Gainax Filed for Bankruptcy

Gainax, known for producing anime such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, filed for bankruptcy. The company announced its decision on its official website. [Thanks, Khara.]

Gainax’s financial difficulties have been known for some time. Hideaki Anno, the founder of Studio Khara and a former director at the studio, expressed concerns about its management and made proposals for improvement. Despite his efforts, the studio’s financial situation did not improve, and the then-representative director was arrested in 2019 for issues unrelated to corporate management.

After the arrest, Anno sought assistance from companies like Kadokawa, King Records, and Trigger to support Gainax’s reorganization. However, by the time these companies got involved, the studio was already insolvent.

In light of the bankruptcy, Studio Khara and its partners have been working to secure the rights to Gainax works and intellectual properties. This is to ensure that creators and authors can continue their projects without further disruption.

Studio Khara considered providing financial support but found it unreasonable to cover the debts incurred by the company’s former management. Consequently, the company was unable to fully repay the loans.

Gainax’s nearly 40-year history has ended. The trademark and title of Gainax have been acquired and managed by Studio Khara. Several other companies using the Gainax name remain separate entities.