On August 22, Anime NYC was filled with hundreds of excited fans who gathered to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the legendary series Neon Genesis Evangelion. Since its initial airing on August 20, 1995, the series has become a staple of pop culture, known for its powerful themes of individuality and acceptance. To honor this milestone, the renowned singer Yoko Takahashi welcomed the audience with a special concert and a short speech dedicated to the 30th anniversary.
Concert Experience
Yoko Takahashi is responsible for many of the most iconic soundtracks from Neon Genesis Evangelion, including “The Cruel Angel Thesis,” “Soul’s Refrain’s,” her cover of “Fly me to the Moon”, (Shiawase wa tsumi no nioi) and “Happiness is the Smell of Sin,” and many others. To this day, her work continues to inspire millions of fans around the world, leading to countless covers and karaoke renditions.
Yoko Takahashi-san arrived on stage in a beautiful white dress, accompanied by her talented dancers, giving fans the moment they had eagerly waited for since the announcement of her appearance. Her voice was so breathtaking that many in the audience could hardly believe they were experiencing it live, with some moved to tears of pure joy and exhilaration. At one point, she invited everyone to stand and dance along, creating a fun and unforgettable atmosphere. A quick mic check even revealed the effortless confidence of a truly seasoned performer.
While everyone took a short recess, the audience reflected on what Neon Genesis Evangelion has offered over the past 30 years, including its powerful themes of individuality and selfish desires. Throughout the series, many characters struggle with their need for acceptance, which often leads them to be manipulated into fulfilling the desires of others. Beyond its complex themes, the series has also produced countless legendary moments that have become both internet memes and important life lessons. With those thoughts in mind, the audience stood ready for the next 30 minutes of the event.
Yoko Takahashi-san’s reflection on her musical career and Evangelion
Before performing the final songs, Yoko Takahashi-san took a moment to thank everyone for coming and to share a few personal reflections about her life and the impact of Neon Genesis Evangelion. She opened up about the challenges of being a soloist, emphasizing how important it is to work on both your weakest and strongest skills. She also shared a valuable lesson from her time as a backup chorus singer: it takes great skill to excel in that role, and it should never be seen as something lesser. Yoko-san explained that she has carried those lessons close to her heart and that she would not have reached this point in her life without them, or without the journey of Evangelion supporting her along the way.
Conclusion
We would like to thank Anime NYC for organizing this legendary celebration and Yoko Takahashi for making the night truly unforgettable. What was your favorite aspect of the iconic Neon Genesis Evangelion series? And which song by Yoko Takahashi-san holds a special place in your heart?
Neon Genesis Evangelion is streaming on Netflix, as you can read more about Yoko Takahashi-san in this interview article!
Images © kingrecords en, Crunchyroll
© Yoko Takahashi, Neon Genesis Evangelion Project
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