"Neon Genesis Evangelion," still massively popular 30 years after its TV anime debut, continues to churn out collaborations, a testament to its enduring appeal.
Recently, the franchise announced a partnership with ukiyo-e publisher Hanzo to launch a new art project, "EVA・Japonism." The first installment, "EVA Ukiyo-e: Hakone Hachiri Beauties, A Triptych" woodblock print collection, goes on sale starting August 29.
"EVA・Japonism" aims to fuse the world of "Neon Genesis Evangelion" with the aesthetics of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, creating a new, modern vision of Japanese beauty.
This debut collection, "EVA Ukiyo-e: Hakone Hachiri Beauties, A Triptych," was inspired by the question: "If Evangelion existed in the Edo period, how would people depict it in ukiyo-e?" The artwork presents a scenario where people from that era witnessed EVAs and immortalized them as legendary tales.
The series draws inspiration from Edo ukiyo-e master Kitagawa Utamaro's renowned triptych, "Three Beauties of the Phoenix." It transforms the three heroines—Rei Ayanami, Asuka, and Mari Illustrious Makinami—into stunning portraits reminiscent of Japanese princesses. Beyond showcasing the delicate beauty of traditional culture, the pieces incorporate elements familiar to EVA fans, offering a "uniquely ukiyo-e charm" that lets viewers appreciate EVA's distinct allure from a fresh perspective.
▼ EVA Ukiyo-e: Hakone Hachiri Beauties – Rei Ayanami
Inspired by Kitagawa Utamaro's "Three Beauties of the Phoenix" series, this piece depicts Rei Ayanami in a kimono, exuding a subtle melancholy with an elegant, serene posture.
At her feet are two kittens: one adorned with Unit-00's markings, the other featuring a plugsuit design. They perfectly capture Rei's signature tranquil aura and unique cuteness. The background subtly includes an illustration of Unit-00 in action, evoking a romantic Japanese aesthetic.
▼ EVA Ukiyo-e: Hakone Hachiri Beauties – Asuka
Also inspired by Kitagawa Utamaro's "Three Beauties of the Phoenix" series, this artwork portrays Asuka, her strong yet glamorous charm reimagined in the ukiyo-e style.
She holds a fan emblazoned with an AT Field pattern, subtly hinting at the Japanese romantic gesture of covering one's mouth with a fan when not wishing to speak. At her feet are a doll representing Asuka and a Japanese-style cosmetic box. The background features a striking image of Unit-02 battling with a cape, adding to its cool factor.
▼ EVA Ukiyo-e: Hakone Hachiri Beauties – Mari Illustrious Makinami
Drawing from Kitagawa Utamaro's "Three Beauties of the Phoenix" series, this piece captures Mari Illustrious Makinami in her classic "glasses push" pose. Her intellectual yet subtly alluring "mysterious older sister" vibe creates an elegant and captivating composition.
Stacked books and a casually placed fan with the SEELE emblem add depth and narrative to the scene. Combined with the background illustration of Unit-08, it delivers a magnificent blend of EVA and Japanese aesthetics.
EVA Ukiyo-e: "Hakone Hachiri Beauties, A Triptych"
Price: 33,000 JPY
Sales Period: August 29 – September 15, available at Hanzo's official online store, "Ukiyo-e Kobo."
Note: Limited made-to-order production.
Frame options include unique colors for each of the three characters or a universal color.
▼ The frames shown here are the unique character colors.
▼ Universal color frame style
via： 版三官方線上商店「浮世繪工房」