New Evangelion Short Anime to Star Asuka 13 Minute Special Created as a Side Project for the 30th Anniversary Event

A new Evangelion short anime has been announced, with Asuka confirmed as the main character. The approximately 13 minute special will be screened exclusively at the franchise’s 30th anniversary event in February 2026.

It has been revealed that a new short animation from the Evangelion series will premiere at EVANGELION:30+; 30th ANNIVERSARY OF EVANGELION, a large scale festival taking place from February 21 to 23, 2026, at Yokohama Arena. On the 20th, the official X account of khara No.2 Unit confirmed that Asuka will serve as the protagonist of the new work, stating plainly that Asuka is the lead.

The short anime, titled Evangelion Broadcast 30th Anniversary Commemorative Special Screening, is a newly produced approximately 13 minute project created specifically for the anniversary event. Described as a special side story unique to the 30th anniversary, the animation is planned, scripted, and supervised overall by Hideaki Anno, the original creator of the Evangelion series. Direction is handled by Naoyuki Asano, who previously served as animation director on Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time.

Longtime Evangelion staff members Kazuya Tsurumaki, Shinji Higuchi, and Ikki Todoroki are also credited as supervisors. At present, details regarding the story and additional characters have not been disclosed. The short anime will receive its world premiere as an event exclusive screening and will be shown only once per day during the three day festival. Screenings will take place on a massive LED screen measuring 18 meters wide and 15 meters high, installed on the event stage.

According to the official X account of khara No.2 Unit, the short anime is being planned and produced as a form of entertainment specifically for the 30th anniversary event. The statement adds that viewers are encouraged to enjoy a special version of the Evangelion world that can only be experienced through this commemorative screening, once again emphasizing that Asuka is the central character.

To view the screening, attendees must purchase either a STAGE AREA Ticket, which grants access to all stage programs throughout the day, or an ALL AREA Pass, which allows entry to both the STAGE AREA and the EVA EXTRA 30 exhibition area on a designated date. No additional fee is required. All ALL AREA Passes have already sold out.

The STAGE AREA is a dedicated venue featuring a full day of Evangelion related programs, including performances by voice cast members, appearances by creators, and a concert held for the first time. Tickets for the event are currently on sale.

First broadcast from 1995 to 1996, Neon Genesis Evangelion is set in a world threatened by mysterious hostile beings known as Angels. The story follows teenage pilots who operate the humanoid weapons called Evangelions, humanity’s only means of resistance, and depicts their struggles alongside the fate of mankind.

The series was later relaunched in 2007 as the Rebuild of Evangelion film series. The first three films achieved major box office success, and the final installment, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, released in 2021, became the first entry in the franchise to surpass 10 billion yen in box office revenue, drawing widespread attention.

Source : ORICON NEWS