A Timeless Encounter with Evangelion! The 30th Anniversary Exhibition “ALL OF EVANGELION” Is Being Held at the Roppongi Hills Observatory
The anime series *Neon Genesis Evangelion*, which premiered on television in 1995, sparked a social phenomenon with its mystery-within-mystery storyline and cutting-edge visual style. In 2007, the series was relaunched as the *Evangelion: New Theatrical Version* series. Following the massive success of “:序,” “:破,” and “:Q,” the series reached its conclusion with 2021’s “Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time.” Evangelion, which has continued to lead the way at the cutting edge of its era, constantly attracting new fans while remaining beloved by a wide range of generations, will mark the 30th anniversary of its broadcast debut in 2025. In this commemorative year, the 30th Anniversary Exhibition “ALL OF EVANGELION”—the largest exhibition in Evangelion history—has opened at Tokyo City View on the 52nd floor of the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills. Through a diverse array of exhibits, we’ll explore the appeal of “Eva,” which has had a profound influence on pop culture not only in Japan but around the world.
Eva Unit-01 Descends Upon the Sky Observatory
When you take the elevator up to the 52nd floor of the Mori Tower at Roppongi Hills, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking panoramic view that stretches not only across the city center but all the way to the horizon. With this spectacular scenery as a backdrop, a large figure of Evangelion Unit-01 welcomes visitors.
The Unit-01 floating in midair is nothing short of divine. Nana Ogawa, the Asahi Shimbun staff member who organized the 30th-anniversary exhibition “ALL OF EVANGELION,” said, “The concept of this exhibition is ‘celebration.’ Based on the idea of celebrating the 30th anniversary of Evangelion—which has continued to be loved around the world since its broadcast began in October 1995—with our visitors, the exhibition covers everything from the eve of the TV series’ debut to *Neon Genesis Evangelion* and its theatrical films, and the four films in the ‘New Theatrical Version’ series, all in the order of their release,” she explains.
During our visit, bright sunlight streamed in, making the contrast between the craft’s purple and green colors stand out against the blue sky; however, we’ve heard that the display after sunset is also exceptional. After sunset, a special lighting display—exclusive to the Tokyo venue of this exhibition—is activated, illuminating the exhibit in a dazzling display, as if to celebrate its 30th anniversary. The so-called “magic hour” is also highly recommended. Sakiko Tsuji, a representative from Mori Building Co., Ltd., the exhibition’s organizer, says, “The world of Evangelion blends with Tokyo’s breathtaking scenery as it transitions from sunset to nightscape, offering visitors a truly unique and artistic experience.”
In the entrance area, there’s also a spot where you can take a commemorative photo in front of a giant poster for *Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance*. If you stand in front of the poster holding a placard with the “ALL OF EVANGELION” logo, you can capture a memorable photo. When we visited, a line had already formed as soon as the museum opened. Since crowds are expected throughout the exhibition period, we asked Mr. Tsuji for advice on less crowded times. He told us, “From Monday through Thursday, shortly after noon or after 8:00 p.m., you’ll be able to enjoy the exhibition at a relatively leisurely pace.”
The Eve of Evangelion's Birth, as Revealed in the Setting Materials
This exhibition consists of five chapters, from the Prologue to Chapter 4. The Prologue, titled “The First Stirrings,” features materials primarily from the period leading up to the creation of *Neon Genesis Evangelion*. Through the numerous meticulously detailed concept art pieces on display, visitors can gain insight into how the creators brought these captivating characters and the world they inhabit to life.
In the prologue section, many people stopped to take a good, long look. “On weekdays, I get the impression that many visitors come alone to enjoy the exhibition at their own pace.” “While the majority of visitors are in their 30s and 40s, we also see many younger people in their teens and 20s, and we welcome a diverse audience regardless of gender. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in international tourists, and we’ve noticed some visitors sharing information about the exhibition on social media and through word of mouth,” said Mr. Tsuji.
In addition to the visuals, the production materials contain numerous detailed notes and instructions essential to the creation of the work, offering a vivid glimpse into the behind-the-scenes process.
A World Brought to Life Through Animation Cels and Sound
Chapter 1, “The Beginning,” features cel artwork used in the 1995 TV series. At that time, animations were created by having artisans paint characters and mecha stroke by stroke onto transparent film sheets—known as “cels”—which were then layered over background art and filmed. “This exhibition features approximately 270 hand-drawn cels from *Neon Genesis Evangelion*—material that has rarely been displayed at exhibitions before. We have also gathered original artwork from the subsequent *Evangelion: New Theatrical Version* series. Although production methods have changed, visitors can enjoy up close the delicate craftsmanship of animation created by human hands—a tradition that remains unchanged, whether 30 years ago or today,” said Mr. Ogawa.
The cel paintings on display were reportedly selected from more than 10,000 existing shots with the full cooperation of the “Anime and Special Effects Archive Organization (ATAC),” a nonprofit organization established primarily by Hideaki Anno—who directed the series—to preserve the cultural heritage of anime and special effects for future generations.
I’m amazed by how meticulously and carefully everything is depicted, from everyday scenes to intense battle sequences. Additionally, Chapter 2, “Resonance,” is dedicated to sound. Here, you can enjoy rare audio clips from the voice auditions featuring the voice actors who played the main characters, storyboards—which serve as blueprints for the visuals—and a compilation of previews for upcoming episodes. “Please listen closely to the sounds of cicadas, trains, and waves that can be heard at the venue,” says Mr. Ogawa.
The Journey from the Launch to the Conclusion of the New Theatrical Version
As the exhibition moves into its second half, Chapter 3, “Dynamism,” focuses on the “New Theatrical Version” series, which began in 2007. From the release of “:Prologue” through “:Break” and “:Q,” the story took new turns that differed from the TV series, and the visual style underwent a dramatic evolution.
The exhibition features original artwork and storyboards that retain the delicate nuances of hand-drawn art. “In the ‘New Theatrical Version’ series, traditional cel animation was largely phased out in favor of digital techniques. In addition to pencil sketches, one of the highlights is a hologram display of the aerial battleship—a scene that could not have been created without 3DCG,” said Mr. Ogawa.
In Chapter 4, “Fruition, and a New Heartbeat,” you can immerse yourself in the world of *Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time*, which was released in 2021 and served as the series’ finale.
When the analog pencil strokes created by the artist are combined with digital technology, they are transformed into mesmerizing visual beauty.
The concept art and original illustrations on display clearly show that the production staff never compromised and continued to grapple with the characters’ fates right up until the very end.
At the end of the exhibition, there was a board where visitors could write messages on pieces of paper and post them. Let’s pour out our passion for Evangelion!
Merchandise and collaboration cafes that appeal to fans
Beyond the immersive exhibition space lies a special merchandise shop. It’s lined with a wide array of attractive items, including T-shirts and clear file folders produced specifically for this exhibition. Please note that you’ll need an exhibition ticket to enter the merchandise shop. A Tokyo City View observation deck ticket does not grant access, so please be aware of this.
One of the most highly recommended items among the merchandise is the official exhibition catalog, which covers the entire exhibition. It allows you to take your time at home reviewing the many valuable artifacts you saw at the venue.
If you want to take a break, head to “THE SUN & THE MOON (Cafe),” located right next to the venue. To commemorate the exhibition, a collaboration café celebrating the 30th-anniversary exhibition “ALL OF EVANGELION” has opened there.
The eye-catching “Unit-01 Spice Chicken Curry” recreates a famous scene from the series in which Unit-01 tries to force its way through the A.T. Field deployed by an Angel. Colorful paprika powder is sprinkled around the edge of the plate, recreating the pattern of the A.T. Field. The base flavor is mild and easy to eat, and it contains large, chunky pieces of chicken, making for a satisfying meal.
The “Rei Ayanami Chiffon Cake Dessert” is a beautiful plate decorated entirely in white and light blue—Rei Ayanami’s signature colors. Centered around a fluffy Earl Grey chiffon cake, it’s accompanied by refreshing orange and jelly, creating a sophisticated sweetness that spreads across the palate. The accompanying sorbet contains tiny pieces of ramune candy, adding a unique accent with their fizzy, popping texture as they burst in your mouth. “The collaboration café features a lineup of popular menu items. Other offerings, such as Asuka Langley Shikinami’s tomato pasta and Kaworu Nagisa’s ‘The Time Has Come’ purple flower soda—which vividly express the series’ worldview and the characters’ personalities—have been well-received by many fans,” said Mr. Tsuji.
With a ticket to this exhibition, you have access to the entire observation area. Currently, the Sky Gallery in the central area of Tokyo City View features a Christmas tree with an authentic design. The winter observation deck event, “Christmas in the Sky 2025,” is being held through December 25. At night, the combination of the city lights and the tree creates a magical atmosphere, so why not swing by on your way to the shops? Additionally, “THE SUN & THE MOON (Restaurant)” on the same floor is currently serving Christmas dinner.
And there’s a special gift for visitors, too. On weekdays only—and while supplies last—you can receive one random card featuring an original illustration.
<Distribution Period>
Friday, November 14, 2025 – Friday, January 9, 2026 (weekdays only during the exhibition period; *excluding December 29, 2025 – January 2, 2026)
*Distribution will not be available from Monday, December 29, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026.
*Quantities are limited each day and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
*You cannot choose the design.
*The image is for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the actual design.
*One card per person.
The exhibition runs through Monday, January 12, 2026 (a national holiday). This unique space—where Tokyo’s breathtaking views, sparkling in the crisp winter air, merge with the world of *Evangelion*, a landmark in the history of Japanese animation—is a limited-time experience. Why not visit Tokyo City View at Roppongi Hills this winter and immerse yourself fully in the timeless charm of *Evangelion*?
<Distribution Period>
Friday, November 14, 2025 – Friday, January 9, 2026 (weekdays only during the exhibition period; *excluding December 29, 2025 – January 2, 2026)
*Distribution will not be available from Monday, December 29, 2025, through Friday, January 2, 2026.
*Quantities are limited each day and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
*You cannot choose the design.
*The image is for illustrative purposes only and may differ from the actual design.
*One card per person.
The exhibition runs through Monday, January 12, 2026 (a national holiday). This unique space—where Tokyo’s breathtaking views, sparkling in the crisp winter air, merge with the world of *Evangelion*, a landmark in the history of Japanese animation—is a limited-time experience. Why not visit Tokyo City View at Roppongi Hills this winter and immerse yourself fully in the timeless charm of *Evangelion*?
"30th Anniversary Exhibition: 'ALL OF EVANGELION'"
Dates: November 14, 2025 (Fri) – January 12, 2026 (Mon, Holiday) *Open daily during the exhibition period
Venue: Tokyo City View (52nd Floor, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Hours: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. (Last admission at 9:00 p.m.)
*For further details, please visit the official website below.
https://allofevangelion-ex.roppongihills.com/
(C) Khara / Project Eva. (C) Khara / EVA Production Committee (C) Khara
Dates: November 14, 2025 (Fri) – January 12, 2026 (Mon, Holiday) *Open daily during the exhibition period
Venue: Tokyo City View (52nd Floor, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo)
Hours: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. (Last admission at 9:00 p.m.)
*For further details, please visit the official website below.
https://allofevangelion-ex.roppongihills.com/
(C) Khara / Project Eva. (C) Khara / EVA Production Committee (C) Khara