one of the most emblematic voices of the Anime is at the center of a controversy. Megumi Hayashibara, legendary Seiyuu known for giving life to Rei Ayanami on Neon Genesis Evangelion, has sparked a wave of criticism on social networks after publishing a reflection on his personal blog where he uses the word of invasive species to refer to certain behaviors of foreign tourists in Japan. His comments on migratory and cultural policies have sparked an intense debate on xenophobia and nationalism in the country.
Megumi Hayashibara voice of Rei generates controversy
On June 8, 2025, Megumi Hayashibara who gave voice to king on Neon Genesis Evangelion, one of the most influential voice actresses in Japan, published on his official blog of I AMBL an entry titled Indifference, ignorance and not knowing. What at first seemed like a reflection on the current state of Japanese society, soon ignited controversy, including strong criticism of foreign tourism and the student scholarship system.
Megumi Hayashibara He openly questioned that some international students in Japan receive fully subsidized scholarships, while many Japanese young people must borrow in order to study. cited data from the Japan Student Services Organization (d)Jasso) and Ministry of Education (d)mex), indicating that scholarships awarded to foreigners in certain cases do not require reimbursement, which they consider unfair when compared to the economic burden faced by local students.
In his opinion, this imbalance is part of a greater problem: the neglect of the Japanese government to the needs of its own citizens. In his entry, he also made reference to the lack of sufficient support for communities affected by natural disasters, suggesting that public resources should be prioritized for Japanese taxpayers and foreign residents already taxing in the country.
Identity at risk and controversial metaphors
But it was a biological metaphor that set off the alarms. Speaking of the cultural impact of tourists and migrants, Megumi Hayashibara He compared his presence to the case of the American crab (Procambarus clarkii), an invasive species that displaced Japanese native fauna. He used this example to express his fear that japonicity, that is, the set of values, customs and ways of life typical of the country. It is diluted if there is no greater citizen participation in political and social issues.
The Seiyuu of Neon Genesis Evangelion He did not limit himself to reflecting on educational financing. He also criticized specific attitudes of some visitors, such as not respecting the rules of coexistence, not giving way, or even damaging cultural sites. He mentioned as an example the recent cases of tourists who carved their names in bamboo forests in Arashiyama, , Kyoto, which was widely condemned by Japanese public opinion.
According to Megumi Hayashibara, Japanese society runs the risk of losing fundamental elements of its identity. such as order, respect for public space and daily courtesy. If you do not become aware of the direction the country is taking. Although she insisted that her message was addressed to the Japanese themselves and not to attack foreigners, the expression invasive species It generated rejection and outraged users of social networks both inside and outside of Japan
apologies of Megumi Hayashibara
The controversy escalated even more when it was discovered that the original post contained a reference to Korean politics, which was later eliminated. According to Megumi Hayashibara, a friend warned her that this fragment could cause ideological tensions with South Korea. so he chose to remove it to avoid further misunderstandings.
In a blog update, The Seiyuu of Neon Genesis Evangelion He offered public apologies. «If I hurt someone, I’m sorry. It was not my intention», he clarified. Despite this, he reiterated that his main concern is the growing indifference of the Japanese towards the internal problems of the country and the little willingness to get involved in decisions that affect the future of their society. «It is sad that Japan is indifferent to its problems», he concluded.
