost was even worse with the creative forces behind some of the studio’s most popular works passing away. Among the 36 victims were director Yasuhiro Takemoto, well-known animator Yoshiji Kigami, and character designer Shouko Ikeda.
The anime KyoAni produced is the strongest connection between the community and those that died and it was in the immediate aftermath that an outpouring of recognition came to their full library of works. Since 2003, KyoAni has been responsible for producing more than 50 different anime titles and many of them involved someone that passed away. A memorial service commemorated the one-year anniversary of the KyoAni fire in July and since then there have been sure signs of recovery. Takemoto was director of the popular anime series Miss Kobayashi Dragon Maid and in August it was announced that the second season would air in 2021. Weeks later KyoAni set up an gallery to commemorate the works of Mikiko Watanabe, the art director behind two popular KyoAni works Violet Evergarden: The Movie and Violet Evergarden: Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll.
The success of Violet Evergarden: the Movie after its release in Japanese theaters in September is the most recent bit of uplifting news for KyoAni earning the No. 2 spot in domestic box office. There is also a somber note to that release for the end credits list the names every victim of the KyoAni fire to commemorate their work on this film and work on past titles.
Even for those not directly involved with producing anime at KyoAni, there is a desire to honor those that helped produce some of the best anime over the years. Reflection is part of healing and a look back at the anime that made KyoAni what they are today is both a means of support for those familiar with their work and an introduction for those eager to discover what the studio has to offer. Here are some some of the best anime that KyoAni has to offer.
Violet Evergarden
Where is it streaming: Netflix
In a Nutshell: Violet Evergarden is an anime liable to invoke tears and feel uplifting all within the same episode. It’s tells the story of Violet Evergarden, a woman scarred by war to the point where she can’t feel emotions, who finds a way to work through her trauma by working as an Auto Memory Doll. The dolls are hired to help people write letters that convey the proper emotions of those that hired them. The series is beautiful to watch, a KyoAni trademark, with a compelling story and a lead character worthy to root for.
Miss Kobayashi Dragon Maid
Where is it Streaming: Funimation
In a Nutshell: Sometimes the moment calls for something a little bit more gentle and there are few things more relaxing than this one. It’s about an office worker named Kobayashi who befriends a dragon through some extraordinary circumstances. To show gratitude after Kobayashi saved it, the dragon transforms into a human girl that agrees to become his maid. Shenanigans follow the pair in this slice-of-life anime that stays true to its genre.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Where is it streaming: Funimation
In a Nutshell: If Violet Evergarden were the best that KyoAni has to offer, then Haruhi is the one that signaled its arrival as an anime studio of note. The show carries KyoAni’s trademark quality animation with a story that can only be described as non-linear. The plot follows Kyon, a high school student who is dragged into misadventure by his classmate Haruhi Suzumiya. Haruhi is interested in the occult and enlists Kyon and other friends to form a group called the SOS Brigade to help out. It’s difficult to describe the appeal of Haruhi without mentioning the controversial and series-bending twist that strikes like a lightning bolt flipping the entire show on its head.
Free!
Where is it streaming: Crunchyroll
In a Nutshell: If ever there was a show just looks far too good to ignore then this swimming anime is it. The show follows talented high school Haruka Nanase and his efforts to revitalize the Iwatobi swim club alongside his friends. It’s got all the trimmings: a rival that pushes him to be better in Rin Matsuoka, a group of child hood friends to help him along the way and all the wholesome action only a sports anime could provide. Aside from the power of friendship, the animated water is as pretty as the guys in speedos.
Sound Euphonium
Where is it streaming: Crunchyroll
In a Nutshell: This anime proves that being a band geek has its just rewards. While there are plenty of music anime out there, few look and sound as good as this one. The level of detail that went into the look of each instrument along with the authentic symphonic band music to go along with it is signature KyoAni. It also helps that show is a large heaping of wholesome with enough low-level drama to make things interesting. The show follows the Kitauji High School Concert Band, a one-time national tournament participant, as it attempts to return to that stage. Among its colorful cast are first-years Kumiko Oumae and Rin Tohsaka, their strict teacher Noboru Taki and several of the other students under him.