Eva Fes Talk: Directors Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki, and Masahiro Maeda on Turning 30
The very first festival dedicated to the legendary series, titled "EVANGELION:30+; 30th ANNIVERSARY OF EVANGELION", has officially opened today, February 21st. The event is taking place at the massive Yokohama Arena in Kanagawa, and honestly, the atmosphere is just electric. Fans have gathered from all over to celebrate three decades of this neon genesis evangelion: a deep dive into the anime and manga masterpiece that changed the industry forever.
The highlight of the opening was the stage event called "DAY 1 UNION PART". It was quite a unique mix of things, starting with a proper fashion show. We saw Fumihiko Tachiki, who is the voice behind the stern Gendo Ikari, walking the ramp along with Sekai from EXILE FANTASTICS. It is not everyday you see the voice of Nerv's commander doing modeling, and it was really something special for the crowd to witness.
A Deep Talk with the Creators and Cast
Following the fashion segment, a very insightful talk show was held. The panel included Yuriko Yamaguchi (who plays Ritsuko Akagi), Miki Nagasawa (the voice of Maya Ibuki), and the visionary directors themselves: Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki, and Masahiro Maeda. They shared a lot of behind-the-scenes stories that really made the audience emotional. For those who want to understand the legacy, exploring this neon genesis evangelion: a deep dive into the anime and manga masterpiece is a must.
During the discussion, Fumihiko Tachiki joked about his new career path, saying, "I guess I'll become a voice actor and model from now on," which got a good laugh from everyone. Meanwhile, the actresses and Tsurumaki mentioned some of the most impressive and difficult scenes they had to work on over the years. It was clear that even after 30 years, the passion for the project is still very much alive in them.
Hideaki Anno’s Reflections on Reaching One's Peak
One of the most striking moments was when Hideaki Anno spoke about the significance of the age of 30. He posed a deep question to the fans and his colleagues: “How high can you reach your peak by the age of 30?” This bit really made everyone think about their own journeys alongside the series' long history. The event also featured an image gallery with 23 total exclusive shots from the production, giving a rare look at the craft behind the screen.
- Grand Opening: Yokohama Arena, February 21st.
- Fashion Show: Featuring Fumihiko Tachiki and Sekai.
- Directors' Panel: Anno, Tsurumaki, and Maeda discussing the 30-year legacy.
- Exclusive Content: A high-quality image gallery with 23 rare photos.
It’s really amazing to see how "EVANGELION:30+; 30th ANNIVERSARY OF EVANGELION" has managed to bring together the creators and the fans in such a big way. If you are a fan of the series, this festival is basically a pilgrimage. The way they have handled the legacy while looking toward the future is just brilliant. We can only wait and see what else this 30th-anniversary celebration has in store for us in the coming days.
