The Weeknd Debuts New Song Sampling Neon Genesis Evangelion with Yoko Takahashi at Tokyo Tour Opener

At his Asia tour opener in Tokyo last night, the Weeknd surprised fans by debuting a brand-new song that prominently samples the theme from one of the most beloved and influential anime series of all time, Neon Genesis Evangelion. Performing at Tokyo’s Belluna Dome, Abel Tesfaye shared the stage with legendary Japanese singer Yoko Takahashi, the iconic voice behind the series’ globally celebrated opening theme, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis.” While an official title and release date for the mysterious new track remain unannounced and strictly TBA, concertgoers and online audiences alike were treated to a monumental cultural crossover that immediately dominated music and anime discussions worldwide.

The September 19 concert served as the official kickoff for the latest leg of Tesfaye’s sprawling, years-long After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour, a massive global trek that originally commenced all the way back in 2022. Rather than relying solely on established hits, Tesfaye chose the Tokyo stage to unveil the ambitious new material, integrating Japanese pop-culture royalty directly into his performance. He paired the live debut of the new song with a stunning visual backdrop crafted by visionary writer-director Yoko Taro. The striking visual presentation seamlessly incorporated unmistakable imagery and thematic motifs from Taro’s acclaimed 2007 video game NieR:Automata alongside the iconic aesthetic of Neon Genesis Evangelion.

The collaborative spirit of the evening extended beyond the new song’s debut. At one point during the concert, Tesfaye deliberately stepped back from the center stage, allowing Yoko Takahashi to perform her signature anthem, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” entirely solo. While Takahashi commanded the spotlight and delivered a powerful rendition of the legendary anime theme, Tesfaye could be seen vibing along appreciatively at the back of the stage, paying homage to the artist and the profound cultural touchstone she represents.

This high-profile Tokyo performance marks another major milestone in the ongoing evolution of the After Hours Til Dawn Stadium Tour, which has continuously adapted and expanded since its inception. Over the course of the tour’s multi-year run, Tesfaye has maintained a relentless creative output, releasing multiple major projects that have kept him at the forefront of contemporary pop and R&B. Among these is the 2003 soundtrack to the widely panned HBO series The Idol, a project that generated immense media scrutiny and debate upon its release. More recently, Tesfaye delivered his latest full-length artistic statement with 2025’s Hurry Up Tomorrow, a record that the artist heavily billed as his final release under the moniker the Weeknd.

The rollout for Hurry Up Tomorrow has been uniquely multimedia-driven, extending far beyond traditional streaming platforms and radio singles. The album arrived accompanied by a narrative feature film directed by Trey Edward Shults. The cinematic project boasts a star-studded cast featuring Barry Keoghan, Jenna Ortega, and Abel Tesfaye himself, further blurring the lines between his music career, cinematic storytelling, and high-concept live performances. By bringing this era of his career to international stages like the Belluna Dome and integrating deeply revered Japanese creative forces like Yoko Takahashi and Yoko Taro, Tesfaye continues to push the boundaries of what a modern stadium pop concert can achieve, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further news regarding the official release of his new anime-sampled track.