Gainax
Neon Genesis Evangelion’s legendary anime opening theme has officially spent over 19 years in Japan’s karaoke charts, proving just how much of a banger A Cruel Angel’s Thesis truly is.
Despite making its onscreen debut in 1995, Evangelion continues to be one of the most popular and influential anime ever released. In fact, three decades later, Hideaki Anno’s psychological mecha show is still receiving weird and wonderful collabs and new projects that keep the series alive and kicking.
Shinji’s trauma from piloting Unit 01 and the epic battles between the monolithic Angels and humanity may take the spotlight, but the show’s opening is just as unforgettable.
According to Oricon’s latest weekly karaoke rankings, A Cruel Angel’s Thesis by Yoko Takahashi ranked No.3 on May 4, 2026. This pushes its total chart appearances to a record 1,000 weeks (over 19 years), proving just how timeless this anime op truly is.
Evagenlion theme spends 1,000 weeks in karaoke charts
Originally written by Neko Oikawa with composition by Toshiyuki Omori and Hidetoshi Sato, the track is known for its uplifting theme. Pair this with Eva’s incredible popularity, and you have a recipe for a chart-topping hit that continues to be played on repeat for decades.
While A Cruel Angel’s Thesis has spent over 19 years on the karaoke charts, the song actually broke into the Top 10 in 2008 and racked up more than 14 years there in total.
Japanese singer Yoko Takahashi, whose vocals made the Evangelion opening a global hit, responded to the milestone.
“I believe this record is the result of Director Anno, the wonderful work that is Evangelion, the strength of the actors, and the power of the song all coming together…I think of it as a gift from heaven,” she said via Oricon.
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Takahashi also shared some pro singing tips for anyone who is looking to perform the popular track during their next karaoke session.
“First, try practicing slowly without karaoke while looking at the lyrics. Then practice with karaoke, and record yourself so you can identify weak points more clearly,” she said.
“When singing in front of others, make sure to clearly pronounce the ‘za’ in the opening ‘Zankoku na.’ From there, sing with momentum all the way to the end, like stepping across floating stones.”
Takahashi then thanked Evangelion fans for their support, and hopes A Cruel Angel’s Thesis will continue to be a favorite for years to come: “This record is only possible because all of you have been singing it! Please continue to enjoy ‘A Cruel Angel’s Thesis’ at karaoke.”
While the original Eva anime and Rebuild films have long come to an end, a special short that features Asuka was released to celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary. There’s also a new Neon Genesis Evangelion anime officially announced, with Nier Automata’s Yoko Taro in charge.
