Gainax Officially Closes After Over 40 Years, Ending a Legendary Anime Studio’s Legacy

Studio Gainax, one of the most influential and legendary anime production houses in the history of animation, has officially closed its doors after more than forty years of groundbreaking contributions to the industry. Known for pioneering some of the most iconic and innovative series ever created, the studio’s dissolution marks the end of an era for anime fans around the world.

Founded in 1984, Gainax helped usher in a new age of anime with works that challenged conventions and pushed creative boundaries. Throughout its history, the studio was responsible for a number of beloved and culturally significant series, including Neon Genesis Evangelion, FLCL, Gurren Lagann, Gunbuster, and Panty & Stocking With Garterbelt.

The closure was confirmed in an official statement announcing that Gainax had completed its bankruptcy reorganization and had ceased to exist as a corporation. The news was shared by Hideaki Anno, the creator of Neon Genesis Evangelion and one of the studio’s original founding members. In his remarks, Anno expressed deep disappointment at the end of the company’s long history, describing the closure as a difficult but accepted reality.

The official statement detailed the efforts made to reorganize the studio following financial difficulties over recent years. Partners and cooperating companies worked without charge for a significant period in an attempt to rebuild and stabilize operations. These efforts included properly transferring rights and materials tied to the studio’s works back to the respective rights holders and creators. Anno expressed gratitude to those who supported the process, acknowledging the collaborative efforts that ensured the studio’s creative legacy would be preserved even as the company itself came to an end.

The studio’s decline had unfolded over several years, with bankruptcy filing and reorganization proceedings preceding the final closure. Despite the end of Gainax as a corporate entity, many of the franchises and creative properties that originated there live on through other production entities and rights holders. Studio Khara, which was founded by Hideaki Anno and has taken control of many former Gainax properties, continues to manage certain works and maintain the legacy of iconic titles such as Evangelion.

While no new projects have been formally announced, there remains speculation and hope among fans that some of the beloved franchises associated with Gainax could see new life in the future through successor studios or collaborative efforts. For now, the official closure serves as a poignant reminder of the studio’s profound impact on anime history and its enduring influence on creators and fans alike.