KYODO NEWS - Aug 2, 2019 - 10:53 | All, Japan, Arts

Japanese rock icon Yoshiki, leader and drummer of X Japan, donated 10 million yen (approx. $93,380) to a fundraising drive in support of victims' families and survivors of the arson attack on Kyoto Animation Co.'s studio last month.

"I truly share the pain of those who lost their families. I really hope this will assist the bereaved, and also hope that the circle of support around them will expand," Yoshiki, who resides in Los Angeles, said in a statement on his official website.



"I always want to contribute to the development of Japan’s anime culture, which I consider one of the world’s treasures," he said.

The donation was made through the rock star's nonprofit organization Yoshiki Foundation America to the support fund set up by Kyoto Animation following the July 18 attack that killed 35 of its staff and injured dozens more.

Kyoto Animation, often referred to as "KyoAni" by fans, is known for works such as "K-On!" and "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya," which depict the everyday lives of high school girls.

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