Since last year, Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture has been a key location for the Evangelion: New Theatrical Edition anime films. Now, the city has launched the "Shin Hamamatsu Project" – a full-blown tourism initiative in collaboration with Neon Genesis Evangelion that kicked off in April.
The project runs until the end of February this year, with official promotions ongoing. One particular collaboration, the "EVA Gyoza" with popular local gyoza spot "Umaimon Kuukai," has unexpectedly grabbed netizens' attention due to its outrageous colors, leading to jokes like, "Is the dipping sauce LCL...? XD"
First off, these three gyoza aren't just some random stunt! The "Umaimon Kuukai" shop specializes in classic Hamamatsu gyoza, a highly popular local delicacy.
This time, they've rolled out three distinct dumpling types, each inspired by an Evangelion unit and featuring unique flavors: Unit-01's "Miso Soup Gyoza," Unit-02's "Spicy Sweet Gyoza," and Unit-00's "Garlic Ramen Meatless Gyoza."
With their flashy appearance and EVA elements, netizens are cracking up, wondering what exactly these things are. "These colors aren't exactly whetting my appetite, are they? XD" one commented. Guess we'll have to wait for someone brave enough to try them and report back!
The "Shin Hamamatsu Project" tourism initiative actually boasts a ton of other merchandise too! We're talking local specialty souvenirs and goods like gummies, cookies, canned chili oil, beer, and even harmonicas. You can check out the official website for the full lineup.
