How has the mecha genre evolved in Japan over the decades?

Initially focused on post-war anxieties, the genre expanded to encompass various themes – space opera (‘Mobile Suit Gundam’ being a prime example), military conflict, and even more fantastical elements. The late 80s and 90s saw a surge in popularity with series like ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion,’ which explored psychological themes and deconstructed the traditional mecha narrative. More recently, there's been a return to more traditional giant robot action.