Shūketsu no Sono e

"Shūketsu no Sono e"
Single by Megumi Hayashibara
from the album Choice
LanguageJapanese
B-side"Shūketsu no Sono e" (Ayanami ver.)
ReleasedApril 22, 2009 (2009-04-22)
Genre
Length5:03
LabelStarchild
ComposerGo Takahashi
LyricistMegumi
Megumi Hayashibara singles chronology
"Front Breaking"
(2009) 		"Shūketsu no Sono e"
(2009) 		"Shūketsu no Unmei"
(2010)
Audio
"Shūketsu no Sono e" on YouTube

"Shūketsu no Sono e" (Japanese: 集結の園へ; lit. 'To the Garden of Gathering') is a song by Japanese voice actress and recording artist Megumi Hayashibara. Written by Go Takahashi with lyrics penned by Hayashibara,[a] the song was released as a single on April 22, 2009, via Starchild.[1] The song was used as image song for the Pachinko machine CR Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Beginning of the End.[b][2][3]

Background and release

"Shūketsu no Sono e" marked the first time Hayashibra contributed a theme song to the Evangelion franchise under her real name, as opposed to character songs. Initially, Hayashibara expressed hesitation about getting involved, as she viewed these works as the domain of Yoko Takahashi ("A Cruel Angel's Thesis"),[4] and felt there might be little room for her as a voice actress to contribute vocally to such an established world.[5] However, she agreed to participate after learning that Takahashi's songs would also be featured in the machines and feeling she could offer something meaningful.[4] Hayashibara described the creation process as a deliberate shift from "performing" an Evangelion character to "singing" as herself, while still embedding deep personal and thematic meaning into the work.

During the creation of the lyrics, Hayashibara faced significant creative difficulties in finding ideas,[6][5] until she decided to shift her perspective by imagining herself becoming Evangelion Unit 01 itself; at that moment, she commented that words suddenly began "descending from above."[6]

The release of the single was initially scheduled for March 11, 2009;[3] however, due the rollout of CR Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Beginning of the End being rescheduled for early April, the release date was then postponed to April 22, 2009, to coincide with the machine promotion.[7]

As a B-side, the single includes an alternative version of "Shūketsu no Sono e" performed by Hayashibara as the character Rei Ayanami.[8] Both versions of the song were subsequently included on the studio album Choice released July 2010.[9]

Concepts and themes

The lyrics of "Shūketsu no Sono e" incorporate the thoughts and emotions of three key figures of Evangelion: Rei Ayanami, Yui Ikari, and Unit 01.[5] When coming up with the lyrics, Hayashibara wanted to a convey a maternal embrace that envelops a loved one (the "beloved child") despite changes in form, while avoiding excessive overt tenderness or affection.[5] Instead, they emphasize the series' core theme of "fusion," transcending individual boundaries to become one—a reference to the Instrumentality Project of Evangelion—, encouraging the listener to overcome timid hesitation and move forward.[5] They also contain philosophical and religious allusions.[9] Lines referencing the finite life of flowers evoke Christian notions of finality after death, contrasting with the notion of "endless" dreams, which alludes to concepts of reincarnation found in Hinduism and related beliefs. The recurring question "where do the tears return to"—with "tears" used metonymically for life—asks about the destination of human existence, framed around the image of a crying figure (implied to be Rei Ayanami) at the moment of death. Hayashibara explained that the "garden" in the title symbolically evokes the Garden of Eden, while the overall atmosphere mixes apparent chaos with an underlying search for meaning.[9] She aimed to evoke a sense of Japanese religious sensibility blended with universal spiritual motifs, incorporating imagery such as church bells, temple bells, and prayers from various traditions to represent a chaotic yet divine presence—something she felt was encapsulated within Unit 01.[9]

Critical reception

CD Journal gave a positive review on the song, commenting: "The dramatic, choir-like chorus in the opening immediately draws the listener in on this single. The soaring, emotionally uplifting vocals race forward, evoking a sense of homage to “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis”."[8] Animate Times named it one of their top-recommended Evangelion theme songs. They praised Hayashibara's "powerful vocals" on it, and commented: "The track leaves a strong impression with its high-speed, driving melody combined with choruses reminiscent of religious hymns."[10]

Commercial performance

"Shūketsu no Sono e" debuted and peaked at number 7 on the Oricon charts,[11] selling 14,865 copies on its first week.[12] The single had a long-charting record, appearing on the weekly charts for twenty-four weeks in total, with reported sales amounting to 43,588 copies.[12]

In 2009, the song appeared at number 1 on Recochoku Annual Ranking of downloaded tracks in the Anime/Game category.[13] In May 2009, it was certified Gold after surpassing 100,000 digital downloads.[14] In June 2010, it was certified Platinum after exceeding 250,000 digital downloads, and in January 2015, it was received the Double Platinum certification after surpassing 500,000 digital downloads.[14]

Impact and legacy

In a 2010 survey by Recochoku, "Shūketsu no Sono e" appeared third on the ranking of all-time favorite Evangelion songs, following "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" and "Soul's Refrain."[15] In a 2026 survey by Minna no Ranking, the song appeared at number 7 among the most popular Evangelion songs.[16] In a 2022 survey by NetLab, the song also appeared at number 5 of the most popular Megumi Hayashibara songs.[17]

Cover versions

The song has been covered by various artists, including Dizzi Mystica feat. Maki,[18] Reiko Nakanishi,[19] and Miyabi.[20]

Track listing

All lyrics are written by Megumi; all music is composed by Go Takahashi.

CD single/digital release track listing[21]
No.TitleLength
1."Shūketsu no Sono e"5:03
2."Shūketsu no Sono e" (Ayanami ver.)5:31
3."Shūketsu no Sono e" (off vocal version)5:03
4."Shūketsu no Sono e" (Ayanami ver.) (off vocal version)5:28

Personnel

Credits adapted from the liner notes of the CD single.[22]

  • Megumi Hayashibara – vocals
  • Go Takahashi – arrangements
  • Takahiro Shutō – guitar
  • Yoshirō Kanamori – bass
  • Gen Ittestu Group – strings
  • Keiji Kondō – recording, mixing
  • Hiroyuki Tsuji – mastering
  • Toshimichi Otsuki – executive producer

Charts

Certifications

Digital downloads
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ)[25] 2× Platinum 500,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.

Notes

  1. ^ Under the alias "Megumi" stylized in all caps.
  2. ^ Japanese title: CR新世紀エヴァンゲリオン 〜最後のシ者〜 (CR Shinseiki Evangerion: Saigo no Shisha)

References

  1. ^ "集結の園へ エヴァンゲリオン". King Records Official Website (in Japanese). 2008. Archived from the original on 11 July 2017. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  2. ^ "「集結の園へ」 林原めぐみ （Maxiシングル）". Evangelion Official Store (in Japanese). Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  3. ^ a b "林原めぐみ、エヴァンゲリオン関連の新曲を発表！シングルにはAYANAMIヴァージョンも収録". CD Journal (in Japanese). 13 January 2019. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  4. ^ a b Okamoto, Daisuke (21 February 2024). "「エヴァ」から感じ取ったもの、それは「いざない」――「終結の槍／終結のはじまり」発売記念・林原めぐみインタビュー". NewType Magazine (in Japanese). Kadokawa Group. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Artist Pick Up: 林原めぐみ". Shy Glance. Groovin' Magazine. 25 April 2009. Archived from the original on 26 June 2025.
  6. ^ a b "林原めぐみのHeartful Station900回突破記念公開録音 Report". Megumi House (in Japanese). King Records. March 2009. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  7. ^ "「集結の園へ」発売延期のお知らせ". Megumi House (in Japanese). King Records. Archived from the original on 12 February 2009. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  8. ^ a b "林原めぐみ / 集結の園へ [デジパック仕様]". CD Journal (in Japanese). 2009. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  9. ^ a b c d "シングル&アルバムを同時リリース記念! 林原めぐみのメッセージを紹介". MyNavi (in Japanese). 21 July 2010. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  10. ^ "「アニソン総選挙」第1位「残酷な天使のテーゼ」以外の『新世紀エヴァンゲリオン』に関連したオススメ曲を紹介！　高橋洋子さん「心よ原始に戻れ」、林原めぐみさん「集結の園へ」など". Animate Times (in Japanese). 9 September 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  11. ^ a b "集結の園へ | 林原めぐみ". Oricon News (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  12. ^ a b c "オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」" [Oricon Ranking Information Service 'You Taiju']. Oricon. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  13. ^ "「レコチョクアワード年間最優秀賞 2009」を発表！" (PDF) (in Japanese). 9 December 2009. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  14. ^ a b "一般社団法人 日本レコード協会" (To access, enter the search parameter "集結の園へ" in the field "作品名"). www.riaj.or.jp. Retrieved 10 March 2026.
  15. ^ "「ヱヴァンゲリヲン」人気曲ランキング、1位はやっぱりあの曲！". RBB Today (in Japanese). 26 May 2010. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  16. ^ "【人気投票 1~24位】エヴァンゲリオン主題歌ランキング！最も愛されたエヴァのOP・EDは？". Minna no Ranking (in Japanese). 21 February 2026. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  17. ^ "声優「林原めぐみ」のシングル曲人気ランキングTOP31！　第1位は「Give a reason」【2022年最新投票結果】". NetLab (in Japanese). 10 May 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  18. ^ "EXIT TRANCE PRESENTS ウマウマできるトランスを作ってみた6～どうしてこうなった!～". CD Journal (in Japanese). 2009. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  19. ^ "アニメ『新世紀エヴァンゲリオン』歴代人気曲をご紹介！". AWA (in Japanese). 26 January 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  20. ^ "歌って踊れる日本語ユーロ「和ユーロ ベスト2」がいよいよリリース". OK Music. 17 December 2009. Archived from the original on 21 April 2023. Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  21. ^ "集結の園へ - EP by Megumi Hayashibara". Apple Music (in Japanese). 2009. Retrieved 10 March 2026.
  22. ^ Hayashibara, Megumi (2009). Shūketsu no Sono e (CD single). Starchild. King Records Co., Ltd. KICM-1271.
  23. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot 100 – Week of April 29, 2009". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  24. ^ "Billboard Japan Top Singles Sales – Week of April 29, 2009". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved 11 March 2026.
  25. ^ "Japanese digital single certifications – Megumi Hayashibara – 集結の園へ" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved 2026-03-19. Select 2015年1月 on the drop-down menu
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