After several poor financial and managerial results, the “Neon Genesis Evangelion“, GAINAXfiled for bankruptcy, putting an end to its 40-year history.

Through the official website, the bankruptcy application of GAINAX Co., Ltd. has been accepted by the Tokyo District Court. The ad highlights numerous executive failures and failed ventures, including running restaurants, an “unplanned” CG animation company, large unsecured loans to individual executives and failure to secure investment contracts. As a result, “we have fallen into a difficult situation“, the report continues, “such as being kicked off the committee for non-payment of fees and being sued for loans.“. A notable example is Studio Khara, which successfully sued GAINAX for non-payment of royalties.

The publication portrays the studio as a sinking ship, in which several executives got rid of names with “GAINAX”, which led to “numerous layoffs and the loss of our animation production function as a studio.” These former employees also “continued to work with the Gainax brand regardless of this situation.“. Former GAINAX representative director Tomohiro Maki was described in the statement as a person “…who has been a very good person.”without any knowledge about anime production“was arrested a year into his term in 2019 for sexual assault on a minor, accelerating the collapse.

After the scandal, GAINAX began to review its financial conditions and discovered large amounts of undeclared loans to banks at the management level, the sale and transfer of intellectual property without legitimate permission, and non-payment of debts to several companies. Despite attempts, such as the sale of the rights to “Panties and stockings with garter belt“GAINAX was unable to pay off its huge debt. Finally, a debt collection company sued it in May 2024. “We decided that it would be difficult to continue our business, so we filed for bankruptcy.“GAINAX went on to apologize to all those who placed their trust in the company.

The company's bankruptcy marks the end of an important entity in anime production, with works for which GAINAX is responsible, among others, “The Anime”.Neon Genesis Evangelion“, “FLCL” and “Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann“. Hiroyuki Imaishi left GAINAX to found Studio Trigger, as did Shinji Higuchi in the case of Gonzo, whose works include “The Gonzo” and “The Gonzo”.Welcome to NHK“, “Hellsing” and “Full Metal Panic“. To avoid misuse of the GAINAX trademark, it was transferred to Studio Khara, who is credited with being an important assistant during his fights.

Source: Official Website