A Sneak Peek Inside the Harajuku Evangelion Store

Unit 01 Wallets, NERV sweatshirts, Nervous Neighbors

Way back in July, Crunchyroll News reported that construction work was underway on a Neon Genesis Evangelion themed store deep within the heart of Tokyo’s hyper trendy Harajuku district. Now, Tokyo Walker has posted additional info about the store, set to open this November 23rd, and has offered images of some of the exclusive goods for sale.

 

 

Here’s an artists’ rendering of what the final store will look like when it opens next month. The first floor of this 2-story building will specialize in fashion apparel (hey, this is Harajuku after all), while the second floor will be devoted to a wide variety of Eva goods that will appeal to both hardcore and causal Eva fans. And, when the third film in the new Rebuild of Evangelion series is released in fall 2012, the store will also double as an “event space” for publicity duties.

 

 

And here's some NERV logo sweatshirts, a sampling of the designer-y “collaboration goods” that the store will sell. No pricing info has been released yet, but I predict: they won’t be cheap.

 

 

Ok, this is pretty sweet: a leather and sheepskin wallet based on the facial design of EVA Unit 01. 

 

 

 Let’s hope it doesn’t go into “berserk” mode in the back of someone’s pocket...

 

 

And finally, here’s a look at two posters advertising the store: one featuring Unit 01 and the other featuring Rei Ayanami. Expect these to "go missing" wherever they are hung.

 

Personally, I’m fine with a store like this opening up anywhere, but I have heard some grumbling from Tokyo fashionistas that they’d prefer it if “otaku stuff stays in Akihabara.” Either way, I might try and check out the opening on 11/23 in the hopes there's full-on protests and riots between both camps. 

 

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I hope they allow online purchases and international shipping. I would *rock* one of those sweaters xD
You and me both! I rarely wear branded shirts, or shirts with designs, but these shirts look GREAT. Even the wallet looks good.

I will buy these in an instant if they ship international.
i second all of that.
The Tokyo Walker piece does mentions "web store" but unclear if they will offer international shipping.
that shouldn't be problem. I've seen a couple of places round and about that will purchase local for you and ship. I think one is actually following me on twitter. Will definitely have to keep in touch.
Im not a fan of Evangelion, but I am amused that they have such a store in Harajuku.
Why could they not have opened it two months ago... then I would have been there :,(
This is just in time for my trip to Japan! What perfect timing!
Tokyo fashionistas that they’d prefer it if “otaku stuff stays in Akihabara.”

I thought Japanese where a little more open? Anyways i wonder what kind of business model they have I would love to see behind the scenes. For instance how much X do they have to sell to make a profit?

The reason i find it so interesting is this is a niche item so how many people would buy a Evangelion theme gear? So i for one can not wait to see how they do
Evangelion has proven to be a hit with recognition and value outside of just the otaku market. They've made many different kinds of collaboration goods before. We did a piece featuring some of them earlier this year: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2011/05/02/outdoor-evangelion-store-in-tokyo

As for the Harajuku people looking down on Akihabara, I think it just comes down to people being territorial.
The weird thing is, there's already tons of Otaku stuff in Harajuku. Last time I went there, there were just rows and rows of One Piece swag all over the place. Also, there was a store that sort of had a Hot Topic feel, but with anime/game culture. They had one T-shirt, (which in retrospect I wish I'd gotten) reading 上上下下左右左右BAスタート. Bonus points to anyone who gets that. :)
UP UP DOWN DOWN LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT B A Start
What are they waiting for? TAKE MY MONEY!!!
I really like that wallet!
That would seriously be a site to see, Otaku and Harajuku in the same place hating on each other.....Oh the possibilities lol.(actually....what would that even look like??)

Bet the goods in the store will be sweet though.

If there are riots or protests you HAVE to get some video or pictures to share please!(if you go)
Have Security on Scene dressed as NERV agents to help quell the initial opening. :-D
t shirt is the best... iwant the signage of nerv........^^
oh Rei. <3