Overview
- Hideaki Hatta died on February 16, 2026 at age 76, with the studio confirming the news in a March 2 statement.
- The studio said the wake and funeral were private, and no floral tributes, monetary contributions, or visits will be accepted.
- Shinichiro Hatta was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer effective immediately to continue the studio’s work and values.
- Hideaki Hatta led Kyoto Animation since its 1985 founding, emphasizing a people-focused culture and sincere animation production.
- During his tenure the studio released internationally acclaimed titles such as Clannad, K-On!, Violet Evergarden, A Silent Voice, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Free!, and Sound! Euphonium, and he guided the company through the 2019 arson that killed 36 people.