[PR] This article contains affiliate links.
Attention, Evangelion pilots and NERV personnel! Mark your calendars for a pilgrimage to Japan in December 2026. BANDAI SPIRITS has just dropped a bombshell announcement that will have fans scrambling to book their flights: a brand new Ichiban Kuji lottery dedicated entirely to the cinematic masterpiece, "Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance."
This isn't just any merchandise drop; it's a chance to win exquisitely detailed, large-scale figures capturing some of the most iconic and heart-pounding moments from the film. From Shinji's desperate rescue of Rei to Asuka's defiant cockpit stance and Unit-02's spectacular aerial assault, this lottery is a love letter to one of the most beloved entries in the Evangelion saga.
For the uninitiated, Ichiban Kuji is Japan's ultimate "sure-win" lottery system, a cultural phenomenon for anime and gaming fans. For a fixed price, you're guaranteed to walk away with an exclusive prize. This guide will serve as your comprehensive mission briefing, detailing every piece of intel we have on the upcoming prizes, where and how to participate, and pro-level strategies to secure the figures you need for your collection. Get in the damn robot, tourist—we're going prize hunting.
What Exactly is Ichiban Kuji? A Deep Dive for First-Time Visitors
Before you dive into the trenches of Tokyo's otaku districts, you need to understand the system. "Ichiban Kuji" (一番くじ) literally translates to "Number One Lottery," and it's a uniquely Japanese experience operated by BANDAI SPIRITS. Think of it less like a traditional lottery where you might win nothing, and more like a high-stakes lucky dip for premium, limited-edition merchandise.
The Core Concept:
- Find a Participating Store: Ichiban Kuji lotteries are held at thousands of locations across Japan, including convenience stores, hobby shops, bookstores, and arcades.
- Buy a Ticket: A specific Kuji series will be on display, usually with a poster showing all the possible prizes. You approach the cashier and state how many tickets you wish to buy. For this Evangelion 2.0 set, each ticket will cost ¥790 (tax included).
- The "Hazure-nashi" (ハズレなし) Principle: This is the magic word: "no losing tickets." Every single ticket you buy wins you a prize from the lineup.
- Reveal and Redeem: You'll be given a sealed ticket to peel open. Inside, a letter (A, B, C, D, etc.) corresponds to a specific prize tier. You show the staff your ticket, and they hand you your reward right then and there.
Understanding the Prize Tiers:
- Top-Tier Prizes (A, B, C...): These are the main event—typically large, high-quality scale figures, plushies, or other premium items. They are the most limited in number and the hardest to get.
- Lower-Tier Prizes (D, E, F...): These are more numerous and consist of smaller, but still exclusive, merchandise. Common items include acrylic stands, hand towels, keychains, art posters ("visual boards"), rubber straps, and small "chibi" style figures. You'll win these most often, but they're still fantastic souvenirs.
The Two Ultimate Prizes Every Hunter Seeks:
- The "Last One" Prize (ラストワン賞, Rasuto Wan Shou): This is the holy grail for many collectors. It's a special, often unique or variant-colored prize, awarded to the person who buys the very last ticket from a specific store's set. This creates a fascinating meta-game of "stalking" a Kuji board to see when it's close to selling out.
- The "Double Chance" Campaign (Wチャンスキャンペーン, Daburu Chansu Kyampen): Your ticket stub has a second life! It contains a unique code that you can enter on the official Ichiban Kuji website or app for a second, online-only lottery. The prize is often the same as the 'A' prize or the 'Last One' prize, but with an extremely limited quantity (sometimes only 50 or 100 in total for all of Japan). While a long shot for tourists without a Japanese address, it's a fun bonus.
Evangelion 2.0 Ichiban Kuji (December 2026): A Prize-by-Prize Intel Breakdown
Based on the initial announcement, BANDAI SPIRITS is pulling no punches. The top-tier figures are all showstoppers based on pivotal moments from "Evangelion: 2.0." Let's analyze the confirmed prizes.
Prize A: Shinji Ikari & Rei Ayanami Figure - "Come, Ayanami!"
This is it. The emotional climax of the entire film, immortalized in figure form. This prize depicts the transcendent moment when Shinji, pushing his Eva-01 beyond its limits, reaches into the Angel Zeruel's core to pull Rei to safety.
- The Scene's Significance: This moment is a powerful culmination of Shinji's character arc in the film, where he casts aside orders and his own fear for the sake of another person. The line, "Ayanami wo... kaese!" ("Give me back... Ayanami!") is one of the most iconic in the entire franchise.
- What to Expect: This will likely be a diorama-style figure, showcasing both characters in a dynamic pose. Expect Shinji, hand outstretched, and Rei, reaching back. Given the quality of recent Ichiban Kuji figures, anticipate superb sculpting on their torn plugsuits and intense facial expressions. This will be a large, emotionally resonant centerpiece for any collection.
Prize B: Shikinami Asuka Langley Figure - "Anta Baka?!" in the Entry Plug
Asuka makes her grand entrance in "Evangelion: 2.0," and this figure captures her fiery confidence perfectly. It's not just a figure of Asuka; it's Asuka in her element.
- The Scene's Significance: This prize depicts Asuka sitting authoritatively in her Entry Plug cockpit, the very heart of Evangelion Unit-02. The inclusion of the cockpit seat and surrounding controls is a fantastic touch that elevates this far beyond a standard character figure.
- What to Expect: Look for a meticulously detailed figure of Asuka in her signature red plugsuit, likely with a smirk or determined expression. The key selling point is the "cockpit cutaway" design. The mechanical details of the操縦席 (soujuuseki - pilot's seat) will be a major draw for fans, making it a unique and substantial display piece.
Prize C: Kaworu Nagisa Figure - The Herald of the Third Impact
Though his appearance in the film is brief, it's unforgettable. Kaworu's arrival on the moon with his cryptic words sets the stage for the cataclysmic events to come.
- The Scene's Significance: Kaworu's presence teases the deeper, cosmic mysteries of the Evangelion universe and his enigmatic relationship with Shinji. His popularity is immense, making any premium figure of him highly sought after.
- What to Expect: The initial images are still under wraps, but we can expect a classic, elegant pose for Kaworu. BANDAI will likely capture his serene yet unsettling aura. Whether he's in his plugsuit or school uniform, this figure is guaranteed to be a high-demand item, especially for fans who favor his character.
The Ultimate Prize: Last One - Evangelion Unit-02 Figure - The Beast's Fury
This is the prize you fight for. The Last One award is a spectacular action figure of Asuka's Evangelion Unit-02, recreating one of its most brutal and memorable combat scenes.
- The Scene's Significance: The figure captures the kinetic energy of Unit-02 delivering a devastating flying drop-kick directly into an Angel's core. This move showcases the Eva's agility and raw power, and Asuka's aggressive piloting style.
- What to Expect: Forget a static, museum-like pose. This will be all about motion and impact. The sculpt will be dynamic, with Unit-02 airborne and poised to strike. Expect a dedicated stand to support the pose and potentially some "effect parts" to simulate the core shattering. Winning this is the ultimate proof of your Kuji hunting prowess.
Speculation: What About the Lower-Tier Prizes? (D, E, F, G...)
While not yet announced, we can make highly educated guesses based on countless past Ichiban Kuji series. These are the prizes you'll likely accumulate while hunting for the figures, and they make for fantastic, affordable souvenirs.
- Chokokko Figures (ちょこのっこフィギュア): Adorable, small "chibi" style figures of the main cast (Shinji, Asuka, Rei, Mari, Kaworu) designed to sit on a shelf.
- Visual Boards/Art Prints (ビジュアルボード): High-quality A3 or A4 sized art prints featuring key visuals from the movie or newly commissioned illustrations.
- Acrylic Stands (アクリルスタンド): A staple of anime merchandise. Die-cut acrylic figures of the characters that you can display on your desk.
- Hand Towels (ハンドタオル): Small, beautifully designed towels featuring characters or Eva units. Incredibly useful and a great way to show your fandom subtly.
- Rubber Straps/Keychains (ラバーストラップ): Another Kuji classic. Collectible rubber charms of the characters, perfect for hanging on your bag, keys, or phone.
- Clear Files (クリアファイル): A4 plastic folders with stunning Evangelion artwork. A practical and beautiful souvenir for any student or office worker.
The Mission Briefing: How and Where to Play Ichiban Kuji in Japan
Okay, you know the prizes. Now, how do you actually get them? This is your step-by-step guide to navigating the world of Ichiban Kuji as a tourist.
Step 1: Locating the Lottery
The Evangelion 2.0 Kuji will be everywhere, but some locations are better than others. The primary vendors are:
- Convenience Stores (Konbini): 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are the big three. They're on every corner, but high-traffic locations in hubs like Shibuya or Shinjuku will sell out fast.
- Hobby Shops: Animate, AmiAmi, Gamers, Lashinbang, Surugaya. These are specialist stores and your best bet for finding a fresh, untouched Kuji set on release day.
- Bookstores: Major chains like Tsutaya and even some larger Book-Off locations often carry Ichiban Kuji.
- Arcades/Game Centers: GiGO (formerly SEGA), Taito Station, and Namco arcades are prime Kuji hunting grounds.
- Official Stores: There are dedicated Ichiban Kuji Official Shops, notably in Ikebukuro's Sunshine City and in Osaka.
Pro-Tip: Use the official Ichiban Kuji Store Locator (site is in Japanese). Use Google Translate on your browser and enter the name of your area (e.g., "Shinjuku," "Akihabara") to see a map of all participating stores. It's an invaluable tool.
Step 2: Approaching the Counter and Making the Purchase
Don't be intimidated! The staff are used to this.
- Spot the Display: Look for the A2-sized poster (the "prize board") showing all the prizes. It will have little peel-off tabs next to each prize, indicating how many of each have been won.
- Make Your Request: You can simply point at the display and say "Kore, onegai shimasu" (これ、お願いします - "This, please"). If you want a specific number of tickets, you can say "San-mai, onegai shimasu" (三枚、お願いします - "Three tickets, please"). The most direct phrase is "Ichiban Kuji wo hikitai desu" (一番くじを引たいです - "I want to draw the Ichiban Kuji").
- Payment: The cost is ¥790 per ticket. While many places accept credit cards, it's always wise to have cash on hand. This is a perfect time to use your IC Card like a Suica or Pasmo. For more on payment methods, check our Cash vs Card in Japan guide and our breakdown of the best IC Cards for tourists.
Step 3: The Moment of Truth - Drawing and Claiming
This is the fun part! The staff will present you with a box full of sealed tickets.
- Draw Your Fate: Plunge your hand in and pull out your chosen number of tickets.
- Peel and Reveal: Tear open the perforated strip on your ticket. Inside, you'll see the prize letter (e.g., A賞, B賞, F賞).
- Claim Your Prize: Show the staff your winning ticket. They will take it, mark off the prize on the master sheet, and retrieve your prize from behind the counter. Congratulations, you're now a Kuji winner!
Pro-Level Strategies for Serious Eva Hunters
Playing is easy. Winning the prize you want requires strategy.
The "Last One Stalker" Gambit
This is the most famous Kuji hunting technique. The goal is to win the coveted Last One prize.
- Scout the Prize Board: Before buying, always inspect the prize board. It tells you two critical things: which top-tier prizes are still available, and how many tickets are left in total.
- Do the Math: Let's say a store has 10 tickets left. The top prizes (A, B, C) are gone, but the Last One Unit-02 figure is still there. Buying all 10 remaining tickets would cost you 10 x ¥790 = ¥7,900.
- Is It Worth It? For ¥7,900, you would get 10 lower-tier prizes plus the guaranteed exclusive Last One figure. In the aftermarket, that Unit-02 figure alone could easily sell for ¥10,000-¥15,000 or more. If you want it badly, this "buying out the board" strategy is often the most cost-effective way to guarantee it.
Location, Location, Location: Choosing Your Hunting Ground
Don't just stick to the obvious spots.
- Akihabara (High-Risk, High-Reward): Akihabara will have the most stock on day one, but also the most competition. Every hardcore collector in Tokyo will be there. It's an amazing spectacle, but your chances of finding a nearly-empty board for a Last One snipe are slim. After your hunt, refuel at one of the best restaurants in Akihabara.
- Ikebukuro (The Other Otaku Mecca): Home to the Animate flagship store and an official Ichiban Kuji shop, Ikebukuro is another primary battleground. It's slightly less tourist-dense than Akihabara, offering a small advantage.
- Nakano Broadway (The Aftermarket Paradise): This is where you go when the lottery fails you. The countless glass display cases of stores like Mandarake will be filled with the Evangelion 2.0 prizes, sold individually. Prices will be higher than the ticket cost, but you can buy exactly what you want with no gambling involved.
- Suburban Goldmines (The True Pro-Tip): This is the secret. Take a short train ride out of the city center. Neighborhoods with a large residential population but fewer tourists are where Kuji sets last longer. Think of game centers or bookstores in places like Kichijoji, Tachikawa, or Machida. The competition is a fraction of what you'll face on the Yamanote line. This strategy is also used by collectors hunting for other items, like those in our Dragon Ball Gashapon guide.
