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A Cruel Angel's Thesis Explained

, [1] also known as " A Cruel Angel's Thesis ", is a J-pop song performed by Japanese singer Yoko Takahashi . Toshiyuki Ōmori and Hidetoshi Satō composed the song, while Neko Oikawa wrote the lyrics. It was written for the opening theme of the anime television series Neon Genesis Evangelion , and was released as a double-A-sided single with " Fly Me to the Moon ", the show's closing theme, on October 25, 1995. "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" was also included in the series' soundtrack releases and Takahashi's albums.

The song had a positive reception from music critics and audiences; it later became one of the most famous Japanese anisong s, songs specially created for anime series. Years after the show's first airing, "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" has remained a popular Japanese karaoke song, winning popularity polls and awards. On the Internet, along with its official video, the song gained further fame through covers and parodies, becoming one of the most famous theme songs in the history of animation.

Background and recording

During the production of Neon Genesis Evangelion , the show's director Hideaki Anno suggested using an existing piece of classical music as the series' opening theme. He first chose the Polovtsian Dances from the opera Prince Igor by Russian composer Aleksander Borodin . TV Tokyo rejected the proposal, judging such a piece unsuitable for the show; a classical composition from Prince Igor would have been, according to the producers, "unclear". [2] Neon Genesis Evangelion production studio Gainax then contacted Hidetoshi Satō and Toshiyuki Ōmori to write an original piece in place of the soundtrack's main composer Shiro Sagisu . Although not officially credited, Toshimichi Ōtsuki, a member of King Records and the official producer of the animated series, coordinated production. The music was composed in the key of C minor , [3] and during the demo stage Ōtsuki requested a melody with a "crispy notching style".

Singer Yoko Takahashi , who was already known for singing Japanese television themes, was contacted for the recording; at the time of the recording of "A Cruel Angel's Thesis", Takahashi had not seen the anime and was not given any information about it. [4] [5] Ōmori finished the arrangement, albeit roughly, and Takahashi established a temporary track by singing the melody with only the syllable "la". [6] Once the final lyrics were ready, Takahashi, then almost thirty years old, was asked to adopt a childlike tone of voice. When she received a demo of the base to rehearse with, Takahashi found the song difficult because of both Oikawa's chosen language register and the song's fast tempo . [7] [8] A male backing choir was originally planned but was later deleted by Anno to emphasize the concept of "motherhood" on the recording.

Composition and lyrics

Neko Oikawa was given the task of writing the lyrics; Ōtsuki instructed her to write something "philosophical" and to use complicated language. [9] She focused on the key concepts of "mother", "boys and girls of fourteen" and "an adult woman". Oikawa, following the directives, completed the song in two hours, after having received few details of the anime and without having met Hidetoshi Satō. Oikawa and her manager watched the show's first two extant episodes and a document presenting the project. [10] The author had in mind the figure of a mother who does not want her son to become an adult, and wrote ambiguous lyrics with an abundance of stylistic device s. The song begins with the voice of a woman who advises a young man to behave like an angel without mercy, encouraging him with the cry of . For the woman, the boy is still innocent and naive; he looks at her, smiles and says nothing, and she gently invites him to rest. The woman, reassuring him their meeting was chosen by fate , says; "On your back you have feathers that will carry you into the future". [11]

For the title, Oikawa used the German word from philosophical terminology. [12] Yahoo! Japan has noted the concept of These has been used, among others, by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel , philosopher and exponent of German idealism . [13] Oikawa also took inspiration from the manga, which was written by Moto Hagio and was being published at the time, and inserted the term, which usually refers to the angels of Christianity . An additional religious reference, the verse ("This is the Bible with which you will learn what freedom is"), was added to the lyrics. At first, she thought of ending the song with the motto, which can also be translated as "become crazy" if written with kanji , but the proposal was shelved [14] under the advice of TV Tokyo, which requested a change to " shin wa ni nare " ("become a myth"). [15] The ending with an imperative remained, keeping the idea of an adult addressing a young boy. [16] According to Comic Book Resources 's Devin Meenan, the lyrics could refer to Yui Ikari, mother of protagonist Shinji who protects him during the events of the series, or Misato Katsuragi , his superior who encourages him "to come out of his shell". [17] Kotono Mitsuishi , Misato's Japanese voice actress, gave a similar interpretation; in an interview, Mitsuishi stated that the lyric "pierced" her heart, believing "that was Misato's voice". [18]

An interlude chorus with the words and was also included in the song; the interlude's lyrics are not from an existing language and were created by arranger Toshiyuki Ōmori. The chorus was sung by Ōmori, Takahashi, and her brother Gō Takahashi.

On October 25, 1995, "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" was released as a single in two versions: in the first one, with a cover price of, it was accompanied by a song by Takahashi entitled ; [19] the second version, with a cover price of yen, includes " Fly Me to the Moon " performed by Claire Littley, the show's closing theme song. [20] The second version was reissued on March 26, 2003, for the release of the Renewal Edition of Neon Genesis Evangelion . [21] "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" was also included on albums dedicated to the anime soundtracks, starting with Neon Genesis Evangelion I , released on November 22, 1995; in the following Neon Genesis Evangelion II , released on February 16, 1996, the shorter "TV Size Version", which was used for broadcast by TV Tokyo, was also included. [22]

The song was included in other releases, such as the special box set The Day of Second Impact (September 13, 2000), [23] Neon Genesis Evangelion: S² Works (December 4, 1998), Refrain of Evangelion (May 23, 2003), Neon Genesis Evangelion Decade (November 26, 2005), [24] A. T. EVA01 Reference CD (December 21, 2007), [25] Shin Godzilla vs Evangelion Symphony (December 27, 2017), [26] Evangelion Finally (October 2020), [27] and Neon Genesis Evangelion Soundtrack 25th Anniversary Box , a box containing several versions of the theme song. [28] The track was later included on unrelated compilations, such as the Star Child Selection (28 January 2000), [29] various Super Robot Tamashii anthologies [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] in various mixes, [35] [36] [37] [38] [39] [40] pop'n music 12 Iroha AC CS pop'n music 10 (13 April 2005), [41] Kids Song★Hit Paradise! (26 September 2008), [42] Brass Band Koushien 3 (27 February 2008), [43] and Nekoism 〜 Neko Oikawa Sakuhin-shū (21 February 2018). [44]

"The Cruel Angel's Thesis" enjoyed long-lasting success and frequently appeared in popularity polls even decades after the first airing of Evangelion . [45] It is considered one of the best and most iconic theme songs of the otaku subculture, [46] finding renewed popularity with the release of the Rebuild of Evangelion theatrical tetralogy. [47] In 1996 and 1997, after the first broadcast of Neon Genesis Evangelion , "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" was elected best theme song of the moment in the Anime Grand Prix , an annual poll conducted by the magazine Animage ; in the second year, it got more than twice as many votes as the second-placed song, Give a Reason by Megumi Hayashibara . [48] [49]

In a 2002 poll on the most-unforgettable songs in the history of Japanese animation, conducted by TV Asahi , the song was placed 55th; [50] it later reached 18th place in the same channel's ranking of best anime songs produced during and after the 1990s. [51] [52] In 2016, the song was ranked top in a poll of the favorite anisongs of the 1990s by Anime News Network users and one of the best-ever anisongs in a poll of almost 7,000 people by CD & DL Data magazine. [53] [54] In 2018, Japanese website Anime Anime asked its users which cartoon soundtracks they would like as their national anthem; "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" took third place. [55] The following year, it came second in a survey of the most-sung titles by the female audience on the website Merumo. [56]

Critical reception

Critics positively received "The Cruel Angel's Thesis". Axs.com's Terrance Pyror and Otaku Kart included the song in their lists of the best theme songs in the history of Japanese animation. [57] [58] Casey Baseel of Sora News and Ederlyn Peralta of Comic Book Resources described it as one of the most iconic anime songs. [59] [60] CBR's Eduardo Luquin praised its tone, writing, "'Cruel Angel's Thesis' is a hype train that starts the trippy trip to the destinations known as philosophy, religion, and teenage angst. Like a starting shot at the start of the race, it implores the watcher to go headlong into the show and try to take in everything Evangelion has to offer." [61]

For Lauren Orsini of Forbes and Noah Black of Mcccagora.com, the song is "instantly" and "devastatingly catchy". [62] [63] Matt Fagaly of Crunchyroll and Tom Pinchuk of Geek & Sundry praised the contrast between the dark, pessimistic themes of its parent series and the song's lighthearted tone. [64] [65] This view was echoed by the Anime-Planet website, which said, "It's a great piece of music, which is quite rare for anime openings these days". [66] Upon the anime's release on Netflix , the theme song was again analyzed and reviewed. David Levesley of Gentlemen's Quarterly described it as an "exceptional" song [67] while Junichi Tsukagoshi of Animate Times called it "a holy chant that everyone knows". [68] Italian writer Laura Mucci of Everyeye.it called it "a curious element of cultural folklore", "a kind of Japanese counterpart to [the Italian] Nel blu, dipinto di blu ". [69] Comic Book Resources similarly ranked "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" as the best theme song of the 1990s and the third-most beautiful of all time. [70] [71]

"The Cruel Angel's Thesis" has been described by the website Sora News as an "unqualified hit" that transcended anime fandom, [72] and by Crunchyroll'sKara Dennison as "one of the most recognizable [themes] in anime history". [73] According to Anime Maru, it also had a significant cultural impact, and its presence "has become a staple of otaku culture". [74] Throughout the years, the song spawned memes and parody edits. [75] [76] Music anime douga (MAD) began to circulate on websites, with tribute video clips aimed at recreating the song's music and video; according to Comic Book Resources's Angelo Delos Trinos, it has been "endlessly covered and edited more so than anything from the actual anime. Even anime newcomers who have yet to watch anything from Evangelion are already familiar with its opening because of its undying online presence". [77] Through the years, these parodies spread on the web and the music video continued to be homaged by Internet users [78] [79] through remixes, mash-up s, and covers. [80] [81] [82] [83] [84]

In 2018, a Twitter user combined the song with a video clip of LMFAO 's " Party Rock Anthem "; the parody video went viral and "Party Rock Anthem" also became a meme with dozens of variations on several social media platforms. [85] [86] In August 2019, Italian football club S.S. Monopoli 1966 opened a vote for its fans to choose the team's cheering song to be sung when the team scored goals; "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" finished second to "7 Miliardi" by Massimo Pericolo . [87] [88] The following year, during the COVID-19 lockdown period, a video was uploaded with Italians singing from the balconies of their homes and edited with "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" in the background; the quarantine video also went viral . [89] In 2022 Japanese voice actress and singer Aina Aiba named the Evangelion opening as one of the anime songs that "changed her life" and introduced her to singing. [90] [91]

Merchandise and other uses

"A Cruel Angel's Thesis" was used in Evangelion -inspired video games and pachinko machines. [92] In August 1997, the Japanese magazine June , specialized in homoerotic manga and anime (shonen-ai), issued a volume entitled, the title of which is taken from the first verse of the theme song. [93] In 2014, Sony released a special DAT walkman about the series in homage to the one used by Shinji's character; included in the package was a card from the Japanese music store Mora that allowed customers to download the original version of "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" in Sony Stores in Ginza , Nagoya , and Osaka . [94] The following year, to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the first airing of the anime, a musical road playing the song was built in Hakone , near which the series' fictional city Tokyo-3 is located; through jolts caused by grooves in the asphalt, a person driving at an optimal speed of 40km/h could hear the song along a scenic route at Lake Ashi . [95]

In 2018, Evastore, an official store entirely dedicated to the series, advertised the release of the single in a restored digital format and produced new Evangelion -related merchandise, such as t-shirts, [96] [97] posters, [98] and metallic postcards. [99] On May 5 of the same year, the piece was included in an official cross-over episode between Neon Genesis Evangelion and the animated series Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion . [100] On December 26, Takahashi performed "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" at the opening of an izakaya club dedicated to the series; [101] a drink named "Zankoku na tenshi no these" was also released. [102] In 2019, in conjunction with the anime's launch on Netflix, Japanese singer Toshi performed the song during a performance of the ice-skating show Fantasy on Ice . [103] American wrestler Dio Maddin , a fan of Neon Genesis Evangelion , named one of his final moves "Cruel Angel's Thesis" after the song. [104] In 2020, an Evangelion -themed event was held at the Tokyo Sky Tree , during which the video of the song was shown at the tower's observatory; the event ran until May of the following year. [105] [106] "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" was also used in an episode of Seiyu's Life! [107] and homaged in other animated series, such as Hayate the Combat Butler , [108] and Regular Show . [109]

Commercial performance

In Japan, "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" gained popularity, [110] [111] [112] [113] remaining for years in the Oricon Karaoke Chart . [114] [115] [116] The original version of the song was released as a single on October 25, 1995, and charted twenty-two times on the weekly Oricon charts, peaking at number twenty-seven. [117] It was later re-released together with Claire's cover of "Fly Me to the Moon" and stayed on the chart for sixty-one weeks. [118] In 1997, shortly after the end of the anime's first airing and the release of the movie , "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" was awarded the gold and diamond record (named "Million" in Japan), [119] while the edition with "Fly Me to the Moon" was certified platinum. [120] The 2003 version stayed on the chart for nine weeks. [121] A remix done in 2009 was also successful; in June and July of that year, "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" became the most popular anisong of the period, [122] [123] appeared for fourteen weeks on the Oricon charts, and reached number twenty-two. [124] Sales of the various versions collectively sold more than one million copies. [125] [126]

In 2011, fifteen years after its debut, the Japanese Society for Rights of Authors, Composers and Publishers honored the song by placing it first in the JASRAC Awards, a special ranking of the most-profitable royalty pieces in Japanese music, calculated among other things through digital sales, pachinko , and karaoke . [127] [128] The song had already appeared on the charts in previous years: in 2008 it peaked at number seven, [129] number eight in 2009, [130] and number three in 2007. [131] In May 2012, "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" was certified three-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan . [132] Its popularity in karaoke and pachinko machines enriched writer Neko Oikawa, who in 2015 said she had earned more than in royalties from "A Cruel Angel's Thesis"; [133] pachinko machines proved particularly lucrative, grossing at least per year. [134]

"A Cruel Angel's Thesis" remains one of the most popular songs in Japanese karaoke. In 2013, it placed third in a Koebu.com poll about the favorite karaoke songs by voice actors. [135] In 2014, the company Joysound placed it at number one on its list of the year's most-popular anime theme songs. [136] The song reappeared among the twenty most-sung songs of the first half of that same year, [137] [138] and also appeared on previous charts; in 2007, it peaked at number twenty, [139] in 2009 at number two, [140] and in the first week of June 2013 at number six. [141] A similar result was recorded in 2015, when it took first place in a Charapedia's poll of about 10,000 fans' favorite karaoke songs. [142] In March of that year, the website Nico Nico News asked more than 300 adults which animated theme song was the most annoying and whose songs they were most sick of hearing, and "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" won 40.6% of the votes. [143] [144] In 2017, [145] 2019, [146] [147] and 2020, it again listed among the ten most-popular songs on Joysound's Japanese karaoke popularity polls and in Karatetsu's charts. [148] [149] On February 18, 2017, NHK BS Premium broadcast a live program entitled "Countdown Live Anisong Best 100!", in which the single was ranked eighth. [150] Joysound listed it as the most-played song in karaoke in the Heisei period , the previous thirty years of Japanese history, [151] and the second-most-sung anisong of the first half of 2020, after LiSA 's " Gurenge ". [152]

Music video

Development and release.

For "The Cruel Angel's Thesis", Gainax made a ninety-second opening video that was animated by Takeshi Honda and Shinya Hasegawa. [153] The production took some time; it was still unfinished in July 1995, when the first two episodes were premiered at the company's second festival. The music video was completed in September of the same year, shortly before the anime premiered on TV Tokyo. [154] The video consists of approximately 2,160 frames divided into eighty-four scenes, averaging one sequence per second. [155] [156] Gainax staff attempted to create a retro effect, paying homage to and imitating theme songs from previous works. [157] Hideaki Anno's name appears in large letters in the video's last few seconds, and is seemingly cut off by Eva-01's arms, emphasizing the director's strong imprint on every aspect of the series. [158]

A second video for the song's full version was released for the 2003 home video edition of the series named Renewal of Evangelion . [159] The new video was directed by Masayuki, [160] and is different from the one for the television broadcast. The full video includes images from the director's cut of the episodes and scenes from the film The End of Evangelion (1997). It also includes captions with white characters on a black background, written and coordinated by Hideaki Anno. [161] The video was released in high definition on King Records' official YouTube channel on June 20, 2018. [162]

Synopsis and cultural references

The video of the television version of "A Cruel Angel's thesis" contains several cultural references, most notably to Christianity and Judaism. In the opening frames, a bright blue dot appears and expands like a drop of water surrounded by a circle of the same color. The image, according to the script, represents the beginning of the universe; [163] according to critic Mario Pasqualini, the symbol could refer to the relationship between God and Creation, which some philosophers compared to the relationship between a point and a circumference. [164]

After the point of light, a figure with twelve wings on a red background, similar to some representations of cherub ic angels, appears. [163] This is followed by a celestial flame, which refers to the concept of the soul or "life breath" and which plays a role in the series. [165] [166] The image also depicts the first light seen by a newborn child. [167] Further religious symbolism consists of a dual depiction of the Kabbalistic tree of life , [168] [169] in reference to the series' Human Instrumentality Project, [170] a plan for the evolution of humanity pursued by the character of Gendo Ikari.

In the latter part, a frame of Rei Ayanami touching a window is glimpsed, [171] with a close-up of her eye as she blinks. This device has been compared by writer Dennis Redmond to a similar image used by director Krzysztof Kieślowski in the film Blue (1993). [172] Alternating on the screen are images of Eva-01's hand covered in blood and 01 unleashing twelve wings of light, along with white captions on a black background and vice versa , maps, pencil sketches, a drawing depicting Kaworu Nagisa, [173] portraits of Misato Katsuragi, Ryōji Kaji and Ritsuko Akagi, the first Angel Adam, and a luminous red sphere. For the light wings of 01, the authors took inspiration from the Christian figure of Lucifer , a fallen angel who, according to traditional iconography, has twelve wings. [163]

The video ends with a text written, according to the official storyboards, in angelic characters; according to Anno, it represents the Dead Sea Scrolls . [174] Neon Genesis Evangelion manga English editor Carl Gustav Horn also compared the calligraphy of the characters to the Sefer Raziel HaMalakh , a Kabbalistic grimoire of Practical Kabbalah . [175]

The video clip for "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" received praise from audiences and critics. According to Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Unofficial Guide , written by Martin Foster and Kazuhisa Fujie, some viewers were at first confused by seeing the theme song, but after the series' conclusion they noticed that "everything that appeared in the story had been highlighted, flagged or hinted at in the opening sequence". [176] Newtype magazine praised the video, calling it "excellent" and appreciating the large amount of sequences. [177] For Nick Valdez of ComicBook.com, the video is "chock full of memorable imagery" and "one of the coolest trips down memory lane". [178] Dani Cavallaro, a writer and critic specializing in Japanese animation, cited it as an example of Hideaki Anno's "complexity of animation" and style, describing it as "an intriguing array of mystical symbols, a perfect match of visuals and music and sophisticated framing". According to Cavallaro, "each of the key images elegantly counterbalances another image moving in the opposite direction", such as the two depictions of the Tree of Life, as well as Rei and Asuka's frames, which flow vertically, and Misato's frames, which move horizontally. [179]

Live performances

In 2015, Takahashi sang "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" at the Anime Expo in Los Angeles, California, [180] and in 2017 she performed it during Billboard Live in Tokyo , receiving a warm reception from the audience. [181] On June 20, 2018, she performed the song during the Evangelion World Tour, which was organized to promote the song's re-release with restored and remastered audio along with "Tamashii no rufuran", [182] on stages in Japan, France, and Hong Kong. [183] In June 2019, Takahashi performed at the Japan Expo in Paris , singing songs from the Neon Genesis Evangelion soundtrack just before an official preview of the film Evangelion: 3.0 + 1.0 [184] and in conjunction with the anime's release on Netflix. To mark the occasion, all of Neon Genesis Evangelion I , including "Zankoku na tenshi no these", was added to Spotify on June 21. [185]

In 2020, an event dedicated to Evangelion Operation Yashima was announced in Hakone , a city where the show's fictional city Tokyo-3 is located. [186] [187] [188] During the event, held on March 28 and May 23, a live performance of Takahashi's "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" was planned, but the dates were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic . [189] On October 3 of the same year, Takahashi took part in the unveiling of a reproduction of Eva-01 at Toei Kyoto Studio Park in Ukyō-ku , singing "Zankoku na tenshi no these" on the palm of the humanoid's hand. [190]

Remixes and other versions

For "Take Care of Yourself", the anime's last episode, Sagisu rearranged the song's accompaniment into the instrumentals "The Heady Feeling of Freedom" and "Good, or Don't Be", arranged for piano, electric piano, acoustic guitar, violins, and cellos. [2] [191] Remixes of the single were added to Dancemania compilations. The Shihori version was included in the albums Dancemania Summer Story 2008 (25 June 2008), [192] Wa-euro Best (5 August 2009), [193] Dancemania Summer Story 2009 (10 June 2009), [194] Best of Wa-euro Best (21 July 2010), [195] the Mint version in Himetra Best (14 May 2008), [196] and Himetra Anime*Mix (21 January 2009), [197] while a version by Diana Gross was included in the compilation Him Trace 3 . [198] Other remixes were later included in the Dancemania Speed compilations Anime Speed (25 May 2005), [199] Anime Speed Newtype Edition (19 July 2006), [200] Happy Speed (18 April 2007), [201] and Himetra Speed (30 July 2008). [202]

Other versions were included in Takahashi's albums; the arrangement of the original single was copyrighted by King Records, so for legal reasons the record companies that released Takahashi's works had to rely on other arrangements. [203] A "Version '96" was added to the album Best Pieces , released on February 10, 1999, [204] and then included in Super Value Yoko Takahashi , released on February 19, 2001 by Universal Music . [205] [206] In ~refrain~The songs were inspired by Evangelion (November 6, 1997), a remix named "Ambivalence Mix" and an instrumental version titled Epilogue de these edited by Tony Orly were added. [207] [208] A new version of "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" titled "Remix for Peace" was also produced in 1999 and included on Takahashi's album Best Pieces II , which was released on February 10 of that year; [209] [210] as well as Takahashi's hit collections such as Yoko Takahashi Best 10 (January 17, 2007), [211] Yoko Takahashi Essential Best (December 19, 2007) [212] and Golden☆Best Yoko Takahashi , multiple versions of which were released on February 25, 2004, [213] December 5, 2012, [214] and December 5, 2018. [215] An additional remix, "Harmonia Version", was added to LI-La , another album by the performer, [216] that was later reissued in Li-La +3 , which was released on October 2, 2013, along with the "Remix for Peace". [217]

In 2005, a new version of the song, again with Takahashi on vocals and forty-seven seconds longer than the original, was recorded for the tenth anniversary of the series. The new version, named "10th Anniversary Edition", [218] was included as the twelfth track in Neon Genesis Evangelion Decade . [219] [220] Michio Nakagoe was the sound and mixing engineer, while the musicians were Mineaki Matsumoto on piano, Tatsu Kase on double bass, Yuichi Tokashiki on drums, Masanobu Fukuhara on electric guitar, Eric Miyagi and Koji Nishimura on trumpet, Eijiro Nakagawa on trombone, Osamu Koike on alto saxophone, Hiroshi Yaginuma on tenor saxophone, and Atsushi Kurokatsuno on bass saxophone. [221]

In 2009, Takahashi recorded new versions of "Zankoku na tenshi no these" and "Fly Me to the Moon", which were included in a single released on May 13. [222] The songs were produced in conjunction with the presentation of a pachinko series on Evangelion named ; a cover designed by Takeshi Honda was used for the album. [223] The 2009 version was included in Takahashi's 20th century Boys & Girls collection, released on June 23 of the following year, [224] and, ten years later, in the mini-album Evangelion Extreme , which was released by King Amusement Creative and includes the tracks used in the pachislots dedicated to the series. [225]

In 2015, Takahashi recorded a new version of the composition named "2015 Version" in a single live session [226] with acoustic guitar accompaniment for her thirteenth studio album 20th century Boys & Girls II , which was released on April 22, 2015, by King Records. [227] Two years later, a new arrangement titled "2017 Version" was included in the anthology Yoko Sings Forever (March 22, 2017); [228] the recording was done live with piano by Marashii and organ by Satoshi Takebe . At first, a single titled "Zankoku na tenshi no these ~ Tamashii no rufuran" was planned but not included in the final version. [229] In July 2019, "Zankoku na tenshi no these" was also used in the strategy video game The Battle Cats ; [230] Takahashi sang only the word, a Japanese onomatopoeia of meow. [231] [232] The version was later uploaded to Oricon and MaiDiGiTV YouTube channels, and both videos gained more than one million views. [233] [234] In the same year, Eitetsu Hayashi produced a new arrangement of "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" stylistically close to Japanese traditional music and mainly made with taiko instruments; [235] it was premiered on King Amusement Creative's official YouTube channel as "Zankoku na tenshi no these: Matsuri Spirit" and was fully released on July 24 of the same year. [236]

The Chinese broadcaster Shenzhen TV acquired Evangelion for a Chinese-language dubbing; the first translation was not approved by the National Radio and Television Administration , a ministerial agency under the State Council of the People's Republic of China , so the series was translated and dubbed again, removing the contents that were considered inappropriate for a young audience and the theme song was renamed Měilì tiānshǐ de xíngdòng gānglǐng (美丽天使的行动纲领, "The beautiful angel's plan of action"), also known as Yǒnggǎn de shàonián (勇敢的少年, "The brave boy"). [237] [238] The anime was then broadcast between 1999 and 2001. [239]

Cover versions

In 1996, the fourth album of the soundtracks of the series, Neon Genesis Evangelion Addition , was released; the album included a track named "Zankoku na tenshi no these (Director's Edit. Version II)", lasting 4:04 minutes and sung by Kotono Mitsuishi , Megumi Hayashibara , and Yūko Miyamura , voice actresses of the three major female characters of the show, respectively: Misato Katsuragi , Rei Ayanami and Asuka Sōryū Langley . On 30 March 2001, the album The Birthday of Rei Ayanami was released; among the tracks was a cover of "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" performed by Hayashibara. [240] The song was added to bertemu , the artist's seventh album, released on November 1, 1996, [241] and as a bonus track on Center Color , her eleventh, released on January 7, 2004. [242] Hayashibara stated while singing "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" she thought of the scene in which Rei smiles for the first time at Shinji Ikari in the film version of Eva . [243]

Megumi Ogata , Shinji's voice actress, performed the song during her concerts. [244] [245] Junko Iwao , the Japanese voice actress of Hikari Horaki , also recorded her bossa nova version of the song for her album Anime On Bossa , which was released on January 30, 2008. [246]

Other artists have recorded covers of "A Cruel Angel's Thesis", including Shōko Nakagawa , [247] MIQ , [248] Yōko Ishida , [249] Masami Okui , [250] Shizuka Itō , [251] Mikuni Shimokawa , [252] Toshi , [253] Aya Hirano , [254] Arlie Ray, [255] Ryō Horikawa , [256] Chihiro Yonekura , [257] Akina Nakamori , [258] [259] Maya Sakura , [260] Konomi Suzuki , [261] Kikuko Inoue, [262] and Natsuki Katō . [263] Music groups, both Japanese and foreign, also performed the song, including Animetal , [264] Anipunk, [265] Globe , [266] Move , [267] Flow , [268] Glay , [269] [270] Glory Gospel Singers, [271] Anime That Jazz!, [272] Max, [273] and Roselia, a band from the media franchise BanG Dream! . [274] [275]

Track listings

Original version: ; [276] All tracks performed by Yoko Takahashi .

Weekly charts

Year-end charts, bibliography.

  • Book: Morikawa, Kaichiro. The Evangelion Style . 1997 . Daisan Shokan . ja . 4-8074-9718-9.
  • Book: Takeda, Yasuhiro . The Notenki Memoirs - Studio Gainax and the Man Who Created Evangelion . 2005 . . 1-4139-0234-0.
  • Book: Horn, Carl Gustav. Neon Genesis Evangelion 3-in-1 Edition . 2013 . Viz Media . 3 . Behold the Angels of God descending. 978-1-4215-5362-7.
  • Book: Oikawa, Neko. ネコの手も貸したい 及川眠子流作詞術 . 2018 . Ritter Music . ja . 978-4-8456-3267-1.
  • Manabu . Hashimoto. 高橋洋子×大森俊之スペシャル対談. Newtype. Kadokawa Shoten. 2018. ja. 34. 7.
  • Book: Takahashi, Yōko . 残酷な天使のテーゼ」「魂のルフラン」をだれよりも上手に歌えるようになる本 : 高橋洋子のヴォーカル・レッスン. ja. 2021. Rittor Music. 978-4-8456-3586-3.

Notes and References

  • Web site: ja. 【新商品:「EVA BG~BACKGROUND OF EVANGELION~×YOKO TAKAHASHI」コラボTシャツが3ヶ月連続リリース決定!】(2020.08.21更新) . Evangelion Store. 21 August 2020. 12 December 2021. 12 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211212153905/https://www.evastore2.jp/news-tokyo-01/2020/08/21825/. live.
  • Book: 2003 . Refrain of Evangelion Booklet . . ja. 残酷な天使のテーゼ.
  • Web site: A Cruel Angel's Thesis . Musicnotes . 26 March 2018 . 7 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200712034635/https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0182802 . 12 July 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Interview: Cruel Angel's Thesis singer Yoko Takahashi . Zac Bertschy . . 13 July 2015 . 7 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150901152703/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2015-07-13/interview-cruel-angel-thesis-singer-yoko-takahashi/.90386 . 1 September 2015 . live.
  • Web site: 高橋洋子 . 11 May 2009 . ja . 7 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304093718/http://interview.utamap.com/review_2009/20090511_takahashiyouko/takahashiyouko_1.html . 4 March 2016 . live.
  • Web site: 'A Cruel Angel's Thesis' took just two hours to write says Evangelion lyricist Neko Oikawa . Fan Wrigley . 8 January 2015 . 7 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150731152542/http://en.rocketnews24.com/2015/01/08/a-cruel-angels-thesis-took-just-two-hours-to-write-says-evangelion-lyricist-neko-oikawa/ . 31 July 2015 . live.
  • Web site: 「残酷な天使のテーゼ」は天からのギフト——「新世紀エヴァンゲリオン」NETFLIXでのTVシリーズ全話&旧劇場版・配信記念! 高橋洋子(歌手)インタビュー! . 17 June 2019 . ja . 7 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20190618062907/https://akiba-souken.com/article/40399/ . 18 June 2019 . live.
  • Book: Evangelion Finally Booklet. 2020. Milan Record. Interview: Yoko Takahashi.
  • Web site: 「残酷な天使のテーゼ」の作詞・及川眠子、『エヴァ』での儲けは6億円!? 作詞の裏事情を赤裸々に語る!! . 26 August 2016 . ja . 25 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191025115958/https://otapol.com/2016/08/post-7899.html . 25 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 驚愕! 作詞家が明かす名曲『残酷な天使のテーゼ』のシンプルすぎる誕生秘話 . 12 January 2015 . ja . 8 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150914031313/http://getnews.jp/archives/764301 . 14 September 2015 . live.
  • Web site: 残酷な天使のテーゼ 歌詞 . ja . 8 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201128065247/https://j-lyric.net/artist/a000cc4/l010dc5.html . 28 November 2020 . live.
  • Web site: 『残酷な天使のテーゼ』にも使われている、「テーゼ」の意味は●●だった!! . 28 September 2019 . ja . 29 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200810054332/https://www.nansuka.jp/yamashitasairo/p002680/ . 10 August 2020 . live.
  • Web site: ja. Yahoo! Japan. 9 May 2021. 「テーゼ」「パトス」って? アニソンに登場する、意味を知らない謎単語 . 12 October 2021. 9 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210509012535/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/667ccfdb3cf546563f7f8e9d779e816baa9cbc29. live.
  • Web site: 「残酷な天使のテーゼ」歌詞、「神話になれ」は当初「凶器になれ」だった...作詞家・及川眠子さん . 28 December 2016 . ja . 25 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162151/https://www.sankei.com/west/news/161228/wst1612280011-n2.html . 12 June 2018 . live.
  • Web site: Devin Meenan. 5 Saddest Musical Themes In Neon Genesis Evangelion (& 5 Happiest) . Comic Book Resources . June 2021. 8 October 2021. 3 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210603091357/https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-saddest-happiest-musical-themes/. live.
  • Book: 1997 . Death & Rebirth Program Book . ja . Gainax . 出演者コメント.
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  • Web site: 高橋洋子, CLAIRE . Oricon . ja . 14 December 2020 . 11 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190811124620/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/352554/products/142146/1/ . live.
  • Web site: 残酷な天使のテーゼ/FLY ME TO THE MOON . Oricon . ja . 8 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20190811124614/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/352554/products/503585/1/ . 11 August 2019 . live.
  • Book: Evangelion Chronicle . 1 . 30–31 . Sony Magazines . ja.
  • Web site: Happy Second Impact! . . 13 September 2000 . 8 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191101144234/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2000-09-13/happy-second-impact . 1 November 2019 . live.
  • Web site: NEON GENESIS EVANGELION DECADE (音楽CD) . ja . 8 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20201020205038/https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/258 . 20 October 2020 . live.
  • Web site: ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版 . ja . 8 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160614004612/http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/evangelion/audio-technica.html . 14 June 2016 . live.
  • Web site: Shin Godzilla vs. Evangelion Symphony – Álbum . 30 December 2017 . es . 31 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191101144345/https://www.dosismedia.com/shin-godzilla-vs-evangelion-symphony-album/ . 1 November 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 『エヴァンゲリオン』ヴォーカル楽曲セレクションCD『EVANGELION FINALLY』の店舗オリジナル購入特典が公開 . 30 March 2020 . ja . 23 May 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200604010922/https://app.famitsu.com/20200330_1613914/ . 4 June 2020 . live.
  • Web site: 『エヴァンゲリオン』シリーズ25周年アニバーサリー企画CD「NEON GENESIS EVANGELION SOUNDTRACK 25th ANNIVERSARY BOX」ジャケ写・試聴動画公開! . 24 June 2020 . ja . 5 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200708063540/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1592997192 . 8 July 2020 . live.
  • Web site: スターチャイルドSELECTION 音楽編~TV作品集~ . Billboard Japan . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190511011410/http://www.billboard-japan.com/goods/detail/177979 . 11 May 2019 . live.
  • Web site: スーパーロボット魂2003"春の陣" . Billboard Japan . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190611195221/http://www.billboard-japan.com/goods/detail/187982 . 11 June 2019 . live.
  • Web site: スーパーロボット魂 ザ・ベスト Vol.3~リアルロボ編~ . Oricon . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231750/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/107774/products/533317/1/ . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: スーパーロボット魂 BEST&LIVE [ガールズ編] . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231731/https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&cd=BSCH000030033 . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: スーパーロボット魂 ノンストップ・ミックス VOL4[ガールズ編] . Billboard Japan . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200222164003/http://www.billboard-japan.com/goods/detail/20834 . 22 February 2020 . live.
  • Web site: スーパーロボット魂 ノンストップ・ミックスVOL.4 [ガールズ編] ]. ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231734/https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?cd=BSCH000030093 . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: スーパーロボット魂 主題歌ベストコレクション2 . Oricon . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231757/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/34397/products/610268/1/ . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: スーパーロボット魂BEST&LIVE [ガールズ編2] . Billboard Japan . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190522061006/http://www.billboard-japan.com/goods/detail/20797 . 22 May 2019 . live.
  • Web site: スーパーロボットライブ リクエスト・ベスト . Billboard Japan . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200222163954/http://www.billboard-japan.com/goods/detail/180663 . 22 February 2020 . live.
  • Web site: スーパーロボットライブ リクエスト・ベスト . Oricon . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231758/https://music.oricon.co.jp/php/cd/CdTop.php?cd=SPC01695178 . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: スーパーロボット魂 リアルロボ・ソングコレクション . Billboard Japan . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191128191938/http://www.billboard-japan.com/goods/detail/20809 . 28 November 2019 . live.
  • Web site: THE BEST!! スーパーロボット魂 ガールズ・ベストコレクション . Billboard Japan . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191128203540/http://www.billboard-japan.com/goods/detail/20823 . 28 November 2019 . live.
  • Web site: pop'n music 12 いろは AC CS pop'n music 10 . Oricon . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231757/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/67810/products/587724/1/ . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: キッズソング★ヒットパラダイス! まんまるスマイル・崖の上のポニョ . Billboard Japan . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231747/http://www.billboard-japan.com/goods/detail/183586 . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: ブラバン!甲子園 3 . Universal Music Japan . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160828024154/http://www.universal-music.co.jp/braban-koshien/products/uicz-4199/ . 28 August 2016 . live.
  • Web site: ネコイズム~及川眠子作品集 . Billboard Japan . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191025005659/http://www.billboard-japan.com/goods/detail/581357 . 25 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: ja. 14 March 2021. 【エヴァンゲリオン】あなたが一番好きな歴代主題歌は? . 11 March 2021. 11 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210311120620/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/c8814a26a095788d230c0927bc589edd09d976a6. live.
  • Web site: Da Dragon Ball a Evangelion: le migliori opening degli anime . Salvatore Cardone . 9 March 2019 . 29 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231752/https://anime.everyeye.it/articoli/speciale-da-dragon-ball-evangelion-migliori-opening-degli-anime-42983.html . 12 December 2020 . live. it.
  • Web site: Songs From Evangelion, Other Anime Win JASRAC Awards . Anime News Network . 25 May 2011. 28 October 2014 . https://archive.today/20110527172158/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-05-25/songs-from-evangelion-other-anime-win-jasrac-awards . 27 May 2011 . live.
  • Web site: 第18回アニメグランプリ [1996年5月号] . ja . 27 December 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131014172959/http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_1996.html . 14 October 2013 . dead.
  • Web site: 第19回アニメグランプリ [1997年6月号] . ja . 27 December 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20131014173011/http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_1997.html . 14 October 2013 . dead.
  • Web site: 『忘れられないアニメソングベスト100』 2002.7.28 テレビ朝日 . ja . 8 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304191836/http://www.motobayashi.net/karaoke/song100.html . 4 March 2016 . live.
  • Web site: 年代別もう一度聞きたいアニメソング ベスト60 . ja . 8 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150313011736/http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/best/updating_dex/ranking/013.html . 13 March 2015 . live.
  • Web site: 年代別もう一度聞きたいアニメソング . ja . 8 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20040217164235/http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/best/updating_dex/ranking/backnum_index.html . 17 February 2004 . dead.
  • Web site: 7 Magical Girls that Fandom Forgot . Anime News Network . 15 October 2016. 26 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191026002613/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-list/2016-10-15/.107546 . 26 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: Cruel Angel's Thesis Maintains Its Top Spot as Fav Anisong . Anime News Network . 31 August 2016. 26 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191026004118/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2016-08-31/cruel-angel-thesis-maintains-its-top-spot-as-fav-anisong/.105934 . 26 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 2018年、国歌にしたいアニソンは? 「残酷な天使のテーゼ」を超える人気を集めたのは...【「君が代」記念日】 . 12 August 2018 . ja . 26 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191026003452/https://animeanime.jp/article/2018/08/12/39396.html . 26 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 女子が好きなアニメソングランキング発表 / カラオケ定番『残酷な天使のテーゼ』は何位!? . 5 July 2019 . ja . 26 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191026003447/https://news.merumo.ne.jp/article/genre/8793783 . 26 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: Top 11 best anime intros and opening themes . Terrance Pyror . 15 October 2018. 29 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181016143257/https://www.axs.com/top-11-best-anime-intros-and-opening-themes-134225 . 16 October 2018 . live.
  • Web site: 18 March 2021. Top 20 Anime Openings of All Time . 15 March 2021. 25 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210325154740/https://otakukart.com/top-20-anime-openings-of-all-time/. live.
  • Web site: From Akira to Cowboy Bebop, Anime's Most Iconic Soundtracks . . Ederlyn Peralta. 9 August 2020 . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231747/https://www.cbr.com/from-akira-to-cowboy-bebop-animes-most-iconic-soundtracks/ . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Anime song fitness video series kicks off with exercise routine for the Evangelion theme【Video】 . 24 January 2017 . 26 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191024174721/https://soranews24.com/2017/01/24/anime-song-fitness-video-series-kicks-off-with-exercise-routine-for-the-evangelion-theme%e3%80%90video%e3%80%91/ . 24 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 10 Hilarious Evangelion Memes Only True Fans Will Understand . . Edoardo Luquin . 11 October 2019. 14 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201112001605/https://www.cbr.com/funny-evangelion-memes/ . 12 November 2020 . live.
  • Web site: 5 Reasons You Should Still Watch 'Evangelion' In 2019 . Lauren Orsini . . 25 June 2019. 30 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231754/https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurenorsini/2019/06/25/5-reasons-you-should-still-watch-evangelion-in-2019/#41e88a87398c . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Get in the Robot . Noah Black . 21 January 2020. 30 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200812124842/http://mcccagora.com/2020/01/21/get-in-the-robot/ . 12 August 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Anime Opening Songs Guaranteed to Lift Your Spirits . Matt Fagaly . 16 May 2020 . 29 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200718064655/https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-feature/2020/05/16-1/anime-opening-songs-guaranteed-to-lift-your-spirits . 18 July 2020 . live.
  • Web site: The Best Anime Intros of All Time, As Chosen By You . 30 March 2016 . 26 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191025235549/https://geekandsundry.com/your-top-5-fav-anime-intros-of-all-time-forever-and-ever/ . 25 October 2019 . dead.
  • Web site: Neon Genesis Evangelion Review . 9 November 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080410002057/http://www.anime-planet.com/reviews/a390.html . 10 April 2008 . dead.
  • Web site: Netflix just added one of the greatest sci-fi TV shows of all time . David Levesley . 21 June 2019 . 14 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200815023122/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/neon-genesis-evangelion-netflix . 15 August 2020 . live.
  • Web site: 【アニソンの歴史を振り返る1995年編】TVアニメ『新世紀エヴァンゲリオン』高橋洋子「残酷な天使のテーゼ」【連載vol.69】 . Junichi Tsukagoshi . 13 July 2020 . ja . 29 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200917050216/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1594605915 . 17 September 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Taiko no Tatsujin Drum Session Recensione: Rullo di tamburi ed è subito festa . Laura Mucci . 17 July 2018 . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191215192219/https://www.everyeye.it/articoli/recensione-taiko-tatsujin-drum-session-rullo-tamburi-ed-subito-festa-39869.html . 15 December 2019 . live. it.
  • Web site: 15 Best Anime Opening Themes of All Time, Ranked . . 13 May 2020 . 21 May 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200525102417/https://www.cbr.com/best-anime-opening-themes-all-time-ranked/ . 25 May 2020 . live.
  • Web site: 10 Best Anime Openings Of The 90s, Ranked . . 23 February 2020 . 21 May 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200311213947/https://www.cbr.com/best-anime-openings-90s-ranked/ . 11 March 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Stand back, kids! 64-year-old enka singer Aki Yashiro completely nails cover of Evangelion theme . 21 November 2014 . 26 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191025230920/https://soranews24.com/2014/11/21/stand-back-kids-64-year-old-enka-singer-aki-yashiro-completely-nails-cover-of-evangelion-theme/ . 25 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 16 December 2021. "Cruel Angel's Thesis" Writers Reunite for New JoJo Theme . 19 August 2018. Crunchyroll. 16 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211216224945/https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-news/2018/08/18/cruel-angels-thesis-writers-reunite-for-new-jojo-theme. live.
  • Web site: Top 10 Reasons 'A Cruel Angel's Thesis' is the Best Anime Theme in Existence . 23 June 2019 . 24 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191024141734/https://www.animemaru.com/top-10-reasons-a-cruel-angels-thesis-is-the-best-anime-theme-in-existence/ . 24 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: The Best 'Evangelion' OP Parodies of All Time . 22 June 2019 . 24 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190929130441/https://www.geek.com/tech/the-best-evangelion-op-parodies-of-all-time-1667183/ . 29 September 2019 . live.
  • Web site: Neon Genesis Evangelion: 5 Ways It's A Timeless Anime (& 5 Ways It's Overrated) . . Daniel Kurland . 28 June 2020. 5 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200630032349/https://www.cbr.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-timeless-overrated-comparison-anime/ . 30 June 2020 . live.
  • Web site: 12 October 2021. 10 Iconic Anime Songs That Are More Famous Than Their Anime . 26 August 2021. Comic Book Resources . 21 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211021054918/https://www.cbr.com/anime-songs-soundtrack-more-famous-than-show/. live.
  • Web site: Comic Book Resources . 10 Unskippable Openings In Shonen Anime, Ranked . 21 March 2021. 12 October 2021. 28 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211028170456/https://www.cbr.com/unskippable-openings-shonen-anime-ranked/. live.
  • Web site: Comic Book Resources . What Is the Best Anime Opening of All Time? . 22 September 2021. 12 October 2021. 6 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211006094834/https://www.cbr.com/best-anime-opening-ever/. live.
  • Web site: 8 things to know about Neon Genesis Evangelion, the legendary anime now streaming on Netflix . 21 June 2019. 25 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190807040814/https://www.vox.com/2019/6/21/18683621/neon-genesis-evangelion-netflix-release-explained . 7 August 2019 . live.
  • Web site: Neon Genesis Evangelion: a Rei cosplay will capture you with Cruel Angel's Thesis on the piano . Maria Rivera . 7 July 2020. 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231835/https://asapland.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-a-rei-cosplay-will-capture-you-with-cruel-angels-thesis-on-the-piano/48182/ . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Japanese gravure idol strips down, plays drums to anime hits【Videos】 . 17 June 2020 . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200802095948/https://soranews24.com/2020/06/17/japanese-gravure-idol-strips-down-plays-drums-to-anime-hits%e3%80%90videos%e3%80%91/ . 2 August 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Aberturas de Attack on Titan e Evangelion são reproduzidas em calculadoras . 31 March 2020 . pt . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200616200832/https://br.ign.com/anime/80888/news/aberturas-de-attack-on-titan-e-evangelion-sao-reproduzidas-em-calculadoras . 16 June 2020 . live.
  • Web site: The Best (and Worst) Neon Genesis Evangelion Theme Song Covers . 6 December 2017. 24 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191024141736/https://dotandline.net/a-cruel-angels-thesis-cover-videos-3ca9b42e55b5/ . 24 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: The 'Party Rock Anthem' Meme Will Enrich Your Life . Christian Hoard . . 9 October 2018 . 24 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191024151031/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lmfao-party-rock-anthem-meme-735242/ . 24 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: "Party Rock Anthem" colliding with our favorite scene anthems is everything we need . Whitney Shoemaker . . 7 October 2018. 14 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200805133032/https://www.altpress.com/features/lmfao-party-rock-anthem-bpm-mashup/ . 5 August 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Se il Monopoli segna parte "7 miliardi" di Massimo Pericolo . 30 August 2019 . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200810092927/https://www.rockit.it/news/massimo-pericolo-monopoli-neon-genesis-evangelion . 10 August 2020 . live. it.
  • Web site: it . No, il Monopoli non userà Massimo Pericolo allo stadio . Francesco Caroli . 6 September 2019 . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200806134157/http://www.blunotemusic.it/monopoli-massimo-pericolo-gol/ . 6 August 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Italianos pasan cuarentena del coronavirus al ritmo del opening de Evangelion . 9 July 2020 . es . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200805104829/https://www.airedesantafe.com.ar/noticias-virales-del-mundo/italianos-pasan-cuarentena-del-coronavirus-al-ritmo-del-opening-evangelion-n161997 . 5 August 2020 . live.
  • News: https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2232995/full/ . ja:人気声優の人生を変えたアニソンは? ミルキィホームズやハルヒ、エヴァなど続々 . What are the anime songs that changed the lives of popular voice actors? From Milky Holmes to Haruhi to Eva , one after another . ja . . 8 April 2022 . 7 January 2024.
  • Web site: ja. カラオケ戦隊声優ジャー:徳井青空ら出演声優が“人生を変えたアニソン”語る(コメント全文) . Mantan Web. 28 April 2022 . 7 January 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20220501005655/https://mantan-web.jp/article/20220428dog00m200000000c.html. 1 May 2022.
  • Web site: Newly-Edited "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" Music Video HD Version Now Streamed . 20 June 2018 . 24 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191024142612/https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-news/2018/06/19/newly-edited-the-cruel-angels-thesis-music-video-hd-version-now-streamed . 24 October 2019 . live.
  • Book: Horn, Carl Gustav . Eight books from Evangelion. Viz Media. Neon Genesis Evangelion. 8. 978-1-59116-415-9. 2004.
  • Web site: Shinji's Tape Player Gets A Tech Upgrade With New Sony Walkman F . Anime News Network . 19 April 2014 . 7 October 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181008061311/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-04-19/shinji-tape-player-gets-a-tech-upgrade-with-new-sony-walkman-f . 8 October 2018 . live.
  • Web site: Hear the Evangelion theme song as you drive over Hakone's Ashinoko Skyline "musical road" . 13 April 2015. 24 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191024174718/https://soranews24.com/2015/04/13/hear-the-evangelion-theme-song-as-you-drive-over-hakones-ashinoko-skyline-musical-road/ . 24 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: EVASTORE オフィシャル版 新世紀エヴァンゲリオンOPENING Tシャツ/白 . ja . 24 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200804170513/https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/7828 . 4 August 2020 . live.
  • Web site: EVASTOREオリジナル マキシシングル初号機バックプリントTシャツ(摩砂雪イラスト) . ja . 24 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200920033422/https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/11560 . 20 September 2020 . live.
  • Web site: EVASTOREオリジナル マキシシングル初号機タペストリー(摩砂雪イラスト) . ja . 24 October 2019 . 18 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210118082108/https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/11561 . live.
  • Web site: EVASTOREオリジナル マキシシングル初号機メタルポストカード・クリアファイルセット(摩砂雪イラスト) . ja . 24 October 2019 . 18 January 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210118073918/https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/11562 . live.
  • Web site: 8月11日(土)放送の「新幹線変形ロボ シンカリオン」にて、500 TYPE EVAがシンカリオンに変形! 運転するのは緒方恵美演じる碇シンジ! . 2 July 2018 . ja . 24 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231841/https://www.eva-info.jp/4461 . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Share a Drink with Mom at the Evangelion Pub . Kara Dennison . 9 November 2018. 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231840/https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-news/2018/11/09/share-a-drink-with-mom-at-the-evangelion-pub . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: エヴァ酒場開店「ゲンドウ豆のさつま揚げ」「見知らぬ、天丼」と豊富なメニュー . 14 November 2018 . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201113123555/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/307877 . 13 November 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Skaters Dance Like They Want to Win in Evangelion Routine . 19 June 2019. 24 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191024140757/https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-news/2019/06/18-1/skaters-dance-like-they-want-to-win-in-evangelion-routine . 24 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: NXT Star Gets Name Change To Fans' Delight . Raymond. 26 June 2019. 15 December 2020. 25 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210325154747/https://www.sescoops.com/2019/06/nxt-star-gets-name-change-to-fans-delight/. live.
  • Web site: 13 December 2020. Evangelion taking over Tokyo Skytree just in time for Christmas . 3 December 2020. Casey Baseel. 14 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201214181659/https://soranews24.com/2020/12/03/evangelion-taking-over-tokyo-skytree-just-in-time-for-christmas/. live.
  • Web site: ja. 14 March 2021. 映画『シン・エヴァンゲリオン劇場版』公開記念 「EVANGELION トウキョウスカイツリー(R)計画」の開催期間を5月31日(月)まで延長! . 8 March 2021. 8 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210308074857/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000129.000041446.html. live.
  • Web site: Seiyu's Life . Anime News Network . 7 July 2015 . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201103062912/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/preview-guide/2015/summer/seiyu-life/.89906 . 3 November 2020 . live.
  • Web site: 25 October 2021. 10 Anime That Referenced Neon Genesis Evangelion . 16 September 2021. Angelo. Delos Trinos. Comic Book Resources . 25 September 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210925040139/https://www.cbr.com/anime-neon-genesis-evangelion-references-homage-tribute/. live.
  • Web site: Neon Genesis Evangelion Opening Parodied on Regular Show . . 10 April 2015. 7 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181207165658/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-04-10/neon-genesis-evangelion-opening-parodied-on-regular-show/.86964 . 7 December 2018 . live.
  • Web site: ja. 17 October 2021. Oricon. 年間 カラオケランキング . https://web.archive.org/web/20141110152113/http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ko/y/2013/. 10 November 2014.
  • Web site: ja. 17 October 2021. Oricon. 年間 カラオケランキング . https://web.archive.org/web/20150214151736/http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ko/y/2014/. 14 February 2015.
  • Web site: ja. 17 October 2021. Oricon. 年間 カラオケランキング . https://web.archive.org/web/20160201163705/http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ko/y/2015/. 1 February 2016.
  • Web site: ja. 17 October 2021. Oricon. 年間 カラオケランキング . https://web.archive.org/web/20171021184340/http://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ko/y/2016/. 21 October 2017.
  • Web site: ja. 17 October 2021. Oricon. 年間 カラオケランキング . https://web.archive.org/web/20180620102141/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ko/y/2017/. 20 June 2018.
  • Web site: ja. 17 October 2021. Oricon. 年間 カラオケランキング . https://web.archive.org/web/20190924201348/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ko/y/2018/. 24 September 2019.
  • Web site: ja. 17 October 2021. Oricon. 年間 カラオケランキング . https://web.archive.org/web/20191223024929/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/ko/y/2019/. 23 December 2019.
  • Web site: 残酷な天使のテーゼ/高橋洋子 . . ja . 27 December 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130430060329/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/142144/1/ . 30 April 2013 . dead.
  • Web site: 残酷な天使のテーゼ/高橋洋子,CLAIRE . Oricon . ja . 27 December 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121021172447/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/142146/1/ . 21 October 2012 . dead.
  • See Certifications .
  • Web site: THE RECORD - 日本レコード協会 . Recording Industry Association of Japan . ja. 27 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180617043539/http://www.riaj.or.jp/riaj/open/open-record!file?fid=801 . 17 June 2018 . 9 . live.
  • Web site: 残酷な天使のテーゼ/FLY ME TO THE MOON/高橋洋子,CLAIRE . Oricon . ja . 27 December 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121021182411/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/503585/1/ . 21 October 2012 . dead.
  • Book: June 2009. 131. Newtype. Kadokawa Shoten.
  • Book: July 2009. 135. Newtype. Kadokawa Shoten.
  • Web site: 残酷な天使のテーゼ2009 VERSION/高橋洋子 . Oricon . ja . 27 December 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130430042608/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/808028/1/ . 30 April 2013 . dead.
  • Web site: Statistic Trends . RIAJ . ja . 27 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190808111910/https://www.riaj.or.jp/f/pdf/issue/industry/RIAJ2015.pdf . 8 August 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 特集:ヱヴァ、新生 新劇場版、庵野は何を目指すのか? . 26 August 2007 . ja . 27 December 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090707092937/http://mainichi.jp/enta/mantan/archive/news/2007/08/26/20070826org00m200002000c.html . 7 July 2009 . dead.
  • Web site: 2011年JASRAC賞 「残酷な天使のテーゼ」が金賞を受賞 . ja . 28 October 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141226192940/http://www.jasrac.or.jp/profile/prize/2011.html . 26 December 2014 . live.
  • Web site: Weekly Wrapup 22/5 - 28/5 . Anime News Network . 29 May 2011 . 28 October 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141226202555/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-05-30/weekly-wrapup-22/5-28/5 . 26 December 2014 . live.
  • Web site: 国内作品分配額ベスト10(金・銀・銅賞関連) . ja . 8 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110913084318/http://www.jasrac.or.jp/profile/prize/2008_country.html . 13 September 2011 . live.
  • Web site: 国内作品分配額ベスト10(金・銀・銅賞関連) . ja . 8 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120528150512/http://www.jasrac.or.jp/profile/prize/2009_country.html . 28 May 2012 . live.
  • Web site: 国内作品分配額ベスト10(金・銀・銅賞関連) . ja . 8 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121019232238/http://www.jasrac.or.jp/profile/prize/2010_country.html . 19 October 2012 . live.
  • Web site: レコ協、5月度着うた等有料音楽配信認定を公表 . 20 June 2012 . ja . 6 September 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201008151046/https://www.musicman.co.jp/business/13092 . 8 October 2020 . live.
  • News: Evangelion theme song lyricist talks about her annual royalties, buying caves in Turkey . Krista Rogers . Soranews24 -Japan News- . 16 September 2015 . 18 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150918085629/http://en.rocketnews24.com/2015/09/16/evangelion-theme-song-lyricist-talks-about-her-annual-royalties-buying-caves-in-turkey/ . 18 September 2015 . live.
  • Web site: Evangelion Theme Song Writer Makes Over Hundred Million Yen in Royalties . Eric Stimson . Anime News Network . 12 September 2015 . 18 September 2015 . https://archive.today/20150918181930/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-09-12/evangelion-theme-song-writer-makes-over-hundred-million-yen-in-royalties/.92844 . 18 September 2015 . live.
  • Web site: 2013's Best VAs, Anime, Games, and Karaoke Songs Chosen by Voice Actors . Anime News Network . 27 December 2013 . 28 October 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141226195722/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-12-27/2013-best-vas-anime-games-and-karaoke-songs-chosen-by-voice-actors . 26 December 2014 . live.
  • Web site: Attack on Titan Theme Ranks #2 Karaoke Song . Anime News Network . 20 March 2014 . 28 October 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141025185029/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-03-20/attack-on-titan-theme-ranks-no.2-karaoke-song . 25 October 2014 . live.
  • Web site: Frozen's 'Let it Go' Ranks in Top Karaoke AniSongs for 1st Half of 2014 . Anime News Network . 13 June 2014 . 28 October 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141205050549/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-06-13/frozen-let-it-go-ranks-in-top-karaoke-anisongs-for-1st-half-of-2014/.75456 . 5 December 2014 . live.
  • Web site: 1位高橋洋子 「残酷な天使のテーゼ」 . ja . 28 October 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141025093049/http://joysound.com/ex/st/special/feature/ranking2014/index.htm#ranking05 . 25 October 2014 . dead.
  • Web site: 2007年カラオケ事情を振り返る ~2007年楽曲別ランキング~ . 10 December 2007 . ja . 20 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150923212853/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000036297 . 23 September 2015 . live.
  • Web site: 特集:注目特集!年間ランキング (2009年JOYSOUND年間ランキング) . 4 December 2009 . ja . 20 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100414094027/http://joysound.com/ex/st/special/feature/2009ranking/index.htm . 14 April 2010 . dead.
  • Web site: Attack on Titan's Opening Song Tops Japan's Karaoke Chart . Anime News Network . 10 June 2013 . 28 June 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141226193244/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-06-10/attack-on-titan-opening-song-tops-japan-karaoke-chart . 26 December 2014 . live.
  • Web site: 10,000 Otaku Poll Names Favorite Anime Song to Karaoke . 26 January 2015 . 26 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191026001721/https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-news/2015/01/25/10000-otaku-poll-names-favorite-anime-song-to-karaoke . 26 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: Japanese Karaoke Goers Are Tired of Hearing Cruel Angel's Thesis . Lynzee Loveridge . . 25 March 2015. 18 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150916041759/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-03-25/japanese-karaoke-goers-are-tired-of-hearing-cruel-angel-thesis/.86369 . 16 September 2015 . live.
  • Web site: Six anime songs people are sick of hearing at karaoke, according to new poll . Casey Baseel . 26 March 2015 . 18 September 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150923004541/http://en.rocketnews24.com/2015/03/26/six-anime-songs-people-are-sick-of-hearing-at-karaoke-according-to-new-poll/ . 23 September 2015 . live.
  • Web site: Top 30 karaoke songs for the first half of 2017 . 21 June 2017 . 14 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201023115938/https://aramajapan.com/news/music/top-30-karaoke-songs-for-the-first-half-of-2017/76965/ . 23 October 2020 . live.
  • Kenshi Yonezu's 'Lemon' is Japan's Most-Popular Karaoke Song: See Top 10 List . . 30 November 2019 . 6 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200706112944/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/8545099/kenshi-yonezu-lemon-japan-most-popular-karaoke-song-see-list . 6 July 2020 . live.
  • Web site: "ヒトカラで熱唱したいアニソン"といえば? 社会人1,000人に調査! 「残酷な天使のテーゼ」抑えた1位は... . 7 November 2019 . ja . 14 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191212051206/https://animeanime.jp/article/2019/11/07/49497.html . 12 December 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 2019年カラ鉄年間カラオケランキング TOP10,000ツイッターでシェアする . ja . 14 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200409071139/https://www.karatetsu.com/ranking/total/2019 . 9 April 2020 . live.
  • Web site: 月間カラオケランキング TOP1,000 ツイッターでシェアする . ja . 14 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200804202854/https://www.karatetsu.com/ranking/index.php . 4 August 2020 . live.
  • Web site: ^ "アニソンベスト100!結果発表 - ニッポンアニメ100" . ja . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170220012245/http://www.nhk.or.jp/anime/anime100/anison/rank.html . 20 February 2017.
  • Web site: Evangelion OP Song "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" Tops Japan's Karaoke Ranking of Heisei Period . 2 March 2019 . ja . 26 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191026003840/https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-news/2019/03/02/evangelion-op-song-a-cruel-angels-thesis-tops-japans-karaoke-ranking-of-heisei-period . 26 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 「鬼滅の刃」LiSAの主題歌"紅蓮華"、圏外から総合2位へ大躍進!"20年カラオケ上半期ランキング"JOYSOUND発表 . 8 July 2020 . ja . 12 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200712201642/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/27ce16f1bf07b6db5c4e92024a4951e804921bc0 . 12 July 2020 . live.
  • Book: Groundwork of EVANGELION . 2000 . Gainax . ja . 1 . 217 . 978-4-903713-00-7.
  • Web site: Interviewing translator Michael House . 11 November 2011 . 17 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20200824175245/https://www.gwern.net/docs/eva/2011-house . 24 August 2020 . live. House . Michael.
  • Book: Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book. 1. ja. Kadokawa Shoten . 15.
  • Book: Platinum Booklet . Opening . . 2004.
  • Book: Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book. 1. ja. Kadokawa Shoten . 8.
  • Book: Kei Watanabe . Daichi Nakagawa . Tsunehiro Uno . 8 May 2006 . Evangelion Special: Phenomenon to Legacy . . ja.
  • Web site: Classic Evangelion Theme "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" Gets New Music Video! . 21 June 2018 . 25 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181118164554/https://otakumode.com/news/5b2a063242d2e34652594ff0/Classic-Evangelion-Theme-A-Cruel-Angel-s-Thesis-Gets-New-Music-Video! . 18 November 2018 . live.
  • Book: Newtype Complete 新世紀エヴァンゲリオン. Kadokawa Shoten. 2005. ja. 122–123.
  • From the OP CREW, DVD "01 TEST-TYPE" of the Renewal Edition.
  • Web site: Neon Genesis Evangelion Theme Gets An Official HD Music Video . 21 June 2018 . 25 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191025194238/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2018/06/neon-genesis-evangelion-theme-gets-an-official-hd-music-video/ . 25 October 2019 . live.
  • Book: EVA友の会 . CASTから一声. 14. ja.
  • Web site: it. Mario Pasqualini. Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time – C'era tre volte l'amore . 8 March 2021. 11 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210309033623/http://www.dimensionefumetto.it/evangelion-3-01-0-thrice-upon-a-time-cera-tre-volte-lamore/. 9 March 2021. live.
  • Book: Evangelion Chronicle . 17. 23. Sony Magazines . ja.
  • Book: Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book. 8. ja. Kadokawa Shoten . 17.
  • Book: Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book. 7. ja. Kadokawa Shoten . 49.
  • Bartoli. Fabio. Neon Genesis Evangelion e la Kabbalah: dal Tempo di dolore al Tempo Benedetto . 2008. Antrocom. 4. 1. 34. 18 April 2020. it. 22 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180422065644/http://www.antrocom.net/upload/sub/antrocom/040108/06-Antrocom.pdf. live.
  • Ortega. Mariana. 2007. My Father, He Killed Me; My Mother, She Ate Me: Self, Desire, Engendering, and the Mother in Neon Genesis Evangelion. Mechademia. 2. 220. 978-0-8166-5266-2. 10.1353/mec.0.0010. 120554645.
  • Book: Evangelion Chronicle . 1 . 28 . Sony Magazines . ja.
  • Book: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto. Der Mond. Viz Media. 2001. 114. 1-56931-546-9.
  • Book: Redmond, Dennis. The World is Watching: Video as Multinational Aesthetics, 1968–1995. 2004. Southern Illinois University Press. 0-8093-2535-7. 126.
  • Book: 庵野 秀明 - Part II. 1997. 新世紀エヴァンゲリオン残酷な天使のように. Magazine Magazine. 4-906011-25-X.
  • Book: 2009 . The Essential Evangelion Chronicle: Side A. Glénat Editions . 3. 978-2-7234-7120-6.
  • Web site: Speaking Once as They Return: Gainax's Neon Genesis Evangelion - Part 2 . Horn. Carl G. 7 September 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20111228184523/http://www.stanford.edu/~fenn/eva/eva2.html. 28 December 2011. dead.
  • Book: Fujie. Kazuhisa. Foster. Martin. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Unofficial Guide. 2004. DH Publishing, Inc.. United States. 0-9745961-4-0. 74.
  • Book: Newtype Complete 新世紀エヴァンゲリオン. Kadokawa Shoten. 2005. ja. 24–25.
  • Web site: 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' Releases New 'Cruel Angel Thesis' Video . Nick Valdez . 23 June 2018. 14 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231808/https://comicbook.com/anime/news/neon-genesis-evangelion-cruel-angel-thesis-video-hd/ . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Book: Cavallaro, Dani. Anime Intersections. Tradition and Innovation in Theme and Technique. 2007. McFarland. 978-0-7864-3234-9. 65–66.
  • Web site: Yoko Takahashi Performs Neon Genesis Evangelion Theme, "A Cruel Angel's Thesis," to Excited Crowd at Anime Expo 2015 in LA . 10 July 2015 . 2 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151113010510/http://otakumode.com/news/559c1489386946ac1c803142/Yoko-Takahashi-Performs-Neon-Genesis-Evangelion-Theme-%E2%80%9CA-Cruel-Angel%E2%80%99s-Thesis-%E2%80%9D-to-Excited-Crowd-at-Anime-Expo-2015-in-LA . 13 November 2015 . live.
  • Web site: まらしぃ 高橋洋子と「残酷な天使のテーゼ」をサプライズ披露。『PiaNoFace』リリース・ライブ最終ステージをレポート . Billboard Japan . 23 May 2017 . ja . 31 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191101155454/http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/51265/2 . 1 November 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 「残酷な天使のテーゼ/魂のルフラン 」 高橋洋子(Maxiシングル) . ja . 31 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190621130951/https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/11389 . 21 June 2019 . live.
  • Web site: Yoko Takahashi's Evangelion Songs Get New Single Release, International Tour . Anime News Network . 19 May 2019 . 31 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191031205914/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2018-05-19/yoko-takahashi-evangelion-songs-get-new-single-release-international-tour/.131737 . 31 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 劇場版新作で「本当に終わるようです」 シンジ役・緒方恵美が言及 . 6 July 2019 . ja . 31 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190822201910/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20190706/dyo/00m/200/045000c . 22 August 2019 . dead.
  • Web site: Evangelion – La colonna sonora ufficiale online, manca Fly me to the moon di CLAIRE . Marlen Vazzoler . 25 June 2019 . 2 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231736/https://blog.screenweek.it/2019/06/evangelion-la-colonna-sonora-ufficiale-online-manca-fly-me-to-the-moon-di-claire-690098.php/ . 12 December 2020 . live. it.
  • Web site: 芦ノ湖に響き渡れ エヴァ主題歌「残酷な天使のテーゼ」 高橋洋子湖上ライブ . 15 January 2020 . ja . 2 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200223144352/https://odawara-hakone.keizai.biz/headline/3270/ . 23 February 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Hakone sans-façon vol.Special Edition - Evangelion EN Il . 10 January 2020. 2 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231800/https://issuu.com/jyxyer/docs/vol._specialedition_eva1_en . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: エヴァンゲリオン×箱根 2020(公式) . 2 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200813233827/https://eva-hakone.com/en/ . 13 August 2020 . dead.
  • Web site: Yoko Takahashi's Special Concert on Ashino-ko . 2 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200511044400/https://eva-hakone.com/en/event04.html . 11 May 2020 . dead.
  • Web site: 11 March 2021. Kyoto film studio attraction offers chance to 'pilot' Evangelion robot . Yuki Shibata. 27 October 2020. 25 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210725053827/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/photo/34751983. live.
  • Web site: Neon Genesis Evangelion, Vol. 3 . . . 8 August 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130509070742/http://www.allmusic.com/album/neon-genesis-evangelion-vol-3-mw0000415193 . 9 May 2013 . live. Sono disponibili degli estratti.
  • Web site: 『 夏物語2008 』 . ja . 29 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20101113231912/http://www.emimusic.jp/dancemania/dancemania/disco/tocp64361.htm . 13 November 2010.
  • Web site: 『和ユーロベスト』 . ja . 29 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090728151808/http://www.emimusic.jp/dancemania/dancemania/disco/tocp64376.htm . 28 July 2009.
  • Web site: 『夏物語2009』 . ja . 29 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090608135415/http://www.emimusic.jp/dancemania/dancemania/disco/tocp64373.htm . 8 June 2009.
  • Web site: 『プレミア・ユーロ -ベスト・オブ・和ユーロベスト-』 . ja . 29 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20101125020853/http://www.emimusic.jp/dancemania/dancemania/disco/tocp64388.htm . 25 November 2010.
  • Web site: 『 姫トラ・ベスト 』 . ja . 29 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080702075956/http://www.emimusic.jp/dancemania/tranceparadise/disco/tocp64358.htm . 2 July 2008.
  • Web site: 『 姫トラ あにめ★みっくす!』 . ja . 29 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090217202414/http://www.emimusic.jp/dancemania/tranceparadise/disco/tocp64368.htm . 17 February 2009.
  • Web site: Various - Hime Trance 3 . CDJapan . ja . 30 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231803/https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/TOCP-64350 . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: アニメ Speed . ja . 30 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231803/https://tower.jp/item/2493788/%E3%82%A2%E3%83%8B%E3%83%A1SPEED . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: アニメ Speed Newtype Edition . ja . 30 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231744/https://www.hmv.co.jp/artist_Various_000000000000075/item_%E3%82%A2%E3%83%8B%E3%83%A1-Speed-Newtype-Edition_1314011 . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: ハッピー・スピード ベスト・オブ・ダンスマニア スピード・ギガ . ja . 29 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20070707195157/http://www.emimusic.jp/dancemania/dancemania/disco/tocp64336.htm . 7 July 2007.
  • Web site: 姫トラ・スピード . ja . 30 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231806/https://www.hmv.co.jp/artist_Various_000000000000075/item_%E5%A7%AB%E3%83%88%E3%83%A9-%E3%82%B9%E3%83%94%E3%83%BC%E3%83%89_2727928 . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: 高橋洋子「EVANGELION EXTREME」インタビュー . 22 May 2019 . ja . 8 October 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190531134642/https://natalie.mu/music/pp/takahashiyoko04 . 31 May 2019 . live.
  • Web site: Best Pieces . Universal Music Japan . ja . 9 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200713191939/https://www.universal-music.co.jp/takahashi-yoko/products/ktcr-1359/ . 13 July 2020 . live.
  • Web site: スーパー・バリュー 高橋洋子 . Billboard Japan . ja . 9 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200222163717/http://www.billboard-japan.com/goods/detail/209955 . 22 February 2020 . live.
  • Web site: スーパー・バリュー/高橋洋子 . Universal Music Japan . ja . 9 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160418103149/http://www.universal-music.co.jp/takahashi-yoko/products/umck-8005/ . 18 April 2016 . live.
  • Web site: 「新世紀エヴァンゲリオン」~refrain(ルフラン) ザ・ソング・ワー・インスパイアード・バイ"エヴァンゲリオン" フィーチャリング・高橋洋子 . ja . 9 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231802/https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/-refrain-the-songs-were-inspired-by-evangelion/1197110841%26usg%3DALkJrhj3lQ_bxGt-GDoNdKtTy_7EVLSV-w . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Discography . ja . 9 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200806163644/http://king-cr.jp/artist/takahashi/discography/ . 6 August 2020 . live.
  • Web site: BEST PIECES 2 . Universal Music Japan . ja . 9 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190813162413/https://www.universal-music.co.jp/takahashi-yoko/products/ktcr-1626/ . 13 August 2019 . live.
  • Web site: BEST PIECES II . Oricon . ja . 9 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190512153709/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/207507/products/148501/1/ . 12 May 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 高橋洋子 ベスト10 . Universal Music Japan . ja . 9 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180714193220/https://www.universal-music.co.jp/takahashi-yoko/products/upcy-9080/ . 14 July 2018 . live.
  • Web site: 高橋洋子エッセンシャル・ベスト . Universal Music Japan . ja . 9 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180714193242/https://www.universal-music.co.jp/takahashi-yoko/products/upcy-9143/ . 14 July 2018 . live.
  • Web site: ゴールデン☆ベスト 高橋洋子 . Universal Music Japan . ja . 9 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160516221148/http://www.universal-music.co.jp/takahashi-yoko/products/uicz-6055/ . 16 May 2016 . live.
  • Web site: ゴールデン☆ベスト 高橋洋子[スペシャル・プライス] ]. Oricon . ja . 9 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231803/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/207507/products/992436/1/ . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: ゴールデン☆ベスト 高橋洋子 [スペシャル・プライス] ]. Universal Music Japan . ja . 9 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201005192541/https://www.universal-music.co.jp/p/upcy-9287/ . 5 October 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Li-La . ja . 9 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140912135911/http://www.lares.dti.ne.jp/~yenchang/works/lila.html . 12 September 2014.
  • Web site: Li-La +3 [SHM-CD] ]. Universal Music Japan . ja . 9 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190712165811/https://www.universal-music.co.jp/takahashi-yoko/products/upcy-6765/ . 12 July 2019 . live.
  • Web site: NEON GENESIS EVANGELION DECADE . ja . 6 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190903151551/https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/neon-genesis-evangelion-decade/4105081457 . 3 September 2019 . live.
  • Web site: NEON GENESIS EVANGELION DECADE . Oricon . ja . 6 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190810153259/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/34397/products/618286/1/ . 10 August 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 『新世紀エヴァンゲリオン』放送10周年記念盤登場!新録もあり . 15 September 2005 . ja . 6 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190903151553/https://www.cdjournal.com/main/news/-/9779 . 3 September 2019 . live.
  • Web site: Neon Genesis Evangelion Decade . 6 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201117215322/https://vgmdb.net/album/30192 . 17 November 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Cruel Angel's Thesis 2009 VERSION . 12 May 2009. 7 November 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100620083943/http://afufu.net/freewill/2009/05/cruel-angels-thesis-2009-version/ . 20 June 2010 . dead.
  • Web site: 「残酷な天使のテーゼ 2009 VERSION」 高橋洋子 (Maxiシングル) 【通常仕様】 . ja . 8 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190705165910/https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/248 . 5 July 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 20th century Boys & Girls ~20世紀少年少女~ . Billboard Japan . ja . 9 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200222163702/http://www.billboard-japan.com/goods/detail/185405 . 22 February 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Evangelion Pachislot Game Themes Get Mini-Album . Anime News Network . 19 March 2019. 31 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190403103436/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-03-19/evangelion-pachislot-game-themes-get-mini-album/.144695 . 3 April 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 高橋洋子が蘇らせる20世紀の名曲たち - カヴァーアルバム第二弾「20th century Boys & Girls II」 . 22 April 2015 . ja . 16 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231736/https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20150422-20th_takahashi/ . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: 20th century Boys & Girls II . ja . 16 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231802/https://www.kingrecords.co.jp/cs/g/gKICS-3187/ . 12 December 2020 . live.
  • Web site: YOKO Sings Forever . Universal Music Japan . ja . 16 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200522195109/https://www.universal-music.co.jp/takahashi-yoko/products/upcy-7259/ . 22 May 2020 . live.
  • Web site: シンゴジラVSエヴァ!? 高橋洋子×鷺巣詩郎によるコラボシングル発売決定 . Billboard Japan . 27 January 2017 . ja . 16 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190713165414/http://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/46804/2 . 13 July 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 『にゃんこ大戦争』×『エヴァンゲリオン』復刻コラボが開始!"残酷な天使のテーゼ"にゃ"Ver"の復刻アレンジがWEBで公開中 . 25 June 2020 . ja . 12 July 2020 . 3 June 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210603083327/https://app.famitsu.com/20200625_1659233/ . live.
  • Web site: Nyanko Daisenso Mobile Game Asks 'What If Evangelion Was Just Cats'? . Anime News Network . 17 July 2019 . 24 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190929133356/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-07-17/nyanko-daisenso-mobile-game-asks-what-if-evangelion-was-just-cats/.148823 . 29 September 2019 . live.
  • Web site: Devin Meenan. All words in Evangelion theme replaced by cat meow in official remake by original singer【Video】 . 21 July 2021. 21 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210721111818/https://soranews24.com/2021/01/25/all-words-in-evangelion-theme-replaced-by-cat-meow-in-official-remake-by-original-singer%E3%80%90video%E3%80%91/. live.
  • 高橋洋子が"にゃ"だけで歌う「残酷な天使のテーゼ」 三石琴乃がナレ 「にゃんこ大戦争」×「エヴァンゲリオン 」コラボCM公開 . https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/NQbadSVXqXg . 2021-12-13 . live. 12 July 2020 . ja.
  • 高橋洋子が「残酷な天使のテーゼ」を"にゃ"だけで歌う! 『エヴァンゲリオン』x『にゃんこ大戦争』コラボCM・イントロ篇&サビ篇 . https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/ZHI6fn5oVSo . 2021-12-13 . live. 12 July 2020 . Oricon . ja.
  • Web site: Zankoku na Tenshi no These MATSURI SPIRIT / Yoko Takahashi . 14 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201130033244/https://vgmdb.net/album/87956 . 30 November 2020 . live.
  • Web site: Evangelion's 'Cruel Angel's Thesis' Gets New Taiko Drum Arrangement in July . Anime News Network . 21 June 2019 . ja . 31 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190621173227/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-06-21/evangelion-cruel-angel-thesis-gets-new-taiko-drum-arrangement-in-july/.148123 . 21 June 2019 . live.
  • Book: zh. 中国动画学会, 北京大学文化产业研究院. 中国科学技术出版社. 2011. 中国动画企业发展报告 第1版. 978-7-5046-5848-7 . 97–98.
  • Web site: zh. 24 April 2021. 18岁以前,你记忆最深的那十部霓虹动画片 . Sohu . https://web.archive.org/web/20190310025510/http://www.sohu.com/a/221709116_215220. 10 March 2019.
  • Web site: zh. 24 April 2021. 你的青春我不懂 二次元审美时代已经到来 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190310015006/http://www.199it.com/archives/295511.html?from=timeline. 10 March 2019.
  • Web site: Shinseiki Evangelion . ja. 11 October 2021. 26 March 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100326141120/http://www.starchild.co.jp/special/evangelion/online.html. live.
  • Web site: bertemu . Oricon. ja. 11 October 2021. 23 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201023110530/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/254338/products/140395/1/. live.
  • Web site: center color . Billboard Japan. ja. 11 October 2021. 10 May 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190510014629/http://www.billboard-japan.com/goods/detail/179022. live.
  • July 2001. 歴代作品人気. Animedia. Gakken. ja.
  • Web site: 3 June 2020. Megumi Ogata's No-Audience Live Set to be Live-Streamed Worldwide at 16:00 on June 6 (JST) . es. 11 October 2021. 29 June 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200629024321/https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-news/2020/06/02-1/megumi-ogatas-no-audience-live-set-to-be-live-streamed-worldwide-at-1600-on-june-6-jst. live.
  • Web site: Live[em:ou] in TOKIO to HONG KONG]. Oricon. es. 11 October 2021. 12 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231842/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/217211/products/203874/1/. live.
  • Web site: 残酷な天使のテーゼの歌詞 . Oricon. ja. 11 October 2021. 12 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231851/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/199357/lyrics/I065896/. live.
  • Web site: しょこたん☆かばー〜アニソンに恋をして . Oricon. ja. 11 October 2021. 26 April 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130426032346/http://www.oricon.co.jp/music/release/d/704539/1/. live.
  • Web site: ROBONATION SUPER LIVE '97 Summer . Oricon. ja. 11 October 2021. 12 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231852/https://music.oricon.co.jp/php/cd/CdTop.php?cd=SPB00213271. live.
  • Web site: 19 July 2004. Anime Expo - Main Events . Anime News Network. 11 October 2021. 8 May 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190508153753/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention/2004/anime-expo/16. live.
  • Web site: マサミコブシ . Oricon. ja. 11 October 2021. 26 August 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160826214832/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/195021/products/506112/1/. live.
  • Web site: 残酷な天使のテーゼ . Oricon. ja. 11 October 2021. 12 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231842/https://music.oricon.co.jp/php/music/MusicTop.php?music=158669. live.
  • Web site: Review~下川みくに 青春アニソンカバーアルバム~ . Oricon. ja. 11 October 2021. 24 September 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160924113951/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/196359/products/523424/1/. live.
  • Web site: 10 October 2019. Toshl、カヴァー・アルバム第2弾をリリース 「残酷な天使のテーゼ」を先行配信 . ja. 11 October 2021. 24 October 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191024234938/https://www.cdjournal.com/main/news/toshi/83816. live.
  • Web site: 6 May 2017. Aya Hirano Wows TV Hosts With 'Cruel Angel Thesis' Performance . Anime News Network. 11 October 2021. 30 October 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191030164830/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-05-06/aya-hirano-wows-tv-hosts-with-cruel-angel-thesis-performance/.115747. live.
  • Web site: 26 March 2019. このアニソンを聴け〜アニオタが選んだこの10曲〜 . 11 October 2021. 12 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231913/https://www.kkbox.com/jp/ja/column/showbiz-0-1539-1.html. live.
  • Web site: 残酷な天使のテーゼの歌詞 . Oricon. ja. 11 October 2021. 12 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231853/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/250410/lyrics/I185556/. live.
  • News: 残酷な天使のテーゼの歌詞 米倉千尋 . Oricon News. ja. 11 October 2021. 10 July 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200710223430/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/248598/lyrics/I072280/. live.
  • Web site: 6 December 2016. 中森明菜が最新カバー集で通算39作目のアルバムTOP10入り、「サウダージ」「残酷な天使のテーゼ」など収録 . ja. 11 October 2021. 25 October 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191025205104/http://music-book.jp/music/news/news/129929. live.
  • Web site: Akina Nakamori revisits "Evangelion" opening on her new cover album . 28 November 2016. 11 October 2021. 29 September 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200929102322/https://aramajapan.com/news/music/akina-nakamori-revisits-evangelion-opening-on-her-new-cover-album/67586/. live.
  • Web site: 残酷な天使のテーゼの歌詞 さくらまや . Oricon. ja. 11 October 2021. 12 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231907/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/466193/lyrics/I154811/. live.
  • Web site: 8 July 2017. Performances at Anisong World Matsuri's Japan Super Live at Anime Expo . Anime News Network. 11 October 2021. 5 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190105132740/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2017-07-08/performances-at-anisong-world-matsuri-japan-super-live-at-anime-expo/.118564. live.
  • Web site: Neon Genesis Evangelion Opening Song (Zankoku Na Tenshi No Thesis) . WhoSampled . 11 October 2021. 12 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231851/https://www.whosampled.com/Kikuko-Inoue/Neon-Genesis-Evangelion-Opening-Song-%28Zankoku-Na-Tenshi-No-Thesis%29/. live.
  • Web site: 9 February 2010. DAM CHANNEL5周年記念イベントで、加藤夏希「残酷な天使のテーゼ」熱唱 . ja. 11 October 2021. 12 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231858/https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000058199. live.
  • Web site: 11 October 2011. Animetal Usa x Evangelion . 11 October 2021. 24 September 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160924102312/http://www.animeclick.it/news/30199-animetal-usa-x-evangelion. live. it.
  • Web site: 逆襲のアニパンク . Oricon. ja. 11 October 2021. 12 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231859/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/34361/products/57413/1/. live.
  • Web site: 15 August 2015. "Cruel Angel's Thesis" given the EDM treatment . 11 October 2021. 6 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160306111822/https://www.the-newshub.com/music/cruel-angels-thesis-given-the-edm-treatment. dead.
  • Web site: 残酷な天使のテーゼの歌詞 m.o.v.e . Oricon. ja. 11 October 2021. 12 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231904/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/27646/lyrics/I111066/. live.
  • Web site: 11 July 2012. FLOW「エウレカAO」新OP曲シングルにナカコーRemix . ja. 11 October 2021. 25 October 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191025205727/https://natalie.mu/music/news/72759. live.
  • Web site: 28 August 2019. 意外なアーティストがカバーしていた「有名曲」ランキング . ja. 11 October 2021. 20 November 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191120012402/https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/16992935/. live.
  • Web site: 1 August 2011. GLAY、記念ライブでサプライズ 嵐やエヴァをカバー . Oricon. ja. 11 October 2021. 14 July 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200714024200/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2000340/full/. live.
  • Web site: Kara Dennison. 29 October 2016. New York Gospel Choir Performs "Cruel Angel's Thesis" on Japanese Talent Show . Crunchyroll. 11 October 2021. 11 May 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190511014917/https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-news/2016/10/29-1/new-york-gospel-choir-performs-cruel-angels-thesis-on-japanese-talent-show. live.
  • Web site: EVENING! . Top-charts.com. 11 October 2021.
  • Web site: 残酷な天使のテーゼの歌詞 MAX . Oricon. ja. 11 October 2021. 12 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231853/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/15910/lyrics/I111844/. live.
  • Web site: 2nd Album「Wahl」 . BanG Dream!. ja. 2021-10-12. 2020-06-08. https://web.archive.org/web/20200608044957/https://bang-dream.com/discographies/1692. live.
  • Web site: 3 July 2020. "BanG Dream!(バンドリ!)"発のリアル・バンド Roselia、2ndアルバム『Wahl』発売記念生配信を7/10-11に開催決定! . ja. 11 October 2021. 14 July 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200714024650/https://gekirock.com/news/2020/07/roselia_2nd_album_youtube_live.php. live.
  • Web site: http://www.jbook.co.jp/p/p.aspx/50865/s/~-verit . ja:残酷な天使のテーゼ . Japanese . Jbook . 11 October 2021 . 12 December 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231843/https://honto.jp/netstore/pd-cd_80583417.html . live.
  • Web site: http://www.jbook.co.jp/p/p.aspx/50864/s/ . ja:残酷な天使のテーゼ . Japanese . Jbook . 11 October 2021 . 24 June 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090624205254/http://www.jbook.co.jp/p/p.aspx/50864/s/ . dead.
  • Web site: http://www.jbook.co.jp/p/p.aspx/2094615/s/~-verit . ja:残酷な天使のテーゼ/FLY ME TO THE MOON. Japanese. Jbook. 11 October 2021. dmy-all. 12 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231846/https://honto.jp/netstore/pd-cd_80654171.html. live.
  • Web site: http://www.jbook.co.jp/p/p.aspx/3713747/s/ . ja:残酷な天使のテーゼ2009 VERSION. Japanese. Jbook. 11 October 2021. dmy-all. 12 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201212231834/https://honto.jp/netstore/pd-cd_83525090.html. live.
  • Web site: 残酷な天使のテーゼ/魂のルフラン . Billboard Japan . ja . 31 October 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191025005533/http://www.billboard-japan.com/goods/detail/586824 . 25 October 2019 . live.
  • Web site: 残酷な天使のテーゼ/魂のルフラン . ja . 22 October 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201026032204/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/207507/products/1275603/1/ . 26 October 2020 . live.
  • Web site: 残酷な天使のテーゼ MATSURI SPIRIT . ja . 22 October 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201023034859/https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/207507/products/1325417/1/ . 23 October 2020 . live.
  • Web site: ja:オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」. http://ranking.oricon.co.jp . Oricon . 2021-02-04 . ja . 2011-07-16 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110716064722/http://ranking.oricon.co.jp/ . live.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License . It uses material from the Wikipedia article " A Cruel Angel's Thesis ".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy .

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  • NerdCraft Nation

“A Cruel Angel’s Thesis”: Was “Evangelion” Worth It?

why is cruel angel's thesis so good

The cast of Neon Genesis Evangelion. Photo courtesy of the Evangelion Fandom Wiki

I’ve long held a bias against abstract art, especially in film and television. While it can be representative of one’s personal experience and state of mind, it often came across to me as a mask for weak communication skills. Perhaps it belied a lack of maturity or sensitivity on my part, preferring tangible art and literature, rather than leaving things too open-ended. I don’t expect to be handheld through stories, but I expect—to a fault—the creators’ intentions to be comprehensible, or else it leads to chaos and confusion.

This was my frustration when I first watched Neon Genesis Evangelion , Hideaki Anno’s beloved and hyped anime franchise that started in 1995. I’d managed to miss the original series growing up, while consuming its contemporaries like Cowboy Bebop and Ghost in the Shell . So, as luck would have it, my first time watching the series was at 27 years old, when it finally hit Netflix in 2019.

I was initially captivated by its progressive cinematography, killer score, and raw, emotionally honest writing. Its familiar mech versus kaiju beats provided a sense of security, while its religious symbology and subversion of genre tropes made me wonder where it was all going. The answer: Anno would be flipping the script at the midway point to psychologically deconstruct, break, and regress its characters before delivering an abstract ending. “That’s it?” I exclaimed, scratching my head. “That can’t be it!” I should have done my research before I dove deeper. Shame on me .

According to several friends and an article I read at the time , the next chapter was 1997’s The End of Evangelion ( EoE ). This film brutally retold the final two episodes of the original series, choosing to infuse more nihilism, violence, and abstraction than its predecessor. Even after watching Game of Thrones , my stomach turned as I bore witness to body and sexual horror, including pedophilia and sexual assault. The least concerning moment can only be described as the Rapture with giant robots and people transforming into primordial soup. I was left profoundly disturbed, which may have been the intent. 

Upon its original release, EoE was a response to fan backlash, as well as death threats , to the show’s original finale. The film provides both a parallel ending and potential trolling on Anno’s part, forcing the main cast to suffer immensely as viewers watched in horror. This was beyond frustrating because I was now more confused, not less, with what was being conveyed. Glutton for punishment that I am, when Amazon Prime released the Rebuild of Evangelion series on streaming for the first time, I decided to endure the pain one last time.

why is cruel angel's thesis so good

The Rebuild series, released between September 2007 and March 2021, was Anno’s reimagination of the television series’ story into four films. It’s simpler overall, but still a tough pill to swallow. It changes the pace and direction of the story and throws in some new characters, while also dialing down some of the more questionable moments from EoE . Its themes of isolation, depression, and anxiety remain. Its psychological and religious symbolism is more overt than before. The production quality, as expected, is top-notch, and seeing the mechs in HD is truly a treat. However, an HD reboot of a messy story inevitably winds up being a shiny mess.

Alongside the Rebuild , Amazon also released a behind-the-scenes documentary of the final film, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (yes, that’s its actual title). In the doc, Anno struck me as a troubled soul caught in a state of arrested development, seeking catharsis through coming-of-age storytelling. In this regard, he seemed a kindred spirit of Star Wars ’ George Lucas or Harry Potter ’s J.K. Rowling, constantly aiming to update or redeem their most prized work. His knack for anachronistic confusion, convoluted plots, and weird titles also places him in the company of Kingdom Hearts ’ Tetsuya Nomura and Metal Gear ’s Hideo Kojima. All of these franchises are known for taking audiences on deeply emotional journeys, and Anno’s magnum opus is no different. But it might not be the emotions I seek in art nor entertainment.

I cannot deny that Evangelion is artistic and Anno a consummate, meticulous auteur—for better or worse. Notwithstanding, perhaps it’s time I accepted that this franchise isn’t for me. Whether I caught on too late to connect with its subtext or I just hate abstract art, its manic themes and symbolism are interesting yet over-hyped. While I’ve been trying to understand Evangelion and its fandom for two years, I can’t imagine doing this for two decades. As the credits roll on Thrice Upon a Time , all I’m left thinking, like Eva ’s last two endings, is “Thank God it’s finally over.” Then again, that was kind of the “ Cruel Angel’s Thesis ” all along: finding serenity after constant pain. I pray that Anno has found the same with the close of this final chapter in the franchise. 

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  • Jun 5, 2023

[Analysis] Yoko Takahashi - A Cruel Angel's Thesis by Animenz

Attention all anime fans! Are you ready to immerse yourself in the captivating world of anime soundtracks? Prepare to be blown away by the incredible talent of pianist Animenz as he takes iconic songs, like the unforgettable "A Cruel Angel's Thesis," and transforms them into breathtaking piano arrangements with his unique classical style.

These arrangements ensure that these beloved OSTs stay fresh and captivating for years to come, allowing you to relive the storylines and hinting plotlines through the mesmerizing melodies. Join us on a musical journey that transcends time and experiences the magic of Animenz's anime piano arrangements. Get ready to be amazed!

Yoko Takahashi: The Voice Behind Iconic Anime Theme Songs

a Japanese girl wearing blacking looking the camera Yoko Takahashi MyMusicSheet

Yoko Takahashi is a Japanese singer and songwriter known for her contributions to the music industry, particularly in anime theme songs. She was born on August 28, 1966, in Tokyo, Japan. Takahashi gained widespread recognition for her iconic song "A Cruel Angel's Thesis," which served as the opening theme song for the popular anime series "Neon Genesis Evangelion" in 1995.

The song became a significant hit and is still widely recognized and celebrated as one of the most iconic anime theme songs ever. Aside from her work on "Neon Genesis Evangelion," Yoko Takahashi has also performed theme songs for other anime series, including "Martian Successor Nadesico," "Memories Off," and "Golden Boy."

She has released numerous albums and singles throughout her career, showcasing her versatility as a singer and songwriter. Takahashi's music often combines pop, rock, and electronic elements, and her powerful and distinctive voice has made her a beloved figure in the anime music scene. Her contributions to the industry have earned her a dedicated fan base both in Japan and internationally.

Photo Credit: Last.fm

A Cruel Angel's Thesis: A Powerful Anthem of Neon Genesis Evangelion

an anime poster with green and orange background along with the characters Neon Genesis Evangelion MyMusicSheets

A Cruel Angel's Thesis is a song composed by Hidetoshi Sato and performed by Yoko Takahashi. It serves as the opening theme song for the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, created by Hideaki Anno. The song was released in 1995 as part of the soundtrack for the anime.

Composed in the key of D minor, A Cruel Angel's Thesis has a distinct and energetic sound. The song combines elements of pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a catchy and memorable tune. It features strong guitar riffs, upbeat synthesizer melodies, and dynamic vocals. Lyrically, the song touches upon themes of self-discovery, loneliness, and the struggle to find one's place in the world.

The lyrics are in Japanese and reflect the introspective and philosophical nature of the anime series. The song's title itself, A Cruel Angel's Thesis, suggests a contrast between angelic and cruel aspects, reflecting the complex and often contradictory themes explored in Neon Genesis Evangelion. A Cruel Angel's Thesis became a massive success in Japan and gained international recognition as well. Its popularity can be attributed not only to its catchy composition but also to its association with the groundbreaking and influential nature of the anime series. The song has been covered and remixed by various artists and has remained a beloved and iconic piece of anime music since its release.

Neon Genesis Evangelion Original Soundtrack

A Cruel Angel's Thesis

from Anime Neon Genesis Evangelion

anime poster of a boy looking straight with another face looking down the poster is is shades of blue Neon Genesis Evangelion poster MyMusicSheet

- Artist: Yoko Takahashi

- Released: October, 25th, 1995

- Anime:Neon Genesis Evangelion

- Label: Starchild

- Music: Shiro Sagisu

- Genre: Jpop

- Key: C Minor

- Length: 4'05"

Discover the Masterful Artistry of Animenz, the Anime Piano Virtuoso

Animenz is the talented Anime Piano Arranger and Steinway Artist! With over a decade of experience, this classically trained pianist has been enchanting audiences with exquisite piano arrangements of Anime Openings, Endings, and Soundtracks since 2010. If you're a fan of anime music, you won't want to miss the captivating playlist this artist has curated, featuring a collection of their remarkable anime piano covers. Animenz started his YouTube channel on January 14th 2010, and now currently has almost 500 million total views with 2.1 million subscribers. He uploads his content regularly and currently has 221 videos.

Animenz’s most popular video was posted on YouTube on February 12th 2015 with more than 90 million views is yet again an anime OST called “ Unravel – Tokyo Ghoul OP [Piano] ” from the anime Tokyo Ghoul.

an anime figure with suite and bow tie with white hair holding sheet music Animenz's YouTube Profile MyMusicSheet

With a passion for music spanning more than 20 years, this accomplished pianist resides in Japan, where they have established their very own recording studio. Each video showcases their exceptional talent on a Steinway D-274 Grand Piano, capturing the pure essence of their performances with the utmost precision, thanks to state-of-the-art microphones.

The goal of this Anime Piano Arranger is to elevate anime music to the level of "Classic music" that will be cherished not only in the present but for centuries to come. By infusing their arrangements with a touch of classical brilliance, they aim to create a timeless connection between the world of anime and the rich heritage of classical music.

Immerse yourself in the captivating melodies and skilful interpretations that Animenz has to offer. Prepare to embark on a musical journey that transcends time, as they breathe new life into beloved anime compositions. Whether you're a fan of the original soundtracks or simply appreciate the artistry of piano music, this artist's arrangements are sure to captivate and delight you.

Cover of A Cruel Angel's Thesis by Animenz

Elevating the Art: Animenz's Transformative Approach to 'A Cruel Angel's Thesis

The song is an iconic song, for both anime and non-anime lovers equally. Having said that if there is anime OST, then Animenz would have or will be soon covering it on his piano. He describes that this song was a bit challenging but he still managed to make it his style, adding the orchestra style in the arranging.

The video was uploaded on YouTube on May 23, 2020, and it has 7.7 million views on the song. The original song is in key signature C minor and Animenz’s song is also in C minor. Where the original song is faster around 128 BPM, the Animenz’s song has 76 BPM. The time signature is 4/4.

The song starts with the lyrics and after fifteen seconds of the powerful high-pitched voice of Yoko Takahashi, other instruments join the song. This part of the song calling the protagonist to rise up and to have become a legend.

In Animenz’s song, he starts off with arpeggios. He said that usually while playing this song in front of a Live audience, he does make some changes while playing but kept this arpeggios part the same as he loved this part. Then he takes a short pause and starts with the first verse.

The original song starts with the beats of drums which is a memorable part, and with that, there are lyrics again. The song where the protagonist is Shinji Ikari, falling in love and earning for it. Shinji desperately needs to be loved and to the point where it causes him to take wrong decisions.

The singer hopes for Shinji to get better in love and find happiness. The song and the soothing voice of Yoko Takahashi bring out the essence and feelings of Shinji more promptly. The song has the same beats till the last stanza of the first verse where the singer also takes a bit of a higher pitch and then there is a pause to take the chorus of the song.

Animenz’s takes a bit faster note. There is still the essence of the original composition but the bits of his own added varieties. He starts with a slower tone, and then the next time pitch and volume of the song has been increased. Then again he keeps up the beat till he reaches the chorus of the song.

The singer sings this in a higher pitch and the background sound seems to be in similar beats. The song here talks about the plan of the series. Then it talks about Shinji in the finale of the Eva-1 [spoilers ahead] in space and becomes a ‘God-like’ legend. Hence for shading the part where the boy will go forward and become a legend.

Animenz’s song is very upbeat and can be a stand-alone piano piece and itself. The song is arranged here that way and then added the left-hand accompaniment as Animenz didn’t quite understand the ‘mysterious guitar solo’ part even though he has listened to the song many many times. The hand synchronization is highly commendable and the way his fingers play on the piano is a treat to the eyes and ears.

Instrumental

There is an instrumental part before going to the next verse. It has similar beats following as the earlier but in the middle, there is a short part where it feels that the song has gotten slower but then it gets back on the similar beats fast.

Because the Animenz wasn’t about the original harmonics of the song so he added his own piano solo in this part, he used jazz to lyrical style here. He tried to be as minimalist with his approach, in doing so he did it by reducing two bass notes in the left hand as he wanted the attention to be on the upcoming choir.

Just after the instrumental piece the singer again starts to sing about Shinji. Some talk about the anime and his character in the anime. Singer also sings about wishing Shinji to have his own happiness. This also talks about Shinji’s relationship with the characters of the anime, while the biblical-themed story continues. The song again has a bit higher pitch before starting the chorus.

In Animenz’s version, he follows a similar approach as the previous verse. The atmosphere is a bit faster than the original song and the way his fingers dance on the song is admirable. This is one of the best versions of the song on piano ever made. The song is again played lightly on the piano.

The original song also starts as the previous chorus and with the same energy and beats the singer continues to sing the part. The lyrics have many references to the ongoing story from the anime. Shinji had behaviour to escape and abandoning pattern. But this time singer is praising Shinji and leaving his behaviour. Yet again ending in the part where the singer sings about Shinji becoming the future legend.

In Animenz’s this part is played with an amazing finger movement and the arrangement feels magical. With the gliding of the piano from right to left and differentiating the next piece. This has the same atmosphere and environment built as the original song. On YouTube, this is most times a repeated part of the song. Then the song has a similar feeling as the previous chorus.

There is a bridge in the song with a small stanza. This line has the singer telling Shinji that there is help. Again, raising Shinji to God status, and talking about making history. After this comes the final chorus.

Animenz’s version is also short as the original version. The speed and the song’s tempo are decreased in this part. The keys are played softly. And with the song the Animenz picks up the speed of the piano. Then he plays the short part with his right hand only. Then continues with both hands. Then goes on to play the final chorus.

Then comes the final chorus of the song. This is the short chorus as compared to the other chorus of the song. It talks to stay true to the desecrated symphony and not to betray the memories.

During the final repeat of the chorus, Animenz introduces an alternative harmonization in the left hand, strategically building towards the song's climax. At this moment, Animenz envisions the addition of a striking Tam-Tam, enhancing the impact of the composition. Following this turning point, the artist brings back the atmosphere reminiscent of the song's beginning. In a captivating twist, the right-hand arpeggios resurface, gradually ascending like an angel until they reach the highest possible piano key, C8.

Notably, this marks the first time the Animenz has utilized the C8 note in any of their arrangements (as of the posting of the song). These artistic choices contribute to the dynamic and emotive qualities of the arrangement, elevating the overall impact of the song.

This is the final part of the song. The final refrain again talks about the boy drifting and going to the galaxy and shining with the stars. Henceforth the boy will become a legend.

Animenz’s plays this part of the song softly and continuously to repeatedly play it. The main part of the song is repeated and played around nine times throughout the song, but while listening or for Animenz to play it repeatedly never got boring.

Finally, the song ends softly on the final keys played at the right-hand side of the piano and the final note played by the left hand at the left-most side of the piano.

Also, check out the live singing of Yoko Takahashi posted on YouTube by Japoin TV.

In conclusion, the world of anime soundtracks has been forever transformed by the extraordinary talent of pianist Animenz. Through his breathtaking piano arrangements, he has taken iconic songs like A Cruel Angel's Thesis and infused them with his unique classical style. These arrangements not only breathe new life into beloved OSTs but also ensure their lasting captivation for years to come. By joining us on this musical journey, you'll experience the magic firsthand and be transported back into the storylines, reliving the emotions and discovering hidden plotlines through the mesmerizing melodies. Prepare to be amazed as Animenz's hands dance effortlessly across the keys, painting a vivid musical picture that ignites your imagination. Whether you're a devoted anime fan or simply appreciate the beauty of piano music, this adventure is one you won't want to miss. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Animenz's anime piano arrangements and let the melodies speak to your heart like never before. Get ready to be captivated, to feel the music deep within your soul, and to unlock the timeless allure of his extraordinary talent. Step into the world of Animenz and let the melodies carry you away on a journey you'll never forget.

If you love this arrangement, you can check the arrangement here. There are other Animenz arrangements which are definitely worth checking out.

If you like this song or any other song, there are many more sheet music you can find on MyMusicSheet or mymusicsheet.com

Until next time, Happy Music!

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  • Articles with invalid date parameter in template
  • Animated series songs
  • Neon Genesis Evangelion
  • 1995 singles

A Cruel Angel's Thesis

  • View history

" A Cruel Angel's Thesis " ( 残酷な天使のテーゼ Zankoku na Tenshi no Tēze ? , " Zankoku na Tenshi no Thesis " in Japan) is the theme song of the popular anime Neon Genesis Evangelion performed by Yoko Takahashi . It is used as the opening to the series, and two instrumental versions of it are played in the finale episode, " Take care of yourself. " These are "The Heady Feeling of Freedom" and "Good, or Don't Be", scored for violin , piano , and guitar . "The Heady Feeling of Freedom" is a somber and reflective piece for bowed strings and guitar, while "Good, or Don't Be" is played to a light piano and guitar tone. Both are considerably different in feel from the more hard driving techno - dance original. A similar, but sparser, version can also be heard during the intermission between the two parts of Evangelion: Death and Rebirth .

  • 2 Oricon ranking
  • 3 Track listings
  • 4.1 Dancemania
  • 5 References

History [ ]

According to the liner notes to the album Refrain of Evangelion , director Hideaki Anno had originally wanted to use music from Borodin 's Polovetsian Dances as the opening. The TV station ( TV Tokyo ) felt that audiences would be confused by a classical opening to an anime, and requested a change to a more typical or J-pop and upbeat song. The production of the result, "Zankoku na Tenshi no These", was handled by Toshimichi Ōtsuki . The original song included a male chorus, which was cut at Anno's request in order to "emphasize maternal affection". [ citation needed ]

In a survey by TV Asahi that was used to determine the results of a list of the 100 unforgettable anime theme songs, "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" made it to #55. [1] In a later survey on a similar program on TV Asahi, it was included as the #18 song amongst anime released during the 1990s. [2]

In 2009, original vocalist Takahashi recorded a new single, which included a remake of both this song and " Fly Me to the Moon ", the series ending theme, to tie in with the theatrical release of the second Rebuild of Evangelion film.

Oricon ranking [ ]

All of the songs have ranked in the top 25 of the Oricon Weekly Charts after they had been released. The original version of the single (paired with another song by Takahashi) stayed on the charts for 22 weeks, peaking at #27. [3] However, the version paired with CLAIRE's rendition of " Fly Me to the Moon " remained on the charts for 61 weeks after its release, and peaked at #17. [4] When this version of the single was re-released in 2003, it remained on the charts for 41 weeks, peaking at #9. [5] Takahashi's "2009 VERSION" release stayed on the charts for 14 weeks, peaking at #22. [6]

Track listings [ ]

Additional versions [ ].

Since the song's initial release, many artists have covered the song. Heavy metal cover band Animetal included the track on their Animetal Marathon V album. [7] Versions by cast members Megumi Hayashibara ( Rei Ayanami ), Yuko Miyamura ( Asuka Langley Soryu ), Kotono Mitsuishi ( Misato Katsuragi ), and Megumi Ogata ( Shinji Ikari ) exist on various soundtracks and solo albums from the voice actors. Masami Okui included a cover on her cover album Masami Kobushi , and otaku tarento Shoko Nakagawa has a cover version on her first anime theme cover album Shoko-tan Cover: Anison ni Koi o Shite. . A trance remix is included on the Exit Tunes ' Exit Trance Presents R25 Speed Anime Trance Best 2 album, sung by "MAKI". [8]

Dancemania [ ]

Several dance cover remixes have appeared on the Dancemania compilations.

  • Shihori version
  • Nuts version

Nuts versions have appeared on the Speed series.

  • Mint version
  • Diana Gross (a.k.a. Kahori Fujiwara) version

References [ ]

  • ↑ "忘れられないアニメソングベスト100 シネマでぽん!S cinema-game-toy/ウェブリブログ" . Retrieved 2010-04-26 .  
  • ↑ "決定!これが日本のベスト" . Retrieved 2010-04-26 .  
  • ↑ "高橋洋子-リリース-ORICON STYLE ミュージック" . Retrieved 2010-04-26 .  
  • ↑ "高橋洋子,CLAIRE-リリース-ORICON STYLE ミュージック" . Retrieved 2010-04-26 .  
  • ↑ "Discography" . Retrieved 2010-04-26 .  
  • ↑ "EXIT TUNES / QWCE-00057 EXIT TRANCE PRESENTS R25 SPEED アニメトランス BEST2" . Retrieved 2010-04-26 .  
  • ↑ EMI Music Japan , Dancemania Summer Story 2008 (Japanese)
  • ↑ EMI Music Japan , Wa-euro Best (Japanese)
  • ↑ EMI Music Japan , Best of Wa-euro Best (Japanese)
  • ↑ EMI Music Japan , Dancemania Summer Story 2009 (Japanese)
  • ↑ Discogs , Anime Speed
  • ↑ Discogs , Anime Speed Newtype Edition
  • ↑ EMI Music Japan , Happy Speed (Japanese)
  • ↑ Discogs , Himetra Speed
  • ↑ EMI Music Japan , Himetra best (Japanese)
  • ↑ EMI Music Japan , Himetra Anime*Mix (Japanese)
  • ↑ Discogs , Hime Trance 3

See also [ ]

  • List of Neon Genesis Evangelion albums

ko:잔혹한 천사의 테제 it:Zankoku na tenshi no Thesis pl:Zankoku na tenshi no tēze ru:A Cruel Angel's Thesis zh:残酷天使的行动纲领

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Yoko Takahashi - The Cruel Angel's Thesis (残酷な天使のテーゼ) [Zankoku na Tenshi no Thesis] Lyrics (Romanized)

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The Cruel Angel's Thesis Lyrics (Romanized)

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zankoku na tenshi no you ni shounen yo shinwa ni nare

aoi kaze ga ima mune no doa wo tataitemo Watashi dake wo tada mitsumete hohoenderu anata Sotto fureru mono motomeru koto ni muchuu de Unmei sae mada shiranai itaike na hitomi

dakedo itsuka kizuku deshou sono senaka ni wa Haruka mirai mezasu tame no hane ga aru koto

zankoku na tenshi no teeze madobe kara yagate tobitatsu Hotobashiru atsui patosu de omoide wo uragiru nara Kono sora wo daite kagayaku shounen yo shinwa ni nare

zutto nemutteru watashi no ai no yurikago Anata dake ga yume no shisha ni yobareru asa ga kuru Hosoi kubisuji wo tsukiakari ga utsushiteru Sekaijuu no toki wo tomete tojikometai kedo

moshi mo futari aeta koto ni imi ga aru nara Watashi wa sou jiyuu wo shiru tame no baiburu

zankoku na tenshi no teeze kanashimi ga soshite hajimaru Dakishimeta inochi no katachi sono yume ni mezameta toki Dare yori mo hikari wo hanatsu shounen yo shinwa ni nare

hito wa ai wo tsumugi nagara rekishi wo tsukuru Megami nante narenai mama watashi wa ikiru

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why is cruel angel's thesis so good

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Yoko Takahashi - The Cruel Angel's Thesis Lyrics (Romanized)

Yoko Takahashi - Zankoku na Tenshi no Thesis Lyrics (Romanized)

Yoko Takahashi - 残酷な天使のテーゼ Lyrics (Romanized)

Neon Genesis Evangelion Opening Theme Lyrics (Romanized)

Shinseiki Evangelion Opening Theme Lyrics (Romanized)

残酷な天使のように 少年よ神話になれ

蒼い風がいま 胸のドアを叩いても 私だけをただ見つめて微笑んでるあなた そっとふれるもの もとめることに夢中で 運命さえまだ知らない いたいけな瞳

だけどいつか気付くでしょう その背中には 遥か未来めざすための羽根があること

残酷な天使のテーゼ 窓辺からやがて飛び立つ ほとばしる熱いパトスで 思い出を裏切るなら この宇宙(そら)を抱いて輝く 少年よ神話になれ

ずっと眠ってる 私の愛の揺りかご あなただけが夢の使者に呼ばれる朝がくる 細い首筋を 月あかりが映してる 世界中の時を止めて閉じこめたいけど

もしもふたり逢えたことに意味があるなら 私はそう 自由を知るためのバイブル

残酷な天使のテーゼ 悲しみがそしてはじまる 抱きしめた命のかたち その夢に目覚めたとき 誰よりも光を放つ 少年よ神話になれ

人は愛をつむぎながら歴史をつくる 女神なんてなれないまま 私は生きる

残酷な天使のテーゼ 窓辺からやがて飛び立つ ほとばしる熱いパトスで 思い出を裏切るなら この宇宙を抱いて輝く 少年よ神話になれ

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Like a cruel angel, young boy, become a legend!

A blue wind is now knocking at the door to your heart, And yet you are merely gazing at me and smiling. Something gently touches, you’re so intent on seeking it out, That you can’t even see your fate yet, with such innocent eyes.

But someday I think you’ll find out that what’s on your back Are wings that are for heading for the far-off future.

The cruel angel’s thesis will soon take flight through the window, With surging hot pathos, if you betray your memories. Embracing this universe and shining, young boy, become a legend!

Sleeping for a long time in the cradle of my love The morning is coming when you alone will be called by a messenger of dreams. Moonlight reflects off the nape of your slender neck. Stopping time all throughout the world, I want to confine them, but…

So if two people being brought together by fate has any meaning, I think that it is a “bible” for learning freedom.

The cruel angel’s thesis. The sorrow then begins. You held tight to the form of life when you woke up from that dream. You shine brighter than anyone else. Young boy, become a legend!

People create history while weaving love. Even knowing I’ll never be a goddess, or anything like that, I live on.

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Why is a cruel angels thesis so good?

The genius of ‘A Cruel Angel’s Thesis’ is in the versatility of the composition. There have been countless variations and covers of the song over the years. It’s also the perfect hard hitting song to drop for parties. At least I assume it would be if I had ever been to one.

Why can EVAS only be piloted by 14 year olds?

From the Evangelion Proposal page 11, it mentioned that: When choosing the pilot, the A10 nerve synchronization rate and the adaptivity to impact is the most important. It is found by Marduk Institute that, 14 years old mother-less teenager can establish the purest and stablest connection with EVA.

Why is Eva so popular?

As anime fandom grew online, Eva became one of the watershed must-see series for newcomers. Fans watched Eva for the storyline, to understand much of what came after it, and so they’d know what the big deal was with That Ending. And as anime fandom grew, so did the memes, the AMVs (anime fan vids), and the fan works.

When did Takahashi sing the cruel Angel’s thesis?

In 2015, Takahashi sang “The Cruel Angel’s Thesis” at the Anime Expo in Los Angeles, California, and 2017 she performed it during Billboard Live in Tokyo, receiving a warm reception from the audience.

What anime is a cruel Angel thesis from?

A Cruel Angel’s Thesis. ” A Cruel Angel’s Thesis ” (残酷な天使のテーゼ Zankoku na tenshi no tēze) is the opening theme song of the 1995 television anime series, Neon Genesis Evangelion, originally performed by Yoko Takahashi .

How long did it take Neko Oikawa to write a cruel Angel’s thesis?

^ a b Fan Wrigley (8 January 2015). “‘A Cruel Angel’s Thesis’ took just two hours to write says Evangelion lyricist Neko Oikawa”. Archived from the original on 31 July 2015. Retrieved 7 October 2021.

How long did a cruel Angel’s thesis stay on the charts?

The 2003 version stayed on the chart for nine weeks. A remix done in 2009 was also successful; in June and July of that year, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” became the most popular anisong of the period, appeared for fourteen weeks on the Oricon charts, and reached number twenty-two.

IMAGES

  1. Visual Narrative of a Cruel Angel Thesis

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  2. Evangelion

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  3. EVANGELION / A CRUEL ANGEL'S THESIS【Covered by Rin Asobi】

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  4. A Cruel Angel's Thesis for Clarinet

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  5. Tutorial: A Cruel Angel's Thesis

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  6. A Cruel Angel's Thesis // {OCs}

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COMMENTS

  1. A Cruel Angel's Thesis

    A Cruel Angel's Thesis. " The Cruel Angel's Thesis " (残酷な天使のテーゼ, Zankoku na Tenshi no Tēze), [1] also known as " A Cruel Angel's Thesis ", [a] is a J-pop song performed by Japanese singer Yoko Takahashi. Toshiyuki Ōmori and Hidetoshi Satō composed the song, while Neko Oikawa wrote the lyrics.

  2. Why are Cruel Angel's Thesis and the NGE opening so iconic?

    The (excellent, even for non-music nerds) podcast Strong Songs goes through them in an episode from last August devoted to animated television theme songs. NGE portion starts at 36:27, and lasts about twelve minutes -- worth a listen, IMHO. The fact when you search up on YouTube. "that one anime opening" and the NGE opening pops up says ...

  3. The Meaning Behind The Song: A Cruel Angel's Thesis by Yoko Takahashi

    A Cruel Angel's Thesis, performed by Yoko Takahashi, is the iconic theme song of the popular anime series, Neon Genesis Evangelion. Written by Neko Oikawa and composed by Hidetoshi Sato, this song has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. Its powerful lyrics and upbeat melody have made it a favorite among anime enthusiasts ...

  4. A Cruel Angel's Thesis Explained

    Neon Genesis Evangelion is back at last, with an only moderately butchered localization! That means it's finally time analyze this legendary opening.Pre-regi...

  5. How would I explain how Iconic "Cruel Angel's thesis is"

    Now, I wouldn't say A Cruel Angel's Thesis is also the most iconic anime opening ever, either. There's a LOT of songs that are also extremely popular, impactful, and influential, and would really take a more all-encompassing approach to properly compare. But yeah, your friend just sounds unaware of the influence of "A Cruel Angel's Thesis".

  6. The Meaning Behind The Song: Cruel Angel's Thesis by AmaLee

    The chorus of the song reveals the title's meaning, with the lyrics stating, "This was all a Cruel Angel's Thesis from the start.". It implies that life itself is a test, where we are constantly challenged to overcome obstacles and find our true purpose. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is meaning to be found.

  7. Meaning of the Cruel Angel's Thesis theme? : r/evangelion

    It doesn't have any direct relation to the content of the show or the movie. Reason being, the songwriter simply wrote the song with very little knowledge about Evangelion. She was quoted saying that she watched two episodes on fast-forward and wrote the song with vague and whatever that sort of sounded cool. It really doesn't mean much though ...

  8. The Meaning Behind The Song: Cruel Angel's Thesis (From "Neon Genesis

    Its universal themes of hope, struggle, and self-discovery resonate with listeners from all walks of life. "Cruel Angel's Thesis" reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we have the power to become legends in our own right. So, go forth, young boys and girls, and embrace your journey towards becoming a legend.

  9. A Cruel Angel's Thesis Explained

    "The Cruel Angel's Thesis" enjoyed long-lasting success and frequently appeared in popularity polls even decades after the first airing of Evangelion. It is considered one of the best and most iconic theme songs of the otaku subculture, finding renewed popularity with the release of the Rebuild of Evangelion theatrical tetralogy. In 1996 and 1997, after the first broadcast of Neon Genesis ...

  10. "A Cruel Angel's Thesis": Was "Evangelion" Worth It?

    While I've been trying to understand Evangelion and its fandom for two years, I can't imagine doing this for two decades. As the credits roll on Thrice Upon a Time, all I'm left thinking, like Eva 's last two endings, is "Thank God it's finally over.". Then again, that was kind of the " Cruel Angel's Thesis " all along ...

  11. [Analysis] Yoko Takahashi

    A Cruel Angel's Thesis is a song composed by Hidetoshi Sato and performed by Yoko Takahashi. It serves as the opening theme song for the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, created by Hideaki Anno. The song was released in 1995 as part of the soundtrack for the anime.

  12. A Cruel Angel's Thesis

    "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" (残酷な天使のテーゼ Zankoku na Tenshi no Tēze?, "Zankoku na Tenshi no Thesis" in Japan) is the theme song of the popular anime Neon Genesis Evangelion performed by Yoko Takahashi. It is used as the opening to the series, and two instrumental versions of it are played in the finale episode, "Take care of yourself." These are "The Heady Feeling of Freedom" and ...

  13. A Cruel Angel's Thesis

    A cruel angel's thesis. Will someday fly high from the window. If memories are betrayed by. The overflowing, burning pathos (emotions). Holding the sky in your arms, Young boy, shine like a legend. This is the chorus of the song, and it serves as a way to encourage Shinji that even in the darkest times of his life, he is destined for greatness.

  14. 'A Cruel Angel's Thesis' took just two hours to write says Evangelion

    If you've ever been to karaoke with anyone who likes anime, chances are you know 'A Cruel Angel's Thesis', the theme song to Neon Genesis Evangelion - it's a karaoke classic.Since its original release, singer Yoko Takahashi has re-released the song, which is known as Zankoku na Tenshi no Tēze in Japanese, three times; it celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

  15. The Meaning Behind The Song: Cruel Angel's Thesis (Neon Genesis

    Q: Why is "Cruel Angel's Thesis" considered an iconic anime song? A: "Cruel Angel's Thesis" is considered an iconic anime song because of its powerful composition, meaningful lyrics, and its ability to capture the essence of "Neon Genesis Evangelion." It has become a symbol of the series and holds a special place in the hearts ...

  16. Yoko Takahashi

    So if two people being brought together by fate has any meaning, I think that it is a "bible" for learning freedom. The cruel angel's thesis. The sorrow then begins. You held tight to the form of life when you woke up from that dream. You shine brighter than anyone else. Young boy, become a legend! People create history while weaving love.

  17. How come nobody seems to bring up A Cruel Angel's Thesis when ...

    There was a thread on here a couple of days ago where people were listing off top 5 OPs, and cruel angel's thesis was brought up multiple times in the comments. Reply Worm38 •

  18. The Cruel Angel's Thesis (Director's Edit Version)

    Provided to YouTube by MasterworksThe Cruel Angel's Thesis (Director's Edit Version) · Yoko TakahashiNEON GENESIS EVANGELION (Original Series Soundtrack)℗ 20...

  19. Evangelion

    AmaLee's English cover of "Cruel Angel's Thesis", the opening from Neon Genesis Evangelion! ︎ ︎ STREAM / DOWNLOAD ︎ ︎ https://ffm.to/nostalgia1 (iTunes, Sp...

  20. 残酷な天使のテーゼ (A Cruel Angel's Thesis) (Romanized)

    高橋洋子「残酷な天使のテーゼ」羅馬拼音歌詞. [Intro] Zankoku na tenshi no you ni. Shounen yo shinwa ni nare. [Verse 1] Aoi kaze ga ima. Mune no doa wo tataite mo. Watashi dake ...

  21. A Cruel Angel's Thesis wins /r/anime's Best Opening Contest!

    I think the problem is the tournament format, if two great openings get matched in one of the first rounds, only one of them will continue, so the ones in the finals aren't necessarily the best ones. For example, "Tank!" lost to Your Lie in April's OP by only a few dozens of votes. Also, if you look at other contests of r/anime, it's usually ...

  22. Why is a cruel angels thesis so good?

    Why is a cruel angels thesis so good? The genius of 'A Cruel Angel's Thesis' is in the versatility of the composition. There have been countless variations and covers of the song over the years. It's also the perfect hard hitting song to drop for parties.

  23. Why dose "A cruel Angels thesis" sound like you listening ...

    Misc. So the opening of neon genesis evangelion uses a song called A cruel Angels thesis (it's a bop btw) and it might just be me or dose the songs structure and pace sound like your reading an actual thesis, go ahead bring up a guide for a structure of a thesis and listen to the song, it's got an opening sentence the eve fence in there ...