It’s been 20 years since the critically acclaimed Evangelion series first came to life on the small screen, and to this day it remains one of the most successful animated series to ever come out of Japan.
With such a dedicated legion of fans, the merchandising has been off the hook, with everything from burgers to lingerie and even a bullet train getting the Eva treatment. But amongst all this, there’s one special limited-edition range that’s really striking a chord with Japanese fans, as it takes the tough, sexy heroines of the series out of their futuristic battle cockpits and re-imagines them as katana sword-wielding ladies in kimono.
Evangelion first stepped back in time with a promotional crossover that involved a Japanese sword exhibition featuring Eva-styled blades, even a Lance of Longinus, created by some of the country’s best swordsmiths. Soon afterwards, a tie-in doll series from toy maker Takara Tomy was announced, with three of the female stars from the series chosen to walk the path of a doll in traditional kimono, with decorative blades by their side for protection.
The Asuka Langley Shikinami with Japanese Sword doll was the first to appear on the market, with September pre-orders priced at 16,200 yen (US$135.12) and delivery scheduled for January 2016.
Asuka’s tanto, or short blade, is taken from a design used by the samurai class of feudal Japan. It includes a red scabbard, to match the colour of her plugsuit in the series, and a Nerv display stand.
Asuka cuts a pretty figure in the red, peony-patterned kimono, complete with shoes, Eva-style hair accessories and an obi kimono sash around her waist adorned with the A.T. field design.
The second character to appear in the three-part series is Mari Makinami Illustrious, currently available for preorders from the Takara Tomy website for 16,200 yen.
She keeps her trademark glasses and “twin tail” pig-tail hairstyle for this traditional look.
Mari’s short blade is shaped more like a dagger and is dressed up in a pink and black scabbard complete with the Nerv logo.
Her pink kimono features a lily pattern and an A.T. field obi sash.
The third girl to join Asuka and Mari in traditional attire will be crowd favourite Rei. While her release date and other details are yet to be revealed, we have a feeling we know what colour her kimono will be…
Top Image: Takara Tomy
Insert Images: Takara Tomy 1, 2
[ Read in Japanese ]
Evangelion exhibit-inspired figure gives us Asuka in a beautiful kimono!
This is the Rei Ayanami doll we’ve been anticipating since last year—and it was worth the wait!
Cruel angels, beautiful blades: The amazing sword of the Evangelion and Katana exhibition【Photos】
Licca-chan dolls released in North America for first time in nearly 60 years
One Piece anime katanas recreated as exquisite letter openers by Japan’s swordsmith legacy heirs
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years
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]
This beautiful Okinawa beach gives you the best of both worlds when visiting the prefecture [Pics]
Wagyu ramen for foreign tourists appears in Kabukicho, with a very high price tag
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
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Starbucks Japan teams up with Traveler’s Company for new stationery and goods collection
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases new Kiki’s Delivery Service Jiji music box for anime fans
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
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
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】
Voice of Evangelion’s main character sad to see how often he gets left out of anime group shots
Traditional Japanese Sword Makers Commissioned to Create Real-Life Evangelion Weapons
City hall in Japan now has a giant Evangelion robot statue in its lobby【Videos】
Slice into a traditional sweet range with some of Japan’s most famous swords
Is spending 248,380 yen (US$1,840) on an anime boy doll a wise choice? Our fangirl finds out!
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]