A cosplayer portraying Neon Genesis Evangelion's Shinji Ikari became an unexpected highlight of Anime Expo 2026. Slumped dejectedly in a folding chair atop a small rug, he flawlessly captured the iconic character's signature melancholic, reluctant vibe, drawing massive crowds of passing convention-goers.
Amused attendees quickly joined in on the performance, tossing cash tips and small items like fresh oranges onto his rug. The crowd swelled so much that convention security eventually asked the cosplayer to stand up.
Following the event, the cosplayer expressed his gratitude online and revealed a heartwarming twist: all the money collected during his viral, meme-worthy stunt would be donated to children's mental health charities, transforming a funny viral moment into a meaningful fundraiser.