A new Evangelion-themed project has come to life in Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, the hometown of Hideaki Anno, the renowned director behind the Evangelion series. The initiative marks the third installment of the "Evangelion All Around the City" event, featuring a cast-iron Spear of Longinus that measures over seven meters in length. The spear is now on display at Tokiwa Park's Sculpture Hill.
This urban Evangelion event was sparked by Ube-Shinkawa Station's feature as a model location in the "Shin Evangelion" movie. For this year's event, the impressive Spear of Longinus was manufactured by Ube Steel and donated to the city.
(From left) Ground Works President Kamimura, Mayor Shinzaki of Ube, President Yamaneko of Ube Steel Khara
Ube's Mayor, Keiji Shinzaki, used the well-known lines from Gendo Ikari to introduce the event: "Let's begin, Fuyutsuki. Or rather, let's begin the third 'Evangelion All Around the City'." The mayor encouraged people from all over Japan to visit Ube and experience its charm through various activities like gourmet food festivals, voice AR, and stamp rallies.
The president of Ube Steel, Hisao Yamaneko, mentioned that the spear's production began as an ambitious proposal from a young employee last July. He proudly emphasized the company's craftsmanship in achieving intricate details and curves in the spear.
Ground Works President Yasuhiro Kamimura praised the city's official involvement in the anime industry, expressing his joy for the tangible, cold sensation of metal brought to life in the Evangelion spear.
Additional attractions include a limited-time "Misato's Citywide Voice AR," where tourists can hear Misato Katsuragi's voice at ten different spots. A culinary fair features approximately 80 Eva-themed dishes, and even the local airport has been "Evangelion-ized," complete with a life-sized Eva Unit-01 statue. The event will run until January 8 of next year.
Source: livedoor News