Hideaki Hatta, President and CEO of Kyoto Animation, has passed away at the age of 76. The studio announced on March 2 that he died on February 16 after an illness. A private funeral was held with family members.
The statement from Kyoto Animation:
“We regret to announce the passing of our company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Hideaki Hatta, on February 16, 2026, at the age of 76.
We extend our deepest gratitude for the kindness and support shown to him throughout his life and respectfully provide this statement with sincere appreciation.
Since our founding in 1985, for more than four decades, he served as President with the guiding principle of ‘all-hands-on-deck,’ striving to build an entertainment company that values people and is grounded in sincere animation production.
Shinichiro Hatta has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer effective immediately to continue the work and values carried on by Hideaki Hatta. We remain committed to creating work that can be enjoyed by people all over the world, carrying forward the spirit in our ‘all-hands-on-deck’ principle.
In addition, the wake and funeral service were held privately among family members. No floral tributes, monetary contributions, or visits will be accepted under any circumstances. We thank you for your understanding.”
Hatta had led Kyoto Animation since 1985, shortly after the studio was founded in 1981 by his wife, Yoko Hatta. Under his leadership, the company grew from a small outsourcing studio into one of the most respected animation studios in Japan.
Kyoto Animation is known for popular anime series such as Kanon, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Clannad, and K-On!.
After the 2019 arson attack on the studio, Hatta helped rebuild the company and continued its mission to create meaningful animation for fans.
Following his passing, his eldest son, Shinichiro Hatta, has taken over as President and CEO. He has previously worked as a producer on many Kyoto Animation projects.
Source: Kyoto Animation Official Website
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