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.>
That’s sad to hear. What he and his wife founded in KyoAni is a positive force in the anime industry that I wish more studios were like. I hope Hideaki Hatta’s son will continue in this way.
Shinichiro Hatta, the eldest son of Hideaki Hatta, will be the new Studio President/CEO. He has previously worked as producer/production manager as far back as 2005 for AIR.
