Kyoto Animation CEO, co-founder Hideaki Hatta passes away at 76

Hideaki Hatta, the co-founder, president, and CEO of Kyoto Animation, has died. 

According to the Japanese animation company on Tuesday, Hatta passed away on February 16 at the age of 76. 

"We extend our deepest gratitude for the kindness and support shown to him throughout his life and respectfully provide this statement with sincere appreciation," it said. 

The company remembered Hideaki Hatta for his "all-hands-on-deck" principle and for "striving to build an entertainment company that values people and is grounded in sincere animation production."

Hideaki Hatta's wake and funeral services were held privately for his loved ones. 

His son, Shinichiro Hatta, has been appointed Kyoto Animation president and CEO effective immediately.

"We remain committed to creating work that can be enjoyed by people all over the world, carrying forward the spirit in our ‘all-hands-on-deck’ principle," Kyoto Animation added. 

Hideaki Hatta founded Kyoto Animation in 1985 with his wife, Yoko Hatta, and served as its president for more than four decades. 

The animation company is behind the popular anime films and series "Violet Evergarden," "A Silent Voice," "K-On!" "Clannad," "Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid," and more. —CDC, GMA Integrated News