■Star-Studded Cast and Creators Take the Stage; Megumi Ogata Shares Her True Feelings and Gratitude

Following the live performance, a prestigious lineup of voice actors and creators took the stage. The attendees included Megumi Ogata (Shinji Ikari), Megumi Hayashibara (Rei Ayanami), Yuko Miyamura (Asuka Langley), Kotono Mitsuishi (Misato Katsuragi), Yuriko Yamaguchi (Ritsuko Akagi), Akira Ishida (Kaworu Nagisa), Fumihiko Tachiki (Gendo Ikari), Tetsuya Iwanaga (Kensuke Aida), Junko Iwao (Hikari Horaki/Hikari Suzuhara), Miki Nagasawa (Maya Ibuki), Hiro Yuki (Makoto Hyuga), Akio Otsuka (Koji Takao), Sayaka Ohara (Sumire Nagara), Mariya Ise (Midori Kitakami), Anri Katsu (Hideki Tama), and Koichi Yamadera (Ryoji Kaji). They were joined by creators Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki, and Mahiro Maeda.

After each member shared their heartfelt thoughts, Ogata, the leader of the cast, spoke through tears: "This project was my first lead role in a TV series, and these 30 years have been a true blessing. I believe this work has such reality because people in every department worked so meticulously. I am the one who was allowed to stand right in the center of that. Watching Ms. Takahashi’s performance earlier—and it’s the same with Yoko-chan’s singing—every time I see Eva footage, I secretly cry by myself. It was a lonely role that required me to stay in the middle of the studio all alone, keeping my heart closed and trying not to talk to the other actors. That time spent alone, and so many other things, come back to me vividly in every cell of my body. When Evangelion: 30.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time ended, I said I felt like 'I was the only one left behind inside the film,' and today I was reminded once again that I’m the only one remaining with the feelings of a 14-year-old. I realized again that I will probably keep repeating and carrying this feeling with me forever. But that is my 'Curse of Eva,' and I truly believe from the bottom of my heart that it’s because of this that I am still able to play young roles today. To be able to stand here still holding onto these feelings... and to have this time where I could act as Shinji again and share that with everyone who watched—thank you so very much." She then promised the audience her "closing words" as the lead for the following day.

Next, Hideaki Anno spoke: "I was thinking of saying various things, but after hearing such a moving story from Ogata... I'm sorry, my bad (lol)," he quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd. He continued, "I was watching Ms. Takahashi’s live performance and felt the incredible heat from the crowd. Seeing it today, I felt once again that Evangelion is a very fortunate piece of animation to still be able to do something like this after 30 years. Thank you all."

Afterward, a 15-minute short anime titled "Evangelion 30th Anniversary Special Performance," screened exclusively for this event, was unveiled. The short was planned, written, and supervised by Hideaki Anno and directed by Naoyuki Asano, who served as an animation director on Shin Evangelion. The screening was met with thunderous applause.

The festival at Yokohama Arena was organized into the "EVA EXTRA 30" exhibition area and a stage area, with overall direction provided by creators from Studio Khara. The exhibition area featured production materials, interactive fan experiences, an OFFICIAL STORE for commemorative goods, and a Fans' Market. The event was also livestreamed online, allowing fans outside the venue to share in the excitement.

(C)カラー (C)カラー／Project Eva. (C)カラー／EVA製作委員会

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