Protecting the tallest tower in Japan from angel attack!

Tokyo Skytree is a striking landmark without a doubt, and can cut through the Tokyo skyline so dramatically it feels like part of your local area even when you’re miles away. The tower is the tallest structure in Japan, and reportedly the second tallest in the world just after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Ticket prices to ascend the top of Skytree are a touch expensive, but it’s absolutely worth the visit at least once; there’s no competition when it comes to finding the best view of Tokyo.

Skytree has to be one of my favourite landmarks in Japan’s capital city, though not exactly for the reasons you might expect. Since it happened to be a convenient location for a weekly meet up with friends, I’ve ended up visiting the tower far more often than most people, and I’m particularly familiar with the impressively varied shopping outlets and restaurants by the tower base.

However, what draws me back to Skytree now isn’t isn’t the tasty Takoyaki place there, or how I think an evening coffee at Skytree Starbucks is far superior to a rushed coffee at Shibuya Starbucks.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Takes over Tokyo

The big news is the upcoming collaboration between Skytree and Neon Genesis Evangelion, which is finally (finally!) on the point of releasing what’s likely to be the last outing from the iconic anime, ‘Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time’.  

The fourth and final film in the Rebuild of Evangelion quartet, the project has suffered from a series of unfortunate setbacks since it was announced back in 2011. Problems with the mental health of director Hideaki Anno, his temporary movement to work on 2016’s Shin Godzilla film, and then the unexpected calamity of Covid-19 all slowed down the production process.

A new style for Skytree

However, the release date is now confidently set for January 23^rd and nothing can change that (probably). As part of the promotional campaign we’ll see Skytree undergo some changes, signifying that Evangelion is finally back and heading to the big screen.

The most obvious change will be the special lighting effects, as the entire tower is lit up to represent different characters from the series every night from December 23rd to the 31st. Venture inside and you’ll be greeted by Skytree Mascot Sorakara-chan, whose outfit has been switched to a cosplay of Evangelion fan favourite Ayanami Rei.

As you ascend further up the tower you’ll discover photo spots featuring objects and backgrounds from the series. The most exciting locations to check out will be the Tembo Galleria and the Skytree Round Theatre. The exhibition held in the Galleria is promising an interesting display on the history and secrets behind the Evangelion franchise, while the Round Theatre will be showing scenes from the series while playing the anime’s marvellously catchy theme song.

Even the Skytree café has been transformed and is offering a themed menu, including a particularly delicious looking piano key cheese cake. If all that isn’t enough you’ll find a ton of unique merchandise to bring home as well, with character cards, bags, pens, badges and other items featuring themes of Skytree and Evangelion.

The event will run from December 23^rd until March 31^st, and the new film will (hopefully) be out in January!

Info and Image Source: Tokyo Skytree homepage/evangelion

PR Times