Evangelion-Inspired Trespassing: Fans of Anime Are Causing Trouble at Japanese Train Station”

Neon Genesis Evangelion has been one of Japan’s most beloved and influential anime series for nearly 30 years. Since its debut, the show has become a massive cultural phenomenon, inspiring movies, video games, and countless collaborations.

The series, created by Hideaki Anno, has touched the hearts of many fans around the world. However, Anno himself has often expressed frustration with the show’s fanbase, even criticizing otaku (anime fans) culture in his work. One of the most notable examples is The End of Evangelion from 1997, where Anno made sharp critiques of anime fans.

Now, it seems that Neon Genesis Evangelion has inspired something unusual and, in some cases, troublesome in the real world. A troubling trend of trespassing at the Tenryu Futamata Station in Hamamatsu, Japan, has emerged, and it appears to be directly linked to the franchise.

This station, which plays a significant role in Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, has become the center of attention for some dedicated but misguided fans.

The Tenryu Hamanako Railroad, which operates the station, recently took to social media to warn fans about trespassing at the station. The company posted a message urging people to stop entering the station outside of designated hours.

The statement read, “There are so many trespassers in the depot that it’s a real problem. Recently, they’ve been there every day.” The railroad also clarified that the station has set times when tours are available and asked people to respect those hours.

So, why has the station become such a hot spot for Evangelion fans? The answer lies in the series itself. The Tenryu Futamata Station was used as the inspiration for a location called Village-3 in the 2021 film Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time.

Following the film’s release, the railroad company created a limited edition Evangelion-themed train, designed to resemble the iconic Eva Unit 01, which passengers could ride. Additionally, a replica of the Spear of Longinus, a famous weapon from the series, was placed next to the tracks, adding another point of interest for fans.

Unfortunately, instead of visiting the station during the allowed times, some fans have been sneaking into the station outside of those hours to get a closer look at these real-life inspirations from the film.

This behavior has led to growing concerns among the staff and the railroad company, who now must deal with the issue of people trespassing in order to take photos or experience the Evangelion-themed displays.

While Neon Genesis Evangelion continues to be one of the most popular and influential anime series of all time, this strange trend of trespassing is not the first time the franchise has been linked to problematic behavior.

Over the years, the series has been at the center of various controversies, and with its continued popularity, it’s unlikely to be the last time it causes real-world issues.

Evangelion fans, particularly those who are visiting locations connected to the franchise, are encouraged to follow the rules and respect the sites they are interested in. After all, it’s important to show respect for both the legacy of the series and the people who help make it a reality.

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