Overview
魂のルフラン (Soul's Refrain) is a cover of Yoko Takahashi's iconic theme from the 1997 Evangelion theatrical film Shin Seiki Evangelion Gekijōban: Shito Shinsei (Evangelion: Death & Rebirth), performed in maimai by SEGA sound staff member and vocalist Takeshi Mitsuyoshi (光吉猛修). Mitsuyoshi, known within the rhythm game community for his powerful, theatrical singing style, steps into one of anime's most recognized ballads, his first licensed anime cover for the series since おジャ魔女カーニバル!! (Ojamajo Carnival!!). The song was added to maimai DX FESTiVAL PLUS on April 1, 2023, and is available across all regions (JP, INTL, USA, CN).
Videos
Charts
DX
BASIC
2(2)
107 notesDesigner: -|Tap 76Hold 6Slide 2Touch 20Break 3
ADVANCED
6(6)
207 notesDesigner: -|Tap 154Hold 17Slide 4Touch 22Break 10
EXPERT
9(9)
299 notesDesigner: 翠楼屋|Tap 188Hold 29Slide 48Touch 6Break 28
MASTER
12+(12.9)
468 notesDesigner: はっぴー|Tap 317Hold 21Slide 92Touch 11Break 27
Trivia
- The original 魂のルフラン was released as a single by Yoko Takahashi in 1997 and served as the theme song for Evangelion: Death & Rebirth, the first theatrical compilation film of the Neon Genesis Evangelion series.
- The song has been used as BGM in pachinko and pachislot machines (ぱちんこ/パチスロ), contributing to its enduring crossover recognition in Japan beyond the anime fandom.
- Takeshi Mitsuyoshi's cover marks his return to licensed anime song performance in maimai, his previous such cover was おジャ魔女カーニバル!! (Ojamajo Carnival!!) from the D4DJ collab era.
- The in-game jacket art depicts Mitsuyoshi singing into a studio microphone. During actual gameplay, the jacket is displayed without the title and artist text overlay that appears on the full cover image.
- The song shifts time signature mid-phrase: the intro is in 3/4 time, switching to 4/4 at the moment the lyrics reach the hook line 「魂のルフラン」.
- In-game titles (称号) are Evangelion-themed: 「使徒」 (Angel/Apostle) is awarded for EXPERT SSS rank, 「セカンドインパクト」 (Second Impact) for achieving All Perfect+ twice across any difficulty, and 「特務機関」 (Special Agency, referencing NERV) for All Perfect clears on all difficulties.
- The frame awarded alongside the song is titled 「ぱちんこ maimai でらっくす」, earned by playing 魂のルフラン and Shooting Shower～DANCE TIME(シンディ)～ in a single credit.
FAQ
- What is 魂のルフラン (Soul's Refrain)?
- 魂のルフラン (Tamashii no Rufuran / Soul's Refrain) is a theme song from the 1997 Evangelion theatrical film Death & Rebirth. In maimai, it appears as a cover performed by SEGA vocalist Takeshi Mitsuyoshi.
- Who composed the original 魂のルフラン?
- The original 魂のルフラン was composed by Shirō Sagisu with lyrics by Neko Oikawa, originally performed by Yoko Takahashi. In maimai, the song is credited as "高橋洋子 [covered by 光吉猛修]" (Yoko Takahashi covered by Takeshi Mitsuyoshi).
- When was 魂のルフラン added to maimai?
- The song was added to maimai DX on April 1, 2023, as part of the FESTiVAL PLUS version update.
- Who designed the MASTER chart for 魂のルフラン in maimai?
- The MASTER chart (level 12+, constant 12.9) was designed by はっぴー (Happii), and the EXPERT chart (level 9) was designed by 翠楼屋 (Suirouya).
- What BPM is 魂のルフラン?
- The song runs at a steady 130 BPM, with a notable time signature change from 3/4 in the intro to 4/4 when the main lyrical hook begins.
- Why does the jacket art change during gameplay?
- The full jacket art shows Takeshi Mitsuyoshi singing into a microphone, but during gameplay the title and artist text are removed from the display, leaving only the portrait image.
- What Evangelion-themed titles can be earned from 魂のルフラン in maimai?
- Players can earn three titles: 「使徒」 (Angel) for EXPERT SSS rank, 「セカンドインパクト」 (Second Impact) for reaching All Perfect+ twice total, and 「特務機関」 (Special Agency, referencing NERV) for All Perfect clears across all difficulties.
