TOKYO (AP) — Kyoto Animation may not be a giant of Japanese anime, but it has core fans and is known for skilled animators and such hits as "Lucky Star," ''K-On!" and the "Haruhi Suzumiya" series.

The company hit by a deadly fire also has a unique founding history.

It was started in 1981 by a former animator who recruited housewives and based the studio outside Tokyo, the center of the animation industry.

Some of its mega-hits include "Lucky Star" in 2008, "K-On!" in 2011 and "Haruhi Suzumiya" in 2009. The company better known as KyoAni was to release a new feature "Violet Evergarden," about a woman who professionally writes letters for clients.

Places featured in the hit animation stories have become pilgrimage destinations for anime fans.