Celebrate 30 Years of “Evangelion” with This One-of-a-Kind Kabuki Performance

Kichitaro Uemura to Star as Shinji in “Kabuki Symphony No. 1 Evangelion.”

Kichitaro Uemura, a rising star of the kabuki world known for productions like “Final Fantasy X” and “Touken Ranbu: Gekitoken Enkiri,” has been confirmed as Shinji Ikari in “Kabuki Symphony No. 1 Evangelion.” The performance will take place on February 23, during the real-life festival “EVANGELION:30+; 30th ANNIVERSARY OF EVANGELION” at Yokohama Arena.

The festival, celebrating 30 years since the 1995 TV debut of “Evangelion,” runs from February 21–23, 2026, and features the exhibition zone “EVA EXTRA 30” and the diverse “STAGE AREA.” Previously announced cast includes Sakon Onoe as Kaworu Nagisa.

The production team includes script and direction by Kazuhisa Tobe (Shochiku Geibunshitsu), choreography by Kanzaburo Fujima, and music by gagaku master Fumihiko Yamada. Uemura and Tobe have shared comments on their participation in the highly anticipated kabuki adaptation.

I will be playing Shinji in ”Kabuki Symphony No. 1 Evangelion.” I’m Kichitaro Uemura.
Congratulations to the ”Evangelion” series on its 30th anniversary. I’m truly honored to bring to life a Shinji who captivates the audience and carries a relatable, human touch at such an important milestone event. Being part of this first-ever collaboration between Evangelion and kabuki is incredibly exciting, and I’m already looking forward to it.
Together with Sakon Onoe, who will play Kaworu Nagisa, we will give our all to deliver a new and moving experience through kabuki.

Kichitaro Uemura (as Shinji Ikari)

This will be a once-in-a-lifetime performance, weaving together kabuki dance, traditional Japanese music (kabuki orchestra), and visual elements.

— Kazuhisa Tobe (Script / Director)

Tickets for the event go on general sale from November 29, at 10:00. Projects in the “STAGE AREA” will follow a festival-style format, requiring a full-day pass for entry. Full details, including the timetable, can be found on the event’s official website.