A trial will start on Tuesday over the July 2019 arson attack on Kyoto Animation's No. 1 studio, in Kyoto, that killed 36 people and injured 32 others.
The focus is on what Shinji Aoba, 45, accused of murder and attempted murder, will have to say about his motive for the attack.
The first hearing of the lay judge trial will take place Tuesday at Kyoto District Court, followed by 22 more sessions before the verdict is released Jan. 25.