In 2025, the timeless masterpiece "Evangelion," an indispensable part of Japanese pop culture, will reach a momentous 30th-anniversary milestone since its original TV broadcast. To celebrate this historic year, the long-awaited, large-scale special exhibition, "ALL OF EVANGELION," has been announced for the delight of fans.
This is no mere retrospective. It is a festival-like space where you can experience "all of Evangelion," as a vast collection of precious, never-before-seen production materials are brought together to unravel the series' creative journey on an unprecedented scale and in profound depth.
This article will provide a detailed and easy-to-understand guide to the charms of the "ALL OF EVANGELION" exhibition for international fans who are planning a trip to, or are currently in, Japan.
Exhibition Overview: When and Where?
First, let's cover the basic information for this exhibition.
- Exhibition Name: 30th Anniversary Exhibition "ALL OF EVANGELION"
- Dates: Friday, November 14, 2025 – Monday, January 12, 2026 (National Holiday)
- Venue: Tokyo City View (Roppongi Hills Mori Tower 52F)
- Organizer: Tokyo City View
- Planning: The Asahi Shimbun, Movic Promote Service, Movic
- Special Cooperation: Khara, Inc., Anime Tokusatsu Archive Organisation (ATAC), GroundWorks:
- Official Websites:
- Portal Site: https://ao-eva.exhibit.jp
- Tokyo Venue Official Site: https://allofevangelion-ex.roppongihills.com/
- Official X (Twitter): @ao_eva30exhibit
【Advice for International Visitors】
Further details such as ticket prices, opening hours, and merchandise information will be announced on the official websites and social media channels. When planning your trip to Japan, we recommend checking these official sources regularly. For popular exhibitions like this, advance ticket booking is often required.
Exhibition Concept: A "Festival" for the Eyes, Ears, and Mind
The concept of this exhibition is a "festival" to be experienced with your eyes, ears, and mind. This means it aims to be an experience where visitors can deeply immerse themselves in the world of Evangelion using all their senses, rather than just viewing the materials.
From its broadcast debut in 1995, which sparked a social phenomenon, through the "Rebuild of Evangelion" movie series that began in 2007, to the final installment, "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time" in 2021, Evangelion has constantly evolved. Its 30-year history has been a continuous "festival" shared with its fans. This exhibition, as the culmination of it all, will be a place where each visitor can rediscover and celebrate the fundamental appeal of the work.
The Core of the Exhibition: What Can You See?
True to its name, "ALL OF EVANGELION" will feature an unprecedentedly large-scale display of extremely valuable production materials that form the core of the work, from the original TV series to the "Rebuild of Evangelion" films.
1. Production Materials from the "Neon Genesis Evangelion" TV Series: The Soul of the Analog Era
In the 1990s, before the widespread digitalization of animation production, the mainstream method was analog, where each frame was drawn and painted by hand. This exhibition will feature a collective display of precious materials from this era. This is an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the origins of Evangelion.
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Cel-ga (Animation Cels):
While it may be an unfamiliar term for some, "cel-ga" refers to the technique of drawing characters on transparent sheets (cels) and layering them over background paintings to create animation. In today's world of digital production, these cels themselves are extremely rare. This exhibition will display a multitude of vibrant cels used in the original TV series. The thrill of seeing those famous scenes, once viewed only on a screen, as tangible, hand-drawn objects right before your eyes is an irreplaceable experience. The tormented expression of Shinji Ikari, the mysterious smile of Rei Ayanami, the fierce determination of Asuka Langley Soryu—all will feel vividly real, bearing the raw traces of the animators' brushstrokes. -
Genga (Key Animation Drawings) & Settei (Model Sheets):
"Genga" are the key frames that define an animation's movement and are essentially the "blueprints" that determine the quality of character expressions and actions. "Settei" are the reference materials that detail the fine points of the world-building, such as character heights and outfits, the designs of Evangelion Unit-01 and other mecha, and the scenery of Tokyo-3. This exhibition will generously display a wealth of meticulously drawn genga and settei. By viewing these, you can get a glimpse into the creative process and the meticulous attention to detail that the creators poured into building that unique and complex world.
2. Digital Production Materials from the "Rebuild of Evangelion" Series: A Public First!
With the "Rebuild of Evangelion" series, which began in 2007, animation production techniques shifted significantly from analog to digital. One of the major highlights of this exhibition is that the digital production materials used for the "Rebuild" series will be displayed together for the first time to the public.
The production process of the digital-era "Evangelion," which has been shrouded in mystery until now, will finally be revealed. While the specific materials have yet to be announced, we can anticipate the following:
- Digital Animation Data: Key animation and in-between frames drawn directly on devices like tablets.
- 3DCG Model Data: Detailed 3D models of the Evangelions, Angels, and battleships. You may be able to view their structures and details from various angles.
- VFX (Visual Effects) Production Process: A breakdown of how powerful scenes, like the deployment of an A.T. Field or the positron blast from Operation Yashima, were created, potentially showing layer structures and effect creation.
The fact that materials from "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time," the record-breaking final film that grossed over 10.28 billion yen, will be shown for the first time is an unmissable point for fans. You will be able to see behind the scenes of that magnificent climax, brought to life through cutting-edge digital technology.
The Venue's Charm: Roppongi Hills & Tokyo City View
The venue for this exhibition, Tokyo City View, is an observation deck located on the 52nd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, one of Tokyo's most iconic landmarks.
From the indoor observation corridor, situated 250 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama that includes Tokyo Tower, Skytree, the skyscrapers of Shinjuku, and even Mount Fuji on a clear day. The ability to enjoy this stunning view before or after appreciating the exhibition is one of its major attractions.
You can have the luxurious experience of reflecting on the world of the series while gazing out at a view of metropolitan Tokyo that is reminiscent of the fortress city "Tokyo-3" from the show. The night view is particularly spectacular; the sea of countless lights is a work of art in itself.
Roppongi Hills is a multi-purpose complex that also houses the Mori Art Museum, over 200 shops and restaurants, a cinema, and gardens, offering a full day of entertainment. It's a great idea to plan your visit to combine the exhibition with Tokyo's cutting-edge culture, dining, and shopping.
Q&A for International Visitors
- Q. Can I enjoy the exhibition if I don't understand Japanese?
- A. At present, it has not been announced whether the exhibit descriptions will have multilingual support. However, past large-scale exhibitions have often included English captions or provided audio guides. Furthermore, the appeal of Evangelion lies in its visual power, which transcends language. The delicate touch of the original drawings, the vivid colors of the cels, and the intricate designs of the model sheets can be deeply appreciated without understanding the language. We recommend checking the official website for the latest information.
- Q. How can I buy tickets?
- A. The method of ticket sales and pricing will be announced on the official website soon. Typically, tickets for exhibitions in Japan can be purchased through online ticketing sites (e.g., Lawson Ticket, Ticket Pia, e+) or at terminals in convenience stores. It is possible that an online site accessible to overseas buyers will be available. As popular exhibitions can sell out quickly, we recommend checking the release date and purchasing your tickets early.
- Q. Is photography allowed?
- A. In most Japanese exhibitions, photography is prohibited in most areas to protect copyrights, with the exception of designated photo spots. To preserve the precious original artwork and materials, please adhere to the rules. If there are areas where photography is permitted, please follow the instructions.
- Q. Will there be exclusive merchandise for sale?
- A. It is almost certain that exclusive, original merchandise will be sold at the exhibition. You can expect a wide variety of items, including an exhibition catalog (a book summarizing the exhibit's contents), T-shirts, clear files, keychains, and reproduction prints. The merchandise shop is expected to be very crowded, so it's a good idea to visit with plenty of time to spare.
Why is "Evangelion" So Special?
Finally, let's touch upon the significance of the "Evangelion" series, which is the reason this exhibition is garnering so much attention.
When "Neon Genesis Evangelion" first aired in 1995, it sent shockwaves not just through the anime community but throughout society as a whole, as a work that far transcended the conventional mecha anime genre.
The story follows young boys and girls who pilot giant, multi-purpose humanoid decisive weapons called Evangelions to fight mysterious enemies known as "Angels." However, the narrative's focus is not on the thrill of battle, but on the fragile, vulnerable inner lives of its characters, led by the protagonist Shinji Ikari, and the difficulty of communicating with others. With its complex storyline interwoven with philosophical, psychological, and religious motifs, its stylish visual expression, and the boom created by the character Rei Ayanami, its impact is immeasurable.
"Evangelion" is not just an anime; it is a "cultural phenomenon." Its influence is not confined to Japan but continues to inspire creators and fans all over the world.
This "ALL OF EVANGELION" exhibition can be described as the first-ever opportunity to experience, in the most raw and comprehensive way, the passion, skill, and anguish from which this legendary work was born.
Conclusion: Become a Witness to Legend
For long-time fans, the 30th Anniversary Exhibition "ALL OF EVANGELION" will be a pilgrimage to reaffirm their love for the series and make new discoveries. For a new generation of fans who came to know Evangelion through the "Rebuild" series, and for those about to delve into the work, it is the perfect chance to encounter its grand creative history and the source of its unfading charm.
If you plan to be in Tokyo between November 2025 and January 2026, why not visit this historic exhibition? Paired with the spectacular view of Tokyo, it is sure to add an unforgettable page to your "Evangelion experience."
Keep an eye on the official website and social media for further announcements as you plan your trip.
