The suspect in a deadly arson attack in July on a Kyoto Animation Co studio has been questioned by police for the first time as he recovers from severe burns, investigative sources said Saturday.

Shinji Aoba basically admitted to perpetrating the attack, in which 36 people died, during the questioning Friday at an Osaka hospital, saying he expected to be given the death sentence, according to the sources.

While the questioning was conducted on a voluntary basis, police have already obtained an arrest warrant for Aoba on suspicion of murder and arson, among other charges.

They will arrest him after doctors determine that he can withstand confinement.

The 41-year-old has recently started rehabilitation after his condition improved to the point where he can sit down.

After undergoing multiple skin grafts, his situation was declared to be no longer life-threatening in early August.