Japanese animation studio Kyoto Animation announced today that President and co-founder Hideaki Hatta died on February 16, 2026 at the age of 76. His family already held a private funeral.
Son takes over management
Hideaki Hatta founded Kyoto Animation in 1981 with his wife Youko Hatta. The two have been at the helm of the company since its founding, serving as president and vice president respectively.
The most famous productions in which Hideaki Hatta himself took part include “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya”, “K-ON!”, “Lucky Star”, “Clannad”, “Sound! Euphonium”, “Violet Evergarden” and “Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid”.
After Hatta’s death, Shinichiro Hatta – the couple’s son, according to the Asahi Shimbun – was named president and CEO. Kyoto Animation is currently working on “Ruri Dragon” and “Sparks of Tomorrow,” among others.
More on the topic:
Via ANN, Kyoto Animation
© Kyoto Animation