Studio Khara has officially announced the “EVANGELION:30+; 30th ANNIVERSARY OF EVANGELION” festival, a three-day event set to take place from February 21 to 23, 2026, at the Yokohama Arena in Japan. This large-scale celebration commemorates three decades since the original airing of the groundbreaking anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion in 1995.
A Multifaceted Tribute to a Cultural Phenomenon
The festival will feature two main areas: an exhibition space and a stage area. The exhibition will delve into the past, present, and future of the Evangelion franchise, offering thematic displays and interactive content designed to engage both long-time fans and newcomers. Collaboration booths with partner companies and a “Fans Market” will provide platforms for professional and amateur artists to showcase Evangelion-themed creations.
The stage area promises a variety of live performances, including a special edition of the popular “Evangelion Wind Symphony” concert, which has been touring since 2018. Notably, Yoko Takahashi, the vocalist behind the iconic opening theme “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” is scheduled to perform. Additionally, a secret special project will be unveiled during the stage presentations.
Character Spotlights
Shinji Ikari: The central protagonist of the series, Shinji is a teenage boy recruited by the organization NERV to pilot the Evangelion Unit-01 against monstrous beings known as Angels. Deep psychological struggles and a quest for identity and acceptance mark his journey.
Rei Ayanami: A mysterious and reserved pilot of Evangelion Unit-00, Rei’s enigmatic nature and unique origin play a pivotal role in the unfolding narrative. Her interactions with Shinji and other characters add layers of complexity to the story.
Did You Know?
- Neon Genesis Evangelion first aired in 1995 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon in Japan and worldwide.
- The “Rebuild of Evangelion” film series, which began in 2007, reimagined the original story and concluded with “Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time” in 2021, achieving significant critical and commercial success.
- Studio Khara, founded by Hideaki Anno in 2006, assumed ownership of the Evangelion franchise following Gainax’s bankruptcy in 2024, becoming the sole proprietor of the series’ rights.
