A memorial service is planned for the victims of the deadly arson attack at a studio of Kyoto Animation on Saturday, the first anniversary of the fire.

The studio, in the city of Kyoto, was set ablaze on July 18 last year. Of the 70 employees who were inside, 36 died and 33 were injured.

Sources say the suspect in last year's arson attack on a Kyoto Animation studio has recovered enough from his burns to speak clearly. Police plan to arrest him when he is well enough to enter detention.

The attack in Kyoto on July 18 killed 36 people, all employees of Kyoto Animation. A further 33 employees were injured. Two of them are still receiving treatment in hospital.