Evangelion Studio Warns Leaking Film’s Clip Can Cause 10 Years of Imprisonment!

The COVID-19 pandemic was very harsh for the Evangelion franchise as their last film was delayed over and over again, and I pretty sure that they had to incur a considerable amount of loss.

But now that the film has finally premiered on the big screens, Studio Khara is looking to ensure that it brings maximum revenue.

Piracy and unauthorized recordings have always been perennial problems in the anime industry. But enough is enough; Khara is ready to do everything that law permits to prevent such practices.

The official website for Studio Khararevealed a statement regarding piracy and unauthorized recording of footage from Evangelion: 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon A Time film.

We have confirmed multiple videos of the main part of “Shin Evangelion Theatrical Version” currently being released in the theater. All the information is saved, and appropriate measures are taken. Documents were sent for the voyeur case in July 2018. Voyeurism is subject to criminal penalties. The upload source can be specified anonymously.

English Translation, Twitter Translate

The statement warns us about the ‘big consequences’ that anyone may face for leaking movie clips onto the internet.

“On violation of the Film Voyeur Prevention Act and the Copyright Act, one can even be sentenced to imprisonment for up to 10 years, a fine of up to 10 million yen, or both.”

Can’t you see the commercial for “No More Movie Thief” that runs before the movie starts? It clearly says, “You will be sentenced to imprisonment for up to 10 years, a fine of up to 10 million yen, or both.” You won’t know unless you’re punished

English Translation, Twitter Translate

This isn’t the first time a franchise has resorted to such bold measures to prevent piracy.

High-budget films like Space Battleship Yamato Resurrection and Mobile Suit Gundam 00 the Movie have punished the suspects, charged under the law for recording in theaters.

This film is doing pretty well at the Japanese box office till now. It has set a new record for the highest IMAX earnings on opening day in Japan, with the equivalent of US$740,000 in IMAX tickets.

We have created a special stamp-like image for those who viewed it on IMAX. Please use the smiling face with open mouth and tightly-closed eyes!

English Translation, Twitter Translate

There are people out there who consider piracy a ‘necessary evil’ that somehow helps to promote the anime.

So, I am glad that the franchise is trying to provide fans the best experience in movie theaters and discouraging them from shifting to any other illegal alternative.

About Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a Japanese anime television series produced by Gainax and Tatsunoko Production. It was directed by Hideaki Anno and broadcast on TV Tokyo from October 1995 to March 1996.

This series revolves around Shinji Ikari, who was recruited by his father to battle giant monsters (called Angels) in enormous mecha suits (called Evangelion).

Shinji has a hard time bearing this responsibility, and his inner conflict about these events leads to introspective episodes covering a range of religious and existential questions.

Sometimes we include links to online retail stores and/or online campaigns. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. For more information, go here.