Arrived in Sendai! Went to the Evangelion and Japanese Sword Exhibition!

Shin Godzilla has been the talk of the town, winning seven awards at the Japan Academy Awards and including extras on the Blu-ray disc.
Its director, Hideaki Anno, is best known for his work on Neon Genesis Evangelion.
The "Evangelion and Japanese Swords Exhibition," a collaboration between Evangelion and Japanese swords, which are also popular among sword girls, is coming to Sendai!
I went undercover to check out this event, which began on March 25th!
Enjoy the report!

What is the Evangelion and Japanese Sword Exhibition?

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

Evangelion has always had a deep connection with Japanese swords, such as Magoroku and Bizen Osafune.
In addition to the swords that appear in the work, there are many other swords that have been inspired by the work and expressed using traditional techniques.
Your heart will be thrilled even before you see them!

This exhibition was planned with the aim of getting young people to learn about Japanese swords, which have been loved as weapons, works of art, and the embodiment of the samurai spirit.
What kind of swords await us?

The evolution of Japanese swords

The first section you come to is dedicated to Japanese swords.
You can enjoy the evolution of the designs of past Japanese swords, recreated by modern swordsmiths.
From the late Heian period to the end of the Edo period, swords have changed depending on the type of battle, and they are truly an overwhelming display of functional beauty!

There is also an experience corner where you can try holding a Japanese sword, but it's also very heavy!
If you were hit with such a heavy iron rod, it would probably knock you out even if it didn't have a sharp blade!
Be sure to try lifting it!

Evangelion and Japanese swords

After experiencing the beauty of Japanese swords, we finally entered the world of Evangelion!
The Magoroku Exterminate Sword, Bizen Osafune, and other swords familiar to fans were recreated using traditional techniques and looked stunning.

Among the exhibits, the one that particularly caught my eye was the Spear of Longinus.
While there were only Japanese swords on display, the level of detail in the reproduction of the Spear of Longinus, made from meteorite iron, was far beyond imagination.
Of course, this was also crafted by a swordsmith using the pinnacle of his skills. One
can only take one's hat off to the greatness of the craftsmen who can reproduce something other than a sword with such precision.
There is also a video of the production process, so it is fun to think about the traditional Japanese techniques that remain to this day!

There are also 26 other swords on display, including the short swords held by the heroines in the key visuals and a uniquely recreated version of the Progressive Knife that appeared in the film by a swordsmith. What's more, you're
allowed to take photos of all of them!

When you visit, don't forget your camera!
Please note that photography is prohibited in some areas of the Evangelion introduction corner!

Eva Store in Sendai

One of the joys of the special exhibition is the souvenir corner!
After you've finished looking at all the exhibits, enjoy the large Evangelion Store, which has about 500 Evangelion goods on display!
I couldn't help but buy a castella cake as a souvenir!
When I asked the staff about the popular goods,

• Catalog "Evangelion and Japanese Swords"
• sweets
• Can badge (Kaworu-kun)

It seems that these are popular items.
Also, it seems that badges are popular among female customers, while mugs are popular among male customers.
If you're having trouble deciding what to buy, try this out!

For more fun!

Finally, here are some tips to help you enjoy the Evangelion and Japanese Swords Exhibition even more!

Audio guide

You can borrow an audio guide at the front desk.
The audio guide that explains the exhibits is voiced by Kotono Mitsuishi.
Yes, the voice actress for Katsuragi Misato is providing the commentary!
What a service!
If you learn about the background and highlights of the works that you won't understand just by looking at them, you will be able to see an even deeper world of Japanese swords!

Inscription on the original plate for the Evangelion exhibition

A swordsmith will engrave your name onto the original plates sold at the Evangelion Store.
Since the engraving is done on the spot, you can get a firsthand experience of traditional techniques.
Why not create your own personalized plate as a keepsake?

Tono Nagi

A special collaboration between Evangelion mechanical designer Yamashita Ikuto and Miyairi Kozaemon!
The naginata, NATANOYAGI, designed for this event is on display.
Its coolness, brimming with a chuunibyou vibe, will leave you gasping!
Not only is the design impressive, but the weightiness embodied by Miyairi Kozaemon is irresistible!
We won't post any photos here.
Please come and see the real thing!

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

INFORMATION

Chimon

A writer with thinning hair who loves traveling and laughter.
A nice guy who hides his thinning hair by shaving!
He travels from north to south to bring smiles to Tohoku with his writing!

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