ufotable is known for their big budget and beautiful, high quality animation. However, it looks like the renowned anime studio may be in hot water with the Japanese government.
According to Weekly Bunshun Digital, the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau conducted a search on the animation studio’s offices last 12th March. This is part of an ongoing investigation regarding the company not paying the proper taxes. The Bureau also conducted searches in various ufotable Cafes, as well as their animation studio in Suginami ward, Tokyo.
The report also stated that founder and president, Hikaru Kondo, allegedly received some of the studio’s merchandise sales directly. However, the Bureau has not yet filed any charges against the studio and Kondo. Weekly Bunshun Digital also tried to reach both parties, including Kondo himself. A Bureau spokesperson told the magazine that they couldn’t comment on particular cases, while ufotable directed the questions to Kondo himself. Unfortunately, the studio founder did not respond.
The studio is known for animating various high-quality TV anime and films. These include Katsugeki Touken Ranbu, Tales of Zestiria, and of course, Fate/Zero, Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works (TV), and Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel.
They will be releasing their new TV anime, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, onm 6th April. It’s unknown whether or not the investigation will affect the series’ production.
source: Bunshun Online
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