Evangelion 2.0 Ichiban Kuji Guide (Dec 2026): How to Win Figures in Japan

[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:

1. Find a Participating Store: Ichiban Kuji lotteries are held at thousands of locations across Japan, including convenience stores, hobby shops, bookstores, and arcades.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. 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.

1. 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.
2. 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").
3. 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.

1. Draw Your Fate: Plunge your hand in and pull out your chosen number of tickets.
2. 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).
3. 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.

Top 5 Recommended Locations for Your Evangelion Kuji Hunt (Tokyo Area)

Here are five specific, tourist-accessible locations to target for your December 2026 mission.

1. Animate Ikebukuro Flagship Store

The world's largest anime store. This nine-story behemoth is a must-visit for any fan. They will have a massive Ichiban Kuji section and will almost certainly be a flagship location for this release. Get there early on release day.

• Access: A 5-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Ikebukuro Station.
• Google Maps:

2. GiGO Akihabara Building 3

While Akihabara has several GiGO arcades, Building 3 is well-known for its extensive collection of crane games and a dedicated Ichiban Kuji corner. The high foot traffic means the stock turns over quickly, so check back often for a chance at a Last One prize.

• Access: A 3-minute walk from the Electric Town Exit of JR Akihabara Station.
• Google Maps:

3. Ichiban Kuji Official Shop Tokyo

Located within the Bandai Namco Cross Store in Ikebukuro's Sunshine City, this is the official home of the brand. They have a huge selection of current and sometimes even past Kuji. It's the perfect place to see the prizes in person in their display cases before you commit to playing.

• Access: An 8-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station (East Exit) or a 3-minute walk from Higashi-Ikebukuro Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line.
• Google Maps:

4. BOOKOFF SUPER BAZAAR Machida Chuo-dori (Suburban Goldmine)

This is your secret weapon. Machida is a major hub west of central Tokyo, easily accessible but off the main tourist trail. This massive Book-Off not only sells second-hand goods but often has a new Ichiban Kuji corner. The competition will be local, not international, giving you a huge advantage in finding a mature board ripe for a Last One snipe.

• Access: Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station (approx. 30-35 minutes express train). The store is a 7-minute walk from Machida Station.
• Google Maps:

5. Mandarake Complex (Nakano Broadway - Aftermarket HQ)

When all else fails, go to Nakano. This is not for playing the lottery, but for buying the prizes directly. The Mandarake Complex is a multi-story store within the Nakano Broadway mall. You will find dedicated floors for figures and merchandise. Within days of the Kuji's release, the prize figures will appear in their glass cases, letting you secure your grail without any luck involved—only your wallet.

• Access: A 5-minute walk from the North Exit of JR Nakano Station on the Chuo Line (a quick 5-minute ride from Shinjuku).
• Google Maps:

Planning Your December 2026 Trip: The Evangelion Kuji Logistics

A successful mission requires planning. Here's what to consider.

• Budgeting: Decide your Kuji budget in advance. Are you a casual player hoping for a lucky pull (¥2,000-¥4,000)? Or a serious hunter willing to buy out a board for the Last One prize (¥10,000+)? Factor this into your overall trip costs. Get a better idea of daily spending with our practical Japan budget guide.
• Packing Your Prizes Home: These figure boxes are big. The Prize A diorama and Last One Unit-02 will take up significant luggage space. Plan ahead: leave extra room in your suitcase, bring a foldable duffel bag, or consider shipping them home from a Japanese post office. We have the perfect guide on how to pack and ship your anime figures from Japan.
• Beyond the Kuji: Make it an Eva-themed trip! Visit the official Evangelion Store in Ikebukuro. Take a day trip to Hakone, the real-life setting for Tokyo-3, and see the landscapes that inspired the show. For thrill-seekers, a trip to Fuji-Q Highland is always a great addition to any anime fan's itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When exactly in December 2026 will it be released? A: BANDAI usually releases major Ichiban Kuji sets on a Saturday. The exact date (e.g., the first or second Saturday of the month) will be announced on the official product page a few months in advance. Keep checking back!

Q: Is it cheaper to play the lottery or just buy the figure I want secondhand? A: It's a gamble. If you get Prize A on your first ¥790 ticket, you've saved a fortune. If you spend ¥15,000 and only get lower-tier prizes, you would have been better off buying it from Mandarake. The lottery is for the thrill of the hunt; buying secondhand is for guaranteed results.

Q: Can I check store stock online? A: No, part of the experience is physically going to the store and checking the prize board. This is what makes the "hunt" so exciting.

Q: Are the prizes high quality? A: Absolutely. BANDAI SPIRITS' Ichiban Kuji figures, especially from the top tiers and the Last One prize, are considered collector-grade items. They feature excellent sculpting, paint application, and are often quite large.

The "Ichiban Kuji Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance" lottery is set to be one of the most exciting collector events of Winter 2026. It's more than just buying merchandise; it's an interactive, thrilling experience that puts you right in the heart of Japan's otaku culture.

So start saving, plan your strategy, and prepare to deploy to Japan. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time tourist, this is an opportunity you won't want to miss. Good luck, and may all your pulls be A-prizes

FAQ

Q: What exactly is Ichiban Kuji?

Ichiban Kuji is a 'sure-win' lottery system in Japan run by BANDAI SPIRITS. For a fixed price per ticket, you are guaranteed to win an exclusive prize from a tiered lineup, ranging from small merchandise like keychains to large, high-quality scale figures.

Q: How much does a ticket for the Evangelion 2.0 Kuji cost?

Each ticket will cost ¥790, tax included.

Q: When exactly in December 2026 will this lottery be released?

The specific release date has not been announced yet. However, major Ichiban Kuji sets are typically released on a Saturday. The official date will be confirmed on the product's website a few months in advance.

Q: Is it cheaper to play the lottery or just buy the figures secondhand?

It's a gamble. You could win a top prize with one ¥790 ticket, making it much cheaper. However, if you're unlucky, it can become more expensive than buying the figure directly from a secondhand shop like Mandarake, which offers a guaranteed purchase at a higher price.

Q: Are the prize figures from Ichiban Kuji high quality?

Yes, absolutely. The top-tier prizes (A, B, C) and the special 'Last One' prize are considered collector-grade items, featuring excellent sculpting, detailed paint applications, and impressive sizes.

Q: Where can I participate in the Ichiban Kuji lottery in Japan?

You can find Ichiban Kuji lotteries at thousands of locations, including convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart), hobby shops like Animate, bookstores, arcades, and official Ichiban Kuji shops in places like Ikebukuro's Sunshine City.

Q: What is the 'Last One' Prize?

The 'Last One' Prize is a special, often unique or variant-colored prize that is awarded to the person who purchases the very last ticket from a specific store's lottery set. It is highly sought after by collectors.