Mon Feb 23 11:30:00 UTC 2026: ### Evangelion Announces “Next Genesis” Series at 30th Anniversary Festival

The Story: The \”Evangelion:30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion\” festival concluded on Monday, February 23, 2026, with the announcement of a brand-new Evangelion series. The announcement was made through a surprise video presentation and a live cello and choral performance. The project, dubbed the franchise’s “Next Genesis,” boasts a creative team including Yokō Tarō as script supervisor and scriptwriter, directors Kazuya Tsurumaki and Tōko Yatabe, and musical composer Keiichi Okabe. Production will be handled by Studio Khara and CloverWorks.

The festival, held at Yokohama Arena between February 21 and 23, also featured the premiere of a 13-minute anime short starring Asuka, titled “Evangelion Broadcast 30th Anniversary Special Screening.” Yoko Takahashi, the original singer of the Neon Genesis Evangelion opening theme, performed a special “Eva Fes Ver.” of her “Back to Neon Genesis” concerts. A preview of the Kabuki Kōkyōkyoku Dai Kyū-ban Evangelion stage production was also presented.

Key Points:

  • The \”Evangelion:30+; 30th Anniversary of Evangelion\” festival took place from February 21-23, 2026 at Yokohama Arena.
  • A new Evangelion series, titled “Next Genesis,” was announced.
  • Yokō Tarō (NieR:Automata) is the script supervisor and scriptwriter.
  • Kazuya Tsurumaki and Tōko Yatabe are the directors.
  • Keiichi Okabe (NieR) is the musical composer.
  • Studio Khara and CloverWorks are the production studios.
  • A 13-minute anime short starring Asuka premiered at the festival.
  • Yoko Takahashi performed a special version of her concerts.
  • A preview of the Kabuki Kōkyōkyoku Dai Kyū-ban Evangelion stage production was shown.

Key Takeaways:

  • Evangelion continues to be a relevant and evolving franchise, even 30 years after its original debut.
  • The involvement of Yokō Tarō suggests a potentially darker and more psychologically complex narrative direction for the new series.
  • The combination of anime, music, and kabuki performances demonstrates a multi-faceted approach to celebrating the franchise’s legacy.
  • The return of key staff members from previous Evangelion projects signals a commitment to maintaining the franchise’s core identity while exploring new creative avenues.

Impact Analysis:

The announcement of a new Evangelion series is likely to have a significant impact on the anime industry. The franchise has a dedicated global fanbase, and the involvement of prominent creators like Yokō Tarō will generate considerable buzz. The “Next Genesis” series has the potential to attract both long-time fans and new viewers, further solidifying Evangelion‘s place as a cultural touchstone. The project’s success could also influence future anime productions, encouraging studios to take more risks and experiment with different narrative and stylistic approaches. The combination of CloverWorks and Studio Khara, two power houses of the anime industry is sure to create a splash in the anime world.

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