Industry Titan Falls: Hideaki Anno Breaks Silence as Legendary Gainax Studio Officially Dissolves

A significant chapter in anime history has concluded with the final dissolution of Gainax Inc. This powerhouse studio was responsible for shaping modern animation, notably producing the genre-defining masterpiece, Neon Genesis Evangelion. Following the completion of its prolonged bankruptcy reorganization, the official confirmation of the studio's demise was published via Japan's Official Gazette on December 10, 2025. This event ends a nearly 42-year run marked by both unparalleled creative achievements and severe internal failures. The closure casts a long shadow over iconic titles such as FLCL and Gurren Lagann, signaling the end of an era tainted by years of severe mismanagement and mounting financial scandals.

In a rare and candid address, Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno, who departed Gainax in 2007 to establish Studio Khara, offered a stark assessment of the studio's terminal decline via Khara’s official platform. Anno openly addressed the internal turmoil that plagued the organization, expressing profound disappointment over the collapse. His statement detailed a critical downturn beginning around 2012, which he attributed to unsustainable debt, disastrous business expansions into unviable regional entities, and a systemic erosion of ethical standards.

The crisis reached its lowest point in 2019 with the arrest of then-CEO Tomohiro Maki for misconduct against a voice actress, an event that effectively paralyzed the studio’s ability to function. This followed earlier reputational damage, particularly the 1999 tax evasion charges brought against former president Takeshi Sawamura. While the bankruptcy filing formally occurred in mid-2024, the legal finality of the dissolution was only reached in late 2025.

Anno’s remarks specifically acknowledged the unpaid dedication shown by staff, Khara, Kadokawa, and Studio Trigger, the latter having been founded by Gainax alumni. He recognized their extensive, uncompensated efforts over six years to secure intellectual property, manage rights transfers, and return vital production assets. As Gainax's primary creditor, Khara was instrumental in this necessary salvage operation. However, Anno reserved his harshest criticism for the former leadership's dishonest conduct, citing improper rights handling and deliberate attempts to mislead creditors. He noted that this betrayal inflicted deep personal sadness and regret, leading him to lose respect for even long-time university associates who held leadership positions.

Neon Genesis Evangelion, Gainax’s 1995-1996 magnum opus, remains an untouchable pillar of anime, renowned for its revolutionary blend of intense mecha action and deep psychological exploration. The studio's broader legacy, which includes influential works like Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt and inspiring successors such as Studio Trigger’s Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, will now be viewed through the lens of this cautionary corporate collapse. The dissolution ensures that Evangelion and its related properties can finally move forward under stable, ethical guardianship, prompting the entire industry to reflect on creator rights, ethical governance, and long-term sustainability.