Fans of hit anime Evangelion are used to having their patience tested. Almost three years after the Japanese theatrical release of the Evangelion 3.0 feature film, the movie still isn’t available on home video in North America. Meanwhile, the fourth, and reputedly final, chapter of the Rebuild of Evangelion film series remains without a release date.
But if there’s one thing Japan demands punctuality from, it’s the country’s trains. So with the Evangelion Shinkansen scheduled to go into service next month, the anime-themed bullet train is practically complete and recently made its public and video debut.
Japanese rail enthusiast website Tetsudo Shimbun recently toured the Eva Shinkansen, and it looks like the designers have gone all-out in order to satisfy the notoriously detail-focused demographics of anime fans and train nuts. Starting with the exterior, Japan Railways has resisted the temptation to just slap a few stickers on the train or decorate its lead car. Nope, the Evangelion Shinkansen is decked out in the colors of Eva Unit-01 from tip to tip.
Inside, Evangelion manufacturer Nerv makes its presence known with copious use of its half-leaf logo. Also, it seems the Shinkansen’s regular chime that precedes announcements of upcoming stations has been replaced with a relaxing version of “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” the TV anime’s opening theme song.
▼ If the sun is in your eyes, simply deploy your A.T. Field to continue your journey in comfort.
Finally, the highlight of the ride (at least for those lucky enough to be selected in the drawing) is some seat time in Unit-01’s cockpit.
Don’t get too relaxed, though, because the stint includes an Angel attack, and the pilot will have to fend off the rampaging alien by using motion controls to rip open its protective A.T. Field with his own hands!
The Evangelion Shinkansen goes into service on November 7.
Sources: Tetsudo Shimbun via Inside Games, Jin
Top image: YouTube/Tetsudo Shimbun
Insert images: YouTube/Tetsudo Shimbun (1, 2, 3)
Evangelion Shinkansen gets range of souvenirs, including its very own bullet train ekiben obento
Evangelion Shinkansen service takes off on November 7 with life-sized Eva cockpit on board
Japan Railway Company to end awesome Evangelion Shinkansen service soon, makes us all sad
The Evangelion Shinkansen will let you ride the rails like a cool angel this fall
Evangelion Shinkansen service extended for another year as Kaworu starts announcing stations
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years
Train continues to stop at rural station for lone schoolgirl until she graduates in March
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Beautiful off-the-beaten-path spot near samurai castle in rural Japan looks like a Monet painting
Tokyo sweets store has a “350% Pudding Soft Serve”, and people are going wild for it
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics]
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Eva train gets new visual, campaign bonuses
Hello Kitty Shinkansen bullet train to debut in Japan this summer
500 Type Eva Cafe releases exclusive lineup of Evangelion-themed meals, sweets and drinks
Get in the damn drift car, Shinji? Evangelion Tomika toy brings D1 machine home in miniature form
Shinkansen: Evangelion Project will also open a café and goods store at JR Hakata Station
Japan is getting a Disney Mickey Mouse Shinkansen bullet train this spring!
Evas at work! Evangelion assist suit wants to protect your lower back【Photos】
Hokkaido Shinkansen apologizes for driver “spacing out” while operating bullet train
Bullets on the bullet train as three men found carrying guns on Japan’s Shinkansen
The ultimate Shinkansen trip: Riding Japan’s bullet train network from one end to the other
Race against the clock: Shinkansen staff have just 7 minutes to get bullet train ready to ride
Stranded passengers on Shinkansen bullet train served out-of-date bread during typhoon
One Piece Shinkansen bullet trains set to speed to adventure in Japan
You can get married in Japan with official, legally binding Evangelion marriage registration forms
McDonald’s Japan announces Evangelion burger line, releases crazy anime video for them【Video】
Human body parts found in crack on bonnet of Shinkansen bullet train
This Japanese train station has a Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus and lets you ride Eva art trains