Gainax’s final days were marked by resignations and arrests, which hastened its decline.
After several years of disastrous financial and management decisions, Gainax, the popular anime studio known for works such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, Gurren Lagann, Gunbuster, and His and Her Situations, has officially filed for bankruptcy.
Difficult situation
The news was confirmed by Gainax Co., Ltd. It’s official website has reported that the Tokyo District Court has accepted the studio’s bankruptcy petition. The statement outlines a number of executive failures and counterproductive actions that led the company to this point. These include running a restaurant, creating an “unplanned” CG company, unsecured loans to individual executives, and rejecting investment contracts.
The report states, “We have been thrown out of the committee and sued for unpaid loans for not paying royalties.” A notable example is the lawsuit Studio Cara won against Gainax for unpaid royalties.
Description of fate
A statement from the studio describes the situation as a sinking ship, with many executives departing to form new entities under the name Gainax, with “numerous layoffs and the loss of our animation production function as a studio.” Additionally, those former employees “continue to operate under the studio’s brand without any respect for the situation.”
A critical point in the decline of Gainax was the arrest of former representative director Tomohiro Maki in 2019. Mackie, described in a statement as “a guy with no knowledge of video production,” was caught sexually assaulting a minor, which hastened the studio’s downfall.
The financial review and failed rescue attempts
After the scandal, the animation studio’s financial situation was reassessed, and it was revealed that management had many undisclosed loans, the sale and transfer of intellectual property, and debts owed to several companies. Despite attempts to mitigate the situation, such as selling the rights to Panty and Stockings to Garterbelt, the company was unable to settle its huge debt. Finally, a debt collection company sued the studio in May 2024. “We have determined that it is difficult to continue our business, so we have filed for bankruptcy,” the statement continued, apologizing to all those who trusted the company.
The fall of Gainax marks the end of a major part of anime production. The studio is responsible for productions like Evangelion, FLL, Gurren Lagann and many others. One of Gainax’s key talents, Hiroyuki Imaishi, left the studio to found Trigger, as did Gonzo founder Shinji Higuchi, known for works such as NHK’s Welcome, Hellsing, and Full Metal Panic.
Gainax was handed over to Cara, who he says has been an important helper during his troubles, to prevent the trademark from being misused.
Impact on the industry
Gainax’s bankruptcy represents not only the end of the studio, but the closing of an important chapter in anime history. The studio’s impact on the industry is undeniable, not only defining a series of genres, but also inspiring future creators. Neon Genesis Evangelion in particular became a cultural phenomenon, redefining mecha anime and leaving an indelible mark on pop culture.
The rise of new studios like Trigger and Gonzo, founded by ex-Gainax members, proves that the studio’s creative spirit is alive and well in the industry. These studios continue to push the boundaries of animation, carrying on the legacy of innovation and experimentation that the studio established.
Although Gainax’s name may not resonate as much in the animation industry as it once did, his influence and contributions will not be forgotten. Fans of the series will always remember the excitement and creativity the studio brought to the screen, a legacy that lives on despite the studio’s demise.