The Weeknd, also known as Abel Tesfaye, debuted a new song referred to as “Tokyo” during his After Hours Til Dawn Tour in Japan on September 19, featuring a sample from Yōko Takahashi’s “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” from Neon Genesis Evangelion.

The surprise performance took place at the Belluna Dome in Tokorozawa, where Yōko Takahashi joined him on stage to perform her iconic theme song live.

Tesfaye had hinted at the collaboration for months, incorporating melodies from “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” during soundchecks and promotional content related to the tour, indicating a deepening connection to Japanese pop culture.

The event was highlighted by visually captivating presentations credited to Yoko Taro, the director of NieR:Automata, indicating a broader integration of anime aesthetics into his performance.

Abel Tesfaye has reassured fans in a recent GQ Hong Kong interview that he is not retiring his “The Weeknd” persona, describing his reflections on retirement as a phase of “hibernation” rather than a full stop, expressing a renewed commitment to his music career.

“A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” released in 1995, remains one of the most recognizable songs in anime history, and the inclusion of such a classic track exemplifies The Weeknd’s ongoing engagement with Japanese musical influences, following previous references in his work.

Full GQ article here: https://gqhongkong.com/en/style-en/gq-cover-the-weeknd-reloaded

The introduction of “Tokyo” and Tesfaye’s disclaimers about retirement suggest a strategic shift in his career, with the upcoming album “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” set to close a narrative arc that began with “After Hours” and continued through “Dawn FM.”

This debut in Japan underscores The Weeknd’s broader artistic ambitions and cultural connections, propelling speculation about his future musical directions and collaborations.