Few anime theme songs have the same enduring appeal as “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” the renowned opening of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Sung by Yoko Takahashi, the song transcends its status as a mere anime opening and consistently unites fans, maintaining its iconic nature. Recently, Takahashi hosted a special concert at Anime NYC to commemorate thirty years of Evangelion. Prior to this concert, Anime Trending and other media had the opportunity to interview Takahashi at a press event regarding her extensive musical journey and her insights into the lasting significance of Evangelion.
According to JOYSOUND, a prominent Japanese karaoke brand, “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis” was ranked among the top four songs in early 2025. Takahashi expressed her curiosity, stating, “I want to know the secret behind it as well.” She noted, “It’s a song that really kind of gets everybody together and brings them together, so I think that’s also part of the reason for its enduring popularity.”
While fans may assume that performing the song comes naturally to her given her years of experience, Takahashi confessed that it remains one of the most difficult songs to sing live. When asked about another song she wishes fans would hear, she mentioned “Soul’s Refrain.”
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Although Neon Genesis Evangelion initially debuted thirty years ago, Takahashi remarks, “In Japan, the series is so beloved that it’s broadcast repeatedly on TV.” With numerous rebroadcasts and the admiration from the Japanese audience, she explains that it ultimately “expanded the audience base in Japan to be even younger,” particularly during the pandemic and lockdown periods, when many could re-watch or discover the series for the first time.
Takahashi emphasized that viewing a show for the first time, especially anime, makes it “become a thing of the now, of the moment,” highlighting how every person’s experience of the show essentially begins the moment they hit play. Regardless of age, it consistently resonates with the viewer, which Takahashi finds intriguing: “One of the things that I find so interesting about anime is when you are watching it for the first time, it becomes new again.”
“I actually knew him before my debut. Through him and his connections, that’s how I got the Evangelion gig. We have had such a great musical connection throughout all the years, and actually, at one point, I was part of his talent agency,” Takahashi shared. “He’s like a great teacher in my life, but also he’s someone that I feel comfortable with, where I can say how I feel around him.”
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Takahashi also recounted one of her early experiences in the industry with Toshinobu Kubota, a pioneer of funk music in Japan. His insights into the role of background singers made a lasting impression on young Takahashi: “The background singers aren’t background singers because they’re worse than the main performer. They actually have to be better than the main performer.” This perspective instilled in her a strong sense of professionalism: “He gave me a sense of having a very high level of professionalism in my singing ability at that age and gave me a fresh perspective as I was starting out as a young singer.”
As a seasoned veteran in the industry, Takahashi often fields questions from younger artists regarding how to succeed as singers or to break into the industry. “I really polished my skills as a background singer and as a studio musician,” she noted, clarifying that even her journey as a singer did not take off as quickly as one might expect.
She also highlighted her areas for improvement and shared this advice for budding artists: “By repeating things that I feel I’m weaker at, you improve continually. It’s important not to solely focus on your strengths. That’s how you achieve results in the industry — by honing your skills and becoming proficient in areas where you are less strong.”
Decades after Evangelion first captivated viewers, Yoko Takahashi remains an integral voice in anime history. Her insights not only showcase the magic behind a single song but also embody the resilience and dedication that have characterized her career. Through iconic tracks like “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis” and the mentorship she offers to the next generation of artists, Takahashi continues to represent the enthusiasm that sustains anime and its music across the ages.
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