TV Tokyo has announced a new Sunday early‑evening anthology slot to air weekly at 5:30 p.m. starting October 19 across its six‑station network. As part of this rotating celebratory curation, the November 16 broadcast will feature Episode 1 of Neon Genesis Evangelion, titled “使徒、襲来” (“Angel Attack”), marking the first time in roughly three decades that the inaugural episode has been shown in this early evening frame on the TV Tokyo network (its original first airing there dates back to October 4, 1995).
Program Concept
“Bakushu! Anime-versaries” is a special rotating showcase that selects standout episodes or tailor‑made specials from TV Tokyo–associated anime titles currently marking a milestone (e.g., franchise anniversaries, theatrical premiere tie‑ins, sequel announcements, or new event launches). Each week focuses on a different celebrant title, allowing newer viewers to sample a pivotal entry point while offering longtime fans a commemorative rewatch opportunity. Evangelion’s Episode 1 is positioned as a symbolic cultural return: the very first installment (“第壱話,” deliberately styled with the old numeral form) recontextualized in 2025’s anniversary climate.
Executive Comment
Statement from Yoshikazu Benitani (Head of Anime Production, TV Tokyo Anime Division):
“In an era where nearly fifty brand‑new anime series can materialize in a single cour, TV Tokyo remains committed—true to our reputation as ‘the anime network’—to delivering high‑interest titles in power time slots. At the same time, streaming platforms have made past masterpieces instantly accessible. Precisely because of that, we wanted to intentionally use terrestrial broadcast to throw a bright celebratory spotlight—past or present—on a curated spread of TV Tokyo anime. Airing Episode 1 of Neon Genesis Evangelion now, in its 30th year since broadcast inception, gains special meaning because it returns via the TV Tokyo system. Other selections likewise have differing pretexts for celebration, yet all share this unifying logic: ‘You’ll feel like watching them now on our network.’ We invite viewers everywhere to join us in enjoying these ten ‘Anime-versaries’ together!”
Full Planned Broadcast Lineup (Tentative / As Announced)
(All air Sundays at 17:30 unless otherwise noted. “初回放送” indicates original premiere date. “初放送” indicates first-ever airing of that specific special. Items marked （仮） are provisional titles.)
- October 19
Tie‑in: Ongoing theatrical run of “Aikatsu! × PriPara THE MOVIE” – Part 1
Featured Episode: Aikatsu! – Episode 76 “びっくり☆フレッシュガール！” (“Surprise☆Fresh Girl!”)
Original Air Date: April 3, 2014 - October 26
Tie‑in: “Aikatsu! × PriPara THE MOVIE” in theaters – Part 2
Featured Episode: PriPara – Episode 1 “アイドル始めちゃいました！” (“I Just Became an Idol!”)
Original Air Date: July 5, 2014 - November 2
Tie‑in: Japanese release of “羅小黒戦記2 ぼくらが望む未来” (The Legend of Hei 2: The Future We Wish For)
Special: “Catch Up From Now! Pre‑Release Special for the Film ‘羅小黒戦記 (The Legend of Hei)’”
Note: First broadcast (brand‑new special) - November 9
Tie‑in: 10th Anniversary of the Shinkalion franchise
Featured Episode: Shinkansen Henkei Robo Shinkalion Z – Episode 21 “出撃、シンカリオンZ 500 TYPE EVA” (“Launch, Shinkalion Z 500 TYPE EVA”)
Original Air Date: September 17, 2021 - November 16
Tie‑in: 30th Anniversary of Neon Genesis Evangelion’s broadcast start
Featured Episode: Neon Genesis Evangelion – Episode 1 (stylized “第壱話”) “使徒、襲来” (“Angel Attack”)
Original Air Date: October 4, 1995 - November 23
Tie‑in: Production decision announced for Black Clover 2nd season
Featured Episode: Black Clover – Episode 1 “アスタとユノ” (“Asta and Yuno”)
Original Air Date: October 3, 2017 - November 30
Tie‑in: “ひみつのアイプリ” (“Secret Ipri”) Commemorative Broadcast (provisional)
Featured Episode: Himitsu no Aipri – Episode 52 “ときめき☆あたらしい出会い” (“Heart‑Fluttering☆A Brand New Encounter”)
Original Air Date: April 6, 2025 (listed source date; noted despite future calendar context) - December 7
Tie‑in: “Princesssion Orchestra” 2nd live event (title provisional)
Special: “プリンセッション・オーケストラ” Program (working title)
Status: First broadcast; further details to be disclosed later - December 14
Tie‑in: New theatrical feature for Sgt. Frog (Keroro Gunsō) greenlit
Featured Episode: Sgt. Frog – Episode 33 “ケロロ小隊 アニメでペコポン侵略であります” (“The Keroro Platoon: We Invade Pekopon Through Anime, Sir!”)
Original Air Date: November 13, 2004 - December 21
Tie‑in: Theatrical release decision for “New Theatrical Edition Gintama – Yoshiwara Conflagration –”
Featured Episode: Gintama – Episode 72
Dual Segment Title: “犬の肉球はこうばしい匂いがする／かもしれない運転でいけ”
Translation: “A Dog’s Paw Pads Have a Toasty Fragrance / Always Drive as Though Something Might Happen”
Original Air Date: September 6, 2007
Source: OriconNews