Gainax Closes Its Doors After 42 Years of Anime Innovation

The iconic anime studio Gainax has officially ceased operations after 42 years of contributing significantly to the anime industry. Renowned for classics like Neon Genesis Evangelion, FLCL, and Gurren Lagann, the studio’s closure marks the end of an era in animation history.

The announcement came via a post on the website of Studio Khara, founded by legendary anime creator Hideaki Anno, who expressed his dismay over Gainax’s dissolution. Anno, who has been associated with the studio for over two decades, emphasized the complexity of Gainax’s legacy, noting the studio’s prolonged holding of rights despite its reduced creative output in recent years. He stated, “This is a truly disappointing end, but I am accepting it with a sense of urgency.”

On December 10, 2025, the Japanese Official Gazette confirmed the completion of Gainax’s bankruptcy reorganization, officially marking its closure. The studio had been a pioneer in the anime industry since its founding in 1984, creating a lasting impact with its innovative storytelling and artistic style.

Gainax’s history is intertwined with some of the most beloved titles in anime, influencing both audiences and creators globally. Despite its celebrated past, the studio faced numerous challenges in recent years, leading to its eventual decline. Anno’s critique reflects a broader sentiment within the anime community regarding the studio’s struggle to adapt to the evolving landscape of the industry.

Fans and industry stakeholders are now left to reflect on Gainax’s contributions to anime and the void its closure creates. The studio’s legacy will undoubtedly be felt in future projects, as the influence of its works continues to resonate with new generations of anime enthusiasts.

As the anime landscape evolves, the closure of Gainax serves as a poignant reminder of the industry’s rapid transformations and the ongoing challenges faced by creative entities. The end of Gainax is not just a loss for its dedicated fan base, but also a significant moment in the history of anime production, with implications for the future of storytelling in this medium.