"EVANGELION: 30+; 30th ANNIVERSARY OF EVANGELION (Eva Fest)," an event celebrating the 30th anniversary of the popular anime series "Evangelion," kicked off on February 21st at Yokohama Arena (Kohoku Ward, Yokohama). This was the series' first three-day festival, and the opening featured voice actors including Megumi Ogata, who played Shinji Ikari, as well as series creator Hideaki Anno. Anno said, "I'm personally overwhelmed with emotion that a TV series made 30 years ago has grown into such a large-scale event. I truly owe it all to everyone. Finally, I'm disappointed that Motomu Kiyokawa (who played Kozo Fuyutsuki) isn't here. Thank you for coming today."
The opening began with the theme song "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" sung by Yoko Takahashi, and featured Ogata, Megumi Hayashibara as Rei Ayanami, Yuko Miyamura as Asuka Langley, Maaya Sakamoto as Mari Illustrious Makinami, Kotono Mitsuishi as Misato Katsuragi, Yuriko Yamaguchi as Ritsuko Akagi, Akira Ishida as Kaworu Nagisa, Fumihiko Tachiki as Gendo Ikari, Tetsuya Iwanaga as Kensuke Aida, Junko Iwao as Hikari Horaki/Hikari Suzuhara, Miki Nagasawa as Maya Ibuki, Hiro Yuki as Makoto Hinata, and Koichi Yamadera as Ryoji Kaji.
Ogata said, "I am truly happy to be able to celebrate this 30th anniversary with so many different people, from those who watched us on TV Tokyo's evening slot 30 years ago to young people who have just recently become new fans. Thank you so much for the past 30 years. I hope you all enjoy yourself over the three days from today." Hayashibara commented, "The scale of this event, and the fact that it will be three days in a row, shows how great the achievements and thoughts that Evangelion has left in history are... Of course, all of us involved are happy. All of the members who rarely get to meet even for dubbing have gathered here, and there are also those who couldn't make it today and our seniors who are watching over us (looking up to the sky), but we just want to see it through to the end."
Miyamura said, "I came here hoping to have some fun too, but I was surprised at how big this place is. I'm still feeling a bit overwhelmed and can't really say anything, but I can tell that everyone is excited and looking forward to it, so I want to help make it a success." Sakamoto said, "Makinami Mari Illustrious first appeared in 2009, so I've been involved in half of the 30-year history, and I'd like to thank you for inviting me to this memorable day."
Mitsuishi said, "The memorable opening was Yoko singing 'A Cruel Angel's Thesis' live. What's more, it was perfectly timed with the visuals, and the wonderful production completely touched my heart, making me tear up a little, and I think everyone felt the same way. For the next three days at Eva Fest, we'll be saying, 'Service, service!'" She then showed off her catchphrase, creating a buzz.
Yamaguchi continued, "Looking at each and every one of your faces, you all look so smiling and happy, and some are even in tears. There are people from overseas who have come too. I am overwhelmed with emotion to be standing here with all the cast members, including Anno-san." Ishida commented, "The fact that we are able to hold such a big event on the 30th anniversary really reaffirms the great power of the work Evangelion."
Tachiki said, "From here onwards, we enter a new world of Evangelion, but I haven't been able to fully understand myself, and I still haven't been able to fully understand the history of Evangelion itself, but I would like to fully understand Evangelion together with everyone over these three days. Please cooperate! My heart to you."
Iwanaga said enthusiastically, "I came all the way from the Third Village, but it was tough because we're on different world lines (laughs). Today, just like everyone else, I'm looking forward to enjoying the Eva Festival to the fullest," and Iwao said, "I'm filled with joy to be able to take part in the 30th anniversary of Eva. I hope we can create wonderful memories over these three days."
Nagasawa said, "I'm so happy about the 30th anniversary today that I decided to wear a kimono designed by my very favorite artist, Moyoco Anno," and Yuki said, "It's not often that I get to stand in front of everyone like this as Hinata Makoto from 'Evangelion,' so I feel like I've been given a great opportunity."
Yamadera revealed his thoughts, saying, "It's no exaggeration to say that being a voice actor is all about what kind of works and characters you come across. I love the work 'Evangelion' and I love Kaji Ryoji. Even in the opening video I just saw, I was counting on my fingers, hoping that in all those detailed images, 'Ah, there's Kaji!' That's how much I love it."
The event will be divided into an exhibition area called "EVA EXTRA 30" and a stage event area called "STAGE AREA," which will express the "past" and "future" of "Evangelion." The first collaboration between the "Evangelion" series and the traditional performing art of Kabuki, "Kabuki Symphony No. 100 Evangelion," and a new short anime, "Evangelion Broadcast 30th Anniversary Special Performance," will be unveiled. The event will run until the 23rd.
