Kichitaro Kamimura has been named the Shinji Ikari lead for Kabuki Symphony No.9 Evangelion, marking the first collaboration between the Evangelion franchise and traditional kabuki. Co-produced with Shochiku, the work will premiere on February 23, 2026, at Yokohama Arena as the centerpiece of the EVANGELION:30+; 30th ANNIVERSARY festival.

Quick Summary

• Evangelion Kabuki marks the franchise’s first collaboration with traditional kabuki.
• Kichitaro Kamimura stars as Shinji Ikari; Sakon Onoe plays Kaworu Nagisa.
• Premiere set for February 23, 2026, at Yokohama Arena’s STAGE AREA.
• Script/direction: Kazuhisa Tobe; choreography: Kanjuro Fujima; music: Fumihiko Yamada.
• Festival zones include EVA EXTRA 30 exhibits and a STAGE AREA for live entertainment.

When Will Kabuki Symphony No.9 Evangelion Premiere?

Kabuki Symphony No.9 Evangelion will be performed on February 23, 2026, the final day of the three-day EVANGELION:30+; 30th ANNIVERSARY festival at Yokohama Arena in Kanagawa Prefecture. The venue will be divided into the EVA EXTRA 30 exhibition area and the STAGE AREA for live stage entertainment.

Evangelion Kabuki Cast and Creative Staff

Kichitaro Kamimura, a rising kabuki actor known for new-productions work such as Final Fantasy X and Touken Ranbu: Tsukitoen Engiri, will play Shinji Ikari. Sakon Onoe, dubbed the “prince of kabuki,” will portray Kaworu Nagisa. The script and direction are by Kazuhisa Tobe (Shochiku), choreography by Kanjuro Fujima, and music composed by court musician Fumihiko Yamada.

Kichitaro Kamimura’s Comment on Playing Shinji Ikari

Kichitaro Kamimura celebrated Evangelion’s 30th anniversary and said he is honored and excited to play a humanly relatable Shinji in this milestone event. He expressed enthusiasm for the unprecedented Evangelion–kabuki collaboration and pledged to deliver new emotion through kabuki, working together with Sakon Onoe.

Why the Evangelion and Kabuki Collaboration Matters

The project commemorates the 30th anniversary of Neon Genesis Evangelion, which first aired in 1995 and later continued with the Rebuild of Evangelion films—culminating in the 2021 finale Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, the franchise’s first to surpass 10 billion yen in box office. The stage will blend kabuki dance, traditional music, and projected visuals.

FAQ

Q1: What is Evangelion Kabuki?
A1: It is a kabuki-stage collaboration titled Kabuki Symphony No.9 Evangelion, premiering at Yokohama Arena on February 23, 2026, within the EVANGELION:30+; 30th ANNIVERSARY festival.

Q2: Who is cast as Shinji and Kaworu?
A2: Kichitaro Kamimura plays Shinji Ikari, while Sakon Onoe portrays Kaworu Nagisa.

Q3: Who are the key creators?
A3: Script/director Kazuhisa Tobe (Shochiku), choreographer Kanjuro Fujima, and composer Fumihiko Yamada.

Q4: What will the festival include?
A4: The venue splits into the EVA EXTRA 30 exhibition zone and a STAGE AREA offering diverse stage entertainment tied to the Evangelion world.

Q5: When exactly is the performance?
A5: It is scheduled for February 23, 2026, the third and final day of the festival.

Source : ORICON NEWS