Gainax Studio Closes After 42 Years, Legacy of Iconic Anime Ends

URGENT UPDATE: The renowned anime studio Gainax has officially closed its doors after 42 years of creating iconic series like Neon Genesis Evangelion and FLCL. This significant development was confirmed by creator Hideaki Anno on December 10, 2025, marking the end of an era in the anime industry.

The announcement comes as Gainax completes its bankruptcy reorganization, ceasing all operations as a corporation. Anno, who has been closely associated with the studio since its founding, expressed his disappointment in a post on the website of Studio Khara, emphasizing that the closure reflects a troubling reality for a studio that once shaped the landscape of anime.

In his statement, Anno criticized Gainax for holding onto rights long after it ceased producing meaningful content, underscoring a complex legacy that fans and creators alike will mourn. The studio’s closure is not just a business decision; it signifies the end of a creative powerhouse that delivered groundbreaking works and influenced generations of animators.

Fans of Gainax’s iconic titles are grappling with the emotional weight of this closure, as the studio’s impact on anime culture cannot be understated. The end of Gainax leaves a significant void in the industry, with many wondering how this will affect the future of projects that drew inspiration from its innovative storytelling and artistic style.

What happens next? The anime community is now looking to other studios to fill the creative gap left by Gainax. As new anime series prepare for release in January 2026, all eyes will be on the industry to see how it evolves in response to this monumental change.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to cover this developing story.