Evangelion Unveils New 13‑Minute Short Anime for 30th Anniversary Festival in Yokohama

The iconic Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise is adding another milestone to its legacy as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. A brand‑new animated short film, approximately 13 minutes in length, has been announced and will be screened exclusively at the upcoming EVANGELION:30+; 30th ANNIVERSARY OF EVANGELION festival, set to take place at Yokohama Arena in Japan from February 21 to 23, 2026.

This announcement has sparked excitement among fans around the world, as it marks one of the most significant anime events tied to the anniversary celebrations of a series that permanently reshaped the mecha genre and anime storytelling as a whole.

Exclusive Event Screening

The new short anime, officially titled “Evangelion Hōsō 30 Shūnen Kinen Tokubetsu Kōgyō” (roughly translated to Evangelion Broadcast 30th Anniversary Special Screening), will receive its world premiere at the festival and will be shown once each day of the three‑day event.

Unlike typical television or film releases, audience members must attend the EVANGELION:30+; festival in Yokohama to witness the screening firsthand. The short will be played on a massive LED screen at the Stage Area, providing fans with a unique, immersive viewing experience that blends the theatrical elements of an anime screening with the buzz of a live festival atmosphere.

Although the short’s duration might seem brief at only 13 minutes, the exclusivity of the screening and the creative force behind it have made it one of the most anticipated anime announcements of the year.

Creative Team Behind the Project

The new short anime sees the return of legendary creator Hideaki Anno, who serves as the planner, scriptwriter, and general supervisor of the project. Anno is famously known as the original creator and director of Neon Genesis Evangelion, and his involvement in this new production underscores its importance within the franchise’s celebrations.

Directing the animation is Naoyuki Asano, who previously acted as animation director for “Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time”, the final installment of the Rebuild series, and brings years of experience and deep familiarity with the visual and thematic DNA of Evangelion.

In addition to Anno and Asano, other veteran creators who have worked on various Evangelion projects are credited as supervisors, including Kazuya Tsurumaki, Shinji Higuchi, and Kazuki Todoroki. These collaborators helped shape the original Rebuild films and have been integral figures in maintaining the stylistic and emotional continuity of the franchise.

Festival Celebrating a Cultural Phenomenon

The EVANGELION:30+; festival is the first event of its kind for the Evangelion series, transforming the Yokohama Arena into a celebration of three decades of storytelling, merchandise, fan culture, and creativity. Fans attending the festival will be treated not only to the short film screening, but also exhibition areas, stage performances, merchandise markets, and more, all designed to honor the impact of the franchise.

Since its original broadcast in 1995, Neon Genesis Evangelion has inspired intense fan devotion and academic discussion alike. Centered around the story of young pilots defending humanity with giant biomechanical weapons known as “Evas”, the series redefined mecha anime by incorporating psychological depth, religious symbolism, and complex character development. Its legacy has continued through movies, manga adaptations, and countless merchandise lines.

Fan Reactions and Global Interest

The news of the new short anime has already generated significant discussion online, with fans around the globe expressing a mix of excitement and curiosity. While some fans are eager to experience anything new from the Evangelion universe, others have noted that at 13 minutes, the screening feels short, but no less meaningful given the context of the anniversary.

Fans in China, for example, have shared their anticipation on social media platforms, with many looking forward to how this new animated piece will tie into the larger Evangelion canon and what creative direction Anno and his team will take. At the same time, some reactions highlight that the limited nature of the screening may make the short harder to access for international fans unable to travel to Japan.

Looking Forward to the Future

As the Evangelion franchise continues to evolve, this newly announced short anime represents both a tribute to its storied past and a potential hint at what lies ahead. Even though details about the plot and characters of the short remain under wraps for now, the involvement of key creative figures suggests that this project will be a meaningful piece in the franchise’s ongoing narrative tapestry.

Whether you are a longstanding fan who grew up with the original series or a newer viewer drawn in by the Rebuild films, the EVANGELION:30+; festival and its world premiere short film promise to be a highlight of early 2026 for anime enthusiasts everywhere.

Stay tuned for more updates as additional details emerge about the screening schedule, festival programming, and potential future releases tied to this landmark celebration of Evangelion’s 30th anniversary.