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Legendary anime studio GAINAX, of Neon Genesis Evangelion, FLCL, and Gurren Lagann fame, has entered the tomato business. 

Yes, you read that right.

Remember that time last year when world-famous anime Evangelion teamed up with Kagome, a Japanese manufacturer of tomato-based foods, fruit, and vegetable juices, for a promotional campaign?

Perhaps it was just a premonition of things to come all along?

Eva‘s very own Gainax animation company has recently branched out (no pun intended) into growing organic tomatoes. We haven’t a clue as to their motivation for undertaking such an enterprise, but it’s a welcome surprise in any case!

The company is cultivating three varieties of cherry tomato which vary in size and sugar content, and is also producing its own blend of tomato juice. In addition, a retail shop called Gainax Marche opened in late March on the first floor of Kitano Kobo no Machi (Kitano Meister Garden), a collection of shops in Kobe City which sell Kobe-related products. Kobe is also the rumored location of the soon-to-open Gainax West, the third branch of the company after offshoots in Tottori and Fukushima Prefectures, so it seems like an opportune location.

▼ Gainax Marche is now open for business!

Still can’t quite believe it? Let’s take a look at some of the delectable goods!

▼ Various bundles of the tomato varieities and tomato juice

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▼ Refreshingly sweet tomato juice

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▼ The most expensive variety of tomato listed on the online store is the Gainax Premium bundle, which includes six tomatoes at 130 grams each for 3,888 yen (US$36), tax included.

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Yup, this really is happening and not some kind of belated April Fool. Supposedly, customers can also purchase Eva and Gurren Lagann figurines at Gainax Marche, as well as view other Gainax-related goods on display inside the store. Sounds like an excellent opportunity to recreate some of your favorite Angel/Evangelion battles like in last year’s commercial series!

Shop Information
Gainax Marche (Kitano Meister Garden) / ガイナックスマルシェ (北野工房のまち内)
Address: Hyogo-ken, Kobe-shi, Chuo-ku, Nakayamatedori 3-17-1
兵庫県神戸市中央区中山手通 3-17-1
Open: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed: Saturdays & Sundays
Tel: 078-862-9833
Website

Source: Yahoo! News Japan
Images: Gainax Marche