The Weeknd Debuts ‘Tokyo’ In Japan, Sampling ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ Theme

The Weeknd has surprised fans in Japan with an unreleased song that draws from one of the most recognisable themes in anime history.

The singer, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, premiered “Tokyo” during the September 19 opening night of the Asian leg of his After Hours Til Dawn tour at Belluna Dome in Saitama.

Japanese singer Yoko Takahashi joined him for the performance, which incorporated elements of her 1995 hit “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis”, the opening theme of the influential anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Takahashi later performed the original song in full while The Weeknd watched from the back of the stage.

The performance also brought together two major Japanese creative worlds. The accompanying visuals were created under the direction of Yoko Taro, the creative force behind the NieR video game franchise, and combine imagery from Neon Genesis Evangelion and NieR: Automata.

The Weeknd shared footage from the performance on social media, crediting the collaboration as “Presented by YOKO TARO ft. YOKO TAKAHASHI.”

“Tokyo” is the second unreleased song Tesfaye has introduced during the current tour. He premiered “Rio” with Brazilian singer Anitta during a concert in Rio de Janeiro in April.

The latest release comes after Tesfaye previously suggested that Hurry Up Tomorrow, released in 2025, would be his final project under The Weeknd name. He has since indicated that he no longer intends to retire the stage name.