Landing in Sendai! I went to the Evangelion and Japanese sword exhibition!

Shin Godzilla is a hot topic, winning seven awards at the Japan Academy Awards, and the bonus features on the Blu-ray are so luxurious.
Neon Genesis Evangelion is the representative work of its general director, Hideaki Anno.
The Evangelion and Japanese Sword Exhibition, an event in which Evangelion collaborates with Japanese swords, which have become a hot topic in Touken Girls, has landed in Sendai!
This time I sneaked into this event, which has been held since March 25th!
Enjoy that report!

What is Evangelion and the Japanese Sword Exhibition?

The world of the hugely popular anime "Neon Genesis Evangelion" that caused a huge boom.
At the Evangelion and Japanese Sword Exhibition, you can see a number of works that express this worldview using unique approaches by swordsmiths active in modern Japan.

Eva originally had a deep relationship with Japanese swords such as Magoroku and Bizen Osafune.
Including the swords that appeared in such works, there are many swords that are inspired by these works and expressed using traditional techniques.
My heart is shaking even before I see it!

This exhibition was planned with the hope that today's young people would learn about the Japanese sword, which has been loved as a weapon, a work of art, and as an embodiment of the samurai spirit.
What kind of sword is waiting for us?

History of Japanese swords

The first corner after entering is the corner mainly devoted to Japanese swords.
You can enjoy the evolution of the shapes of past Japanese swords recreated by modern swordsmiths.
From the late Heian period to the end of the Edo period, swords that changed depending on the type of battle were truly overwhelmingly functional!

There is also a trial corner where you can try holding a Japanese sword, but it is also heavy!
If you were hit with such a heavy iron bar, you would probably be knocked out even without a sharp blade!
Please try lifting it!

Evangelion and the Japanese sword

After experiencing the beauty of Japanese swords, it's time to enter the world of Evangelion!
The coolness of swords that fans are familiar with, such as Magoroku Exterminate Sword and Bizen Osafune, which have been recreated using traditional techniques, was eye-opening.

The one that really caught my eye was the Spear of Longinus.
While there were only Japanese swords on display, the reproduction of the Spear of Longinus made from meteoric iron was far beyond my imagination.
Of course, this sword was also crafted by a swordsmith with the utmost skill.
I have no choice but to take my hat off to the master craftsman who was able to recreate something other than a sword with such precision.
You can also watch videos of the production process, so it's fun to think about the traditional Japanese techniques that still exist today!

There are also 26 other swords on display, including the short swords carried by the heroines in the key visuals and the progressive knives that appeared in the movie, recreated by swordsmiths with their own unique twists.
Moreover, all of these can be photographed!

Don't forget your camera when you visit!
Please note that some photos are not allowed in the Evangelion introduction corner!

EVA STORE IN SENDAI

One of the fun things about the special exhibition is the souvenir corner!
After viewing all the exhibits, please enjoy the large Eva store, which has about 500 Eva goods!
I also ended up buying some castella as a souvenir!
When we asked the staff about their popular goods,

• Catalog “Evangelion and the Japanese Sword”
• Sweets
• Can badge (Kaworu-kun)

It seems that they are being bought frequently.
In addition, can badges are popular among female customers, and mugs are popular among male customers.
If you are having trouble deciding what to buy, please refer to it!

For more fun!

Lastly, I would like to give you some advice to help you enjoy the Evangelion and Japanese Sword Exhibition even more!

audio guide

Audio guides can be rented at the reception.
There is an audio guide that explains the works on display, and the voice performer is Kotono Mitsuishi.
Yes, Misato Katsuragi's voice actor will explain!
What a service!
If you learn about the background and highlights of the works, which you cannot understand just by looking at them, you will be able to see an even deeper world of Japanese swords!

Engraving on the Eva exhibition original plate

A swordsmith will engrave your name on the original plates sold at Eva Store.
They will carve it for you on the spot, so you can experience some of the traditional techniques up close.
Why not make your own plate as a memento?

Tono Nagi

A special collaboration between Evangelion's mechanical designers Ikuto Yamashita and Kozaemon Miyairi!
The naginata designed for this event, NATANOYAGI, is on display.
The coolness that fills you with so much sense is enough to take your breath away!
Not only the design, but also the profound feeling realized by Kozaemon Miyairi is irresistible!
I dare not post photos here.
Please come and see the real thing!

The event will be held from March 25th to May 7th, 2017.
It's crowded during Golden Week, so if you're interested, come early!

INFORMATION