Kyoto Animation Co-Founder & CEO Hideaki Hatta Dies

Hideaki Hatta, the co-founder, President, and CEO of beloved anime studio Kyoto Animation, died on February 16, 2026, at the age of 76. The wake and funeral service were held privately among family members. Hatta’s eldest son, Shinichiro Hatta, has succeeded his father as President and CEO, effective immediately. You can read the full statement below.

Kyoto Animation
2026/3/2
Statement on the Passing of Hideaki Hatta, President and Chief Executive Officer
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.

Kyoto Animation Co., Ltd.

Hatta founded Kyoto Animation with his wife, Yoko Hatta, in 1985. He’s helped steward the anime studio through the fatal arson attack and subsequent rebuild, as well as make the studio a beloved outfit and rarity within the industry, as one that holds rights to the anime it produces rather than just performing contractor work. Rest in peace, Hideaki Hatta.

Source: Dream Land Anime
© 2009 Nagaru Tanigawa, Noizi Ito / SOS Brigade

Source: Dream Land Anime