Interest

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya Voice Cast Comments on Kyoto Animation Studio Arson

Following the arson attack on Kyoto Animation's Studio 1 building on July 18, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya's voice cast wrote emotional messages on their respective blogs.

Aya Hirano, who voices Haruhi, wrote, "Kyoto Animation produced The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya and Lucky Star, two very formative works to me. I would not be who I am if they never existed. Kyoto Animation's works overflowed with love.

"What's most important right now is to think of those who have been affected by the tragedy. There isn't much that we can do right now, but I want to keep my composure and approach things in a clear-headed way. All I can do is pray for the affected with all my heart.

"There are a lot of emotions that I'm fighting to keep down right now, but I am truly saddened. I'm frustrated. I don't want [Kyoto Animation] to lose. Sorry that I'm not good with words."

Minori Chihara, who voices Yuki, wrote, "I've been involved in many works that Kyoto Animation has poured love into, from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya to Violet Evergarden. Every single one of those works has made me grow as a voice actor and singer.

"I will do utmost so that Kyoto Animation's works can continue into the future.

"I pray that such awful, illogical things that hurt people and takes lives will one day be gone from this world."

Yuko Goto, who voices Mikuru, wrote, "The people at Kyoto Animation have talked with me and supported me a lot. I know their names and faces. Even now, I'm scared to watch the news, because what if one of those names I know ends up being announced?

"Just thinking about the families of the victims and those left alive makes me angry about the incident. What good will a frivolous comment do to those in the middle of it all? This post is just my selfish desire to sort out my feelings.

"I pray for the lives that have been lost and for the pain of those fighting to survive to be lessened, if only a little. I pray with all of my heart."

The first season of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya premiered in 2006 in a non-linear order, and was rebroadcast in 2009 with new episodes and a new chronological order. The story adapts Nagaru Tanigawa's The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya light novels. Kyoto Animation animated the show's first and second seasons.

Kyoto Animation has received messages of support from around the world during this trying time. Anime News Network staff member Crystalyn Hodgkins visited the memorial site to offer flowers. Non-Japanese fans can visit the site, but it's worth noting that Japanese press are hanging around the area to approach non-Japanese visitors for interviews.

Source: Aya Hirano's blog, Minori Chihara's blog, Yuko Goto's blog via Nijimen