As you may or may not know, the final installment in the Rebuild of Evangelion films has had its theatrical release indefinitely delayed due to COVID-19. Thus, they’ve decided to fight back. In style.
This short clip was brought to us by Twitter outlet @tenjinsite. The style of the Japanese flashing flashing across these billboards should be familiar to Evangelion fans, regardless of whether you’ve watched the original anime or the Rebuild. The striped borders and the font of the text all scream Neon Genesis Evangelion. You could almost believe that NERV was broadcasting the message as a public service announcement.
As for the actual text on the billboard? Well, here’s a translation of what the producers of Evangelion want to tell us:
State of Emergency — a request from Fukuoka Prefecture. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are issuing a state of emergency. Please refrain from going out unless absolutely necessary. Especially after 8 p.m, we strongly request you stay indoors. Wear a mask, wash your hands, and keep your distance. Please be vigilant and take proper infection prevention measures.
Evangelion Will (Not) Give Up
It’s actually rather heartwarming that Evangelion is doing this kind of a promo. Especially since COVID-19 directly affected them like this. It’s like in their own way, they’re fighting back against a threat to the world. Kind of like the kids piloting Evas against those Angels, but in a smaller and more subtle way.
Conclusion
Despite COVID-19 delaying the release of Thrice Upon a Time, Evangelion is fighting back against it with these NERV-style message on billboards. In fact, it might be because they were so directly affected by the pandemic. After all, who would want to fight back more than people who the coronavirus directly hurt?
Source: @tenjinsite
