End of an Era: Gainax Closes After 42 Years as Evangelion Studio
Gainax filed for bankruptcy in May 2024 and has officially ceased operations after 42 years, with rights to key works now handled by partners.
In a historic moment for anime, Gainax, the studio famous for creating Evangelion, has officially shut down after 42 years in business. The company filed for bankruptcy in May 2024, and the closure ends a storied chapter in animation history for fans around the world.
What led to the closure
Co-founder Hideaki Anno confirmed the shutdown and noted that all rights to Gainax’s works have been transferred to their rightful owners and creators. Years of internal disputes and mismanagement weakened the company’s ability to operate, paving the way for its final decision to close.
Debt, lawsuits, and organizational changes
The bankruptcy filing revealed that problems were accumulating as far back as 2012: rising debts, removal from production committees, and a surge in lawsuits. Amid the turmoil, additional local companies operated under the Gainax name, staff left, and the core studio gradually stopped producing animation.
Leadership shifts and lasting impact
The arrest of former director Tomohiro Makino in 2019 worsened the situation, leaving the company with little control over its own affairs and heavy debt. The next leader, Yasuhiko Kamimura, took the helm in 2020 and managed to preserve the studio’s IP by negotiating with creditors.
Rights, legacy, and what comes next
Efforts to organize rights across major partners — including Studio Khara, Kadokawa, King Records, and Studio Trigger — helped clarify ownership of key works. Nevertheless, the debt burden remained unsustainable, and a spring 2024 lawsuit prompted the final decision to wind down operations.
Founding, catalog, and enduring influence
Gainax was established in 1984 by a group of animation enthusiasts, including Hideaki Anno, Hiroyuki Yamaga, and Yosuke Sadamoto. Beyond Evangelion, the studio produced landmark titles such as Gurren Lagann and Gunbuster, which left a lasting footprint on anime culture.
Public reaction
Online communities greeted the news with a mix of sadness and relief. Many fans recognized the studio’s immense contribution to anime while also acknowledging the need to reorganize its rights and assets for the future.
It’s deeply sad, but thank you for creating anime that shaped our lives.
Forty-two years of creativity and innovation have left a legacy that will continue to inspire fans and creators for generations.
Thank you for giving us a fresh, boundary-pushing view of the world during our formative years.
Gainax’s era may have ended, but the impact of its work will endure in the industry and in the hearts of viewers worldwide.
Expert commentary
Expert comment: The closure highlights how important strong governance and clear IP management are for long-running studios. It also shows how reorganizing rights with reliable partners is crucial to preserving an artistic legacy when a studio winds down.
Quick takeaway
Summary: Gainax’s 42-year run culminated in bankruptcy and closure in 2024. The studio’s groundbreaking titles remain influential, and rights are being restructured to safeguard its creative legacy for future generations. Fans and industry observers will remember its bold contributions to anime culture.
Key insight: A studio’s true legacy lives on through its works and the way those works inspire future creators, even after the company itself disappears.