The Neon Genesis Evangelion film Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (referred to as Shin Evangelion) has been delayed due to an expanded state of emergency in Japan.

Japan has expanded its current state of emergency as cases of COVID-19 rise in the island nation. The current state of emergency has given Studio Khara reason to delay the upcoming Neon Genesis Evangelion scene from its anticipated premiere date of January 23rd.

Despite entering a state of emergency in some prefectures last year, Japan and other nations have continued to see increasing cases during the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic. Since it began last year the ongoing pandemic has seen the delay of many animated films such as Sayonara Tyrano.

This actually isn’t the first time that Shin Evangelion has been delayed. As reported previously here on Nicchiban, the film was already delayed from its initial premiere of June 27th, 2020.

You can read a translation of Studio Khara’s announcement below.

Notice of Rescheduling the Release of “Shin Evangelion: The Movie
First of all, I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to all those who have been affected by the recent outbreak of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

I would also like to express my gratitude and respect to all the medical personnel and related parties who are still working on the response.

We have taken the situation of the spread of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) and the declaration of a state of emergency by the Japanese government very seriously, and have given careful consideration to the situation.

As a result, we have decided to refrain from releasing “Shin Evangelion: The Movie” on January 23, 2021 (Saturday) and postpone it.

We are carefully considering the new release date so that everyone can enjoy the film with peace of mind.
We sincerely apologize to those who have been looking forward to the film, and thank you for your patience.

As for the future release schedule, it will be announced on the “Evangelion” official website and official SNS as soon as it is decided.

Please keep your Muvitiqe cards in a safe place, as they can be used for the postponed release.

Due to the postponement of the release of the film, the release of the music CD “Shiro SAGISU Music from “SHIN EVANGELION””, which was scheduled to be released on February 10 (Wed.), will also be postponed. The new release date will be announced as soon as the release date is determined.

We would like to thank you for your understanding.

A new release date for Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (Shin Evangelion) has yet to be announced at the time of publishing.

Image: Twitter