It has been one year since the Kyoto Animation (abbreviated as KyoAni) arson incident. The incident that took place on July 18 2019 left a deep wound for the anime industry with the loss of great artists who had created the many works beloved by fans all over the world.
The incident has also been a deep sorrow for KAORI Nusantara staff, for whom the studio’s works has had important influence in their anime fan lives. Some of their favourite anime were series made by Kyoto Animation.
In this article, some of KAORI Nusantara staff are expressing their condolences for the incident that befell this studio as well giving their messages to Kyoto Animation . We hope that after all the hardship they got, Kyoto Animation will stay strong and continue to bring the best animated works like they have done all these years.
Ahmad Faisal (Kaori Newsline)
Favourite KyoAni Anime: K-On!, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Love, Chunibyou and Other Delusions
The first time I watched an anime was when I watched K-On! while staying at a hotel, just as Mio sings Fuwa-Fuwa Time and then tripped. Suffice to say, it was a memorable first impression.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Love, Chunibyou and Other Delusions also made me like this studio. I made a similar “brigade” at school because I was inspired by the series’ SOS brigade. Meanwhile, Chunibyou is a really personal series for me. It was recommended by one of the seniors in high school. It not only made me cry hard as I went through the last episode, what really made me emotional was my memory with the senior who has ‘gone’ first.
Even now, I still feel sad when I read the news about the arson again. But I hope KyoAni can rise from the adversity they have experienced.
Achmad Zaki Fitroty (KAORI Newsline)
Favourite KyoAni Anime: K-On!, Tamako Market, Clannad Series, Amagi Brilliant Park, Sound! Euphonium, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, Lucky Star, and Violet Evergarden
KyoAni is a studio that I feel really present in the moments when I first started to get to know anime. From Lucky Star with it’s ‘moe‘ style that can make me enjoy its ridiculousness without getting bored, to K-On! that made me fall in love with the cute designs.
But the studio is not just about looking cute. Consider the adaptation of Clannad that has made me feel more emotional with the quality of the animation. The sad atmosphere and the selection of soundtracks has made me shed tears at that time. For me, KyoAni is a colourful studio, an anime studio that can embrace various groups to watch their works.
Michael Chandra (KAORI Newsline)
Favourite KyoAni Anime: K-On!, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
From so many impressions, when I was still in middle school the most memorable one was K-On!, the story of an extracurricular music group led by Yui and her friends. One of them could not play an instrument, some are embarrassed, some are less confident, and many other things. However, they still do not give up and continue to study until finally, they could become the most famous and popular music group. Their tight bond of togetherness and solidarity really shows in the series.
Haruhi Suzumiya, on the other hand, has a quite entertaining story. In the story, Kyon has to entertain Haruhi so she doesn’t get bored by making friends and forming a special club. They need to keep Haruhi from getting bored because if she was getting bored, who knows what will happen… to this world. Also, all of the club members have their unique own characteristics.
Lucky Star, for me, is the funniest anime ever made by Kyoto Animation. The series has lots of anime references such as Initial D, Gundam, and even Haruhi herself was also parodied. The character design in this series are very ‘moe’ and the characters are funny, especially Konata Izumi, the blue-haired girl who likes to laze around and watch lots of anime, and this is the reason why there are so many anime references.
For me, KyoAni’s anime has shaped how I think about friendship and solidarity. With your friends, you can face hardships together and have fun.
Ferdian Tiraska (KAORI Newsline)
Favourite KyoAni Anime: The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
KyoAni is a studio that takes me to the world of anime. I remember my first anime at that time was The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya which I accidentally discovered while scrolling the timeline at 9GAG. It turned out that Haruhi is indeed fun and exciting, which makes me want to explore more about anime.
KyoAni also has also inspired me through the ideas they gave through their anime, inspirations to create that continue to motivate me. KyoAni had a huge impact on my life, too many memories to describe. But all I can say is…. Thank you so much, Kyoto Animation!
Widya Indrawan (KAORI Newsline)
Favourite KyoAni Anime: Clannad, Air, Kanon, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, and Violet Evergarden
For me, KyoAni is one of the studios that has been able to touch the feelings of the audience. So many tears has been shed from watching their works.
Indeed, the studio has also been known for their adaptations of key’s visual novels, which they adapted wonderfully. I enjoyed the animation, colouring, and the execution that makes me feel really satisfied with the adaptation. While I started as a visual novel fan, KyoAni also makes me an anime fan.
I also like Kobayashi-san and Violet Evergarden, which has good animation and touching stories. Some of the most memorable scenes were when Tomoya and Ushio made up in the flower fields, Kotomi receiving her last present from her deceased parents, Makoto’s wedding in the meadow (this is what I like the most), episode 11 of Violet Evergarden, and lastly Kanna Kamui ❤.
To be continued on page 2
