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Get ready, anime pilgrims and Japan-bound travelers! If your journey to the Land of the Rising Sun is slated for December 2026, you're in for a monumental treat. Beyond the timeless temples and bustling cityscapes, a unique cultural phenomenon awaits—a thrilling intersection of collecting, chance, and one of the most iconic anime franchises of all time. We're talking about the newly announced "Ichiban Kuji: Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance," set to launch and take over hobby shops and convenience stores across the nation.
For the uninitiated, hearing "Ichiban Kuji" might just sound like another string of Japanese words. But for those in the know, it's a call to action. It’s the thrill of the hunt for exclusive, high-quality merchandise that you can't just buy off a shelf. This isn't just a lottery; it's a uniquely Japanese experience, and this upcoming Evangelion set, celebrating the explosive second film in the Rebuild series, is poised to be one of the year's most sought-after events.
This is your ultimate, exhaustive guide. We will break down exactly what Ichiban Kuji is, give you a detailed look at the breathtaking Evangelion 2.0 prizes, pinpoint the exact stores where you can play, teach you the step-by-step process (including essential Japanese phrases), and even reveal pro-level strategies for hunting down the coveted "Last One" prize. Prepare to dive deep into the world of Japanese otaku treasure hunting.
Decoding the Kuji: Your Primer to Japan's Sure-Win Lottery
Before we get into the specifics of giant robots and troubled teenagers, let's demystify the system itself. What exactly is this "Ichiban Kuji" that has collectors buzzing?
Ichiban Kuji (一番くじ), which translates to "Number One Lottery," is a brand of character-themed prize raffles produced by Bandai Spirits. You'll find them for virtually every popular anime, manga, and video game series imaginable. The core concept is ingeniously simple and incredibly addictive: it's a lottery where you can't lose.
Here’s the basic gameplay loop:
- Find a participating store. This could be a convenience store, a bookstore, or a dedicated anime shop.
- Purchase a ticket. Each Kuji set has a fixed price per ticket. For the upcoming Evangelion 2.0 set, it's a very reasonable ¥790 (tax included).
- Draw your ticket. The staff will present you with a box of sealed paper tickets. You pull one (or more!) out.
- Reveal your prize. You tear open the ticket to reveal a letter—A, B, C, D, and so on.
- Claim your prize instantly. You show the ticket to the staff, and they hand you the prize that corresponds to your letter.
The beauty of the system is the prize pool structure. The top prizes, typically designated A, B, and C, are usually high-quality, large-scale figures that are the main draw. The lower-tier prizes (D, E, F, etc.) consist of smaller but still exclusive merchandise like acrylic stands, towels, keychains, or clear files. You never walk away empty-handed, which makes every ¥790 ticket a worthwhile purchase for a unique souvenir.
The Two Ultimate Prizes: "Last One" and "Double Chance"
This is where Ichiban Kuji transforms from a simple lottery into a strategic hunt.
The "Last One" Prize (ラストワン賞): This is a special, often unique or variant-colored prize that is awarded to the person who purchases the very last ticket in a set at a specific store. For this Evangelion Kuji, the Last One prize is a jaw-dropping figure of EVA Unit-02. This creates a fascinating dynamic where players watch the number of remaining tickets, sometimes opting to buy the last 5, 10, or even 20 tickets in one go just to secure this ultimate prize.
The "Double Chance" Campaign (ダブルチャンスキャンペーン): Each Kuji ticket has a second part with a QR code or serial number. You can scan this with your phone to enter an online-only lottery. The prize is often a super-limited version of one of the top prizes, sometimes the A Prize itself. While this is exciting, it can be tricky for tourists as it usually requires a Japanese address for shipping. If you have a friend in Japan or a very accommodating hotel, it might be worth a shot!
A Closer Look: The Evangelion 2.0 Kuji Prizes Releasing December 2026
This Kuji isn't just for any Evangelion title; it's specifically for Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance. This film is a massive fan favorite, known for its spectacular action sequences and pivotal character moments. The prize lineup reflects this perfectly, immortalizing some of the movie's most iconic scenes in stunning 3D form.
A Prize: Shinji Ikari & Rei Ayanami Figure - The Iconic Rescue Scene
Get ready for an emotional centerpiece. The A Prize is a diorama figure capturing the film's climax: Shinji, having pushed his Eva Unit-01 beyond its limits, reaches into the core of the Angel to pull a terrified Rei Ayanami to safety. This scene is the emotional heart of the movie, representing Shinji's desperate, singular desire to save his friend. For fans, this isn't just a figure; it's a narrative moment. Expect this to be a substantial piece, likely from Bandai's high-quality "MASTERLISE" line, known for its impressive size and meticulous detail. This will be the prize everyone wants to pull on their first try.
B Prize: Shikinami Asuka Langley Figure - The Fiery Pilot in Her Cockpit
Asuka Langley, the proud and fiery pilot of Unit-02, is a perennial fan favorite. The B Prize offers something truly unique: a figure of Asuka seated within her entry plug cockpit. This is a fantastic concept, moving beyond a simple standing pose to create a complete environmental piece. It captures Asuka in her element, the cockpit-bound warrior, and will likely feature detailed console screens and the distinct interior of the plug. This is a must-have for any Asuka fan and a strong contender for the most popular prize in the set.
C Prize: Nagisa Kaworu Figure - The Enigmatic Fifth Child
Though his appearance in Evangelion 2.0 is brief, it's incredibly impactful. Kaworu's arrival at the very end of the film, descending from the moon in his Eva Mark.06, sets the stage for the cataclysmic events to come. His calm, enigmatic smile is infamous, and any figure of Kaworu is highly sought after by his dedicated fanbase. This C Prize figure will likely capture that iconic descent, making it a crucial piece for completing the Rebuild collection.
The Ultimate Prize: "Last One" - Evangelion Unit-02's Aerial Dropkick
This is the prize that will inspire strategic buyouts. The Last One prize is a dynamic figure of Asuka's Evangelion Unit-02, frozen in the middle of its spectacular flying dropkick against the 10th Angel. It's one of the most memorable action beats in the entire franchise, a moment of pure, unadulterated "cool." As a Last One prize, this will be an exclusive, highly-detailed sculpt that captures the kinetic energy of the scene. Collectors will be scouting stores for days, waiting for the ticket count to drop low enough to pounce and claim this mechanical beast.
Lower Tier Prizes: The Best Souvenirs (Speculation)
While the full lineup is yet to be revealed, we can make some educated guesses based on countless past Kuji sets. These "lower" prizes are often the unsung heroes, providing affordable, packable, and fantastic exclusive souvenirs. Expect to see:
- D/E Prizes: Acrylic Stands featuring the pilots or their EVAs.
- F Prize: A collection of Hand Towels or "Visual Towels" with artwork from the film.
- G Prize: Clear Files and Sticker Sets, perfect for stationery lovers.
- H Prize: Rubber Keychains or Charms with chibi-style "Yurushito" (ゆるしと, "ゆるい使徒" - "laid-back Angel") or pilot designs.
Don't be disappointed if you pull one of these! They are often beautifully designed and can only be obtained through this Kuji.
Your Kuji Hunting Map: Top Locations for Tourists in Tokyo and Beyond
Now for the most important part: where do you actually go to play? The official release is in December 2026, and on launch day, these sets will appear simultaneously all over Japan. Here’s your strategic map.
The Holy Trinity for Kuji Hunters: Convenience Stores
Your first and most convenient line of attack is Japan's holy trinity of convenience stores, or "conbini."
- Lawson: Often a major partner for Ichiban Kuji. Look for the blue and white sign.
- FamilyMart: Another heavyweight in the Kuji game. Recognizable by its green, white, and blue logo.
- 7-Eleven: The most numerous conbini in Japan. While they carry Kuji, they are sometimes more focused on their own 7-Eleven specific lotteries.
Pro Tip: As you walk around Tokyo, pop into any conbini you see. Look for the large A2-sized poster near the register or magazine rack. This poster is your intel—it displays all the prizes and, crucially, has little detachable tabs showing which top prizes have already been won.
Akihabara: The Epicenter (High-Risk, High-Reward)
"Electric Town" is the obvious first stop for any anime fan, but be warned: it's also where the competition will be fiercest. Kuji sets here can sell out in a single day. Still, the experience is unparalleled.
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Animate Akihabara Main Store: This multi-story titan of anime goods is a guaranteed carrier. Head to the character goods floors (usually 1F-4F) to find the Kuji corner.
- Access: A 3-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station's Electric Town Gate.
- Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Subject to change)
- Map:
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Gamers Akihabara Main Store: Right next to the station, GAMERS is another major player. Their Kuji section is usually on the ground floor, making it an easy spot to check quickly.
- Access: A 1-minute walk from JR Akihabara Station's Electric Town Gate.
- Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Subject to change)
- Map:
After your Kuji hunt, you'll be hungry. Akihabara has some incredible food options perfect for recharging, so be sure to check out our guide to the best restaurants in Akihabara 2026 | Must-Try After Anime Shopping.
Beyond Akiba: Smarter Kuji Hunting in Less Crowded Areas
This is the pro strategy. Avoid the Akihabara frenzy and head to other otaku hubs or major suburban centers where stock lasts longer.
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Nakano Broadway: A labyrinthine paradise for collectors. While famous for its vintage toys and second-hand goods, many shops inside, like Mandarake, also carry the latest Ichiban Kuji. It's less frantic than Akiba and a must-visit for any serious collector.
- Access: A 5-minute walk from JR Nakano Station's North Exit. It's a direct ride from Shinjuku on the Chuo Line.
- Hours: Varies by store, but generally 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
- Map:
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Book-Off SUPER BAZAAR Hachioji Minamino: This is the kind of location savvy locals go to. Book-Off is a nationwide chain of second-hand stores, but their "SUPER BAZAAR" locations are massive department stores of pre-owned goods, including a huge hobby section that often carries new Ichiban Kuji. The reduced foot traffic compared to central Tokyo means stock can last for days.
- Access: A 3-minute walk from Hachioji-Minamino Station on the JR Yokohama Line. From Shinjuku, take the JR Chuo Line to Hachioji and transfer (approx. 50-60 mins total). A perfect half-day trip.
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Subject to change)
- Map:
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Surugaya Machida Marui Store: Machida is a bustling city on the southwest edge of Tokyo, easily accessible from Shinjuku and Yokohama. Surugaya is a legendary name in the anime goods world, dealing in both new and used items. Their stores are treasure troves, and they are always major participants in new Kuji releases.
- Access: Located inside the Machida Marui department store, a 2-minute walk from JR Machida Station.
- Hours: 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM (Subject to change)
- Map:
Get in the Game: A Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Ichiban Kuji
Feeling ready to try your luck? Here’s a simple, tourist-friendly walkthrough.
Step 1: Find a Participating Store & Check the Prize Board Use the locations above as a starting point. Once you're in the store, find the Kuji poster. This is your battle map. Look at the top prizes (A賞, B賞, etc.). If there is a "終了" (shūryō - finished/ended) sticker over a prize, it means it's already been claimed at that store. Also, look at how many tickets are left. The staff will have a sheet or count posted.
Step 2: Approach the Staff Don't be shy! Japanese retail staff are incredibly polite. You can simply point at the poster and hold up fingers for how many tickets you want. But if you want to try some Japanese, here are the key phrases:
- To get their attention: "Sumimasen." (Excuse me.)
- I want to play the Kuji: "Kuji o hikitai desu." (くじを 引きたい です。)
- One try, please: "Ikkai, onegai shimasu." (一回、お願いします。)
- Two tries, please: "Nikai, onegai shimasu." (二回、お願いします。)
Step 3: Pay and Draw Hand them the cash for your tickets (e.g., ¥1580 for two). They will then present the box of tickets for you to draw from. Most places accept credit cards, but having cash on hand is always a good idea. Topping up an IC Card like Suica or Pasmo is also an excellent payment method at convenience stores.
Step 4: Reveal and Claim Your Prize! This is the moment of truth! Tear open your ticket and see what letter you got. The staff will likely exclaim in excitement with you, especially if you pull a high-ranking prize. Hand them the ticket, and they will retrieve your prize from the display. It's that simple!
Mastering the Kuji: Pro Strategies for Winning Big
For those who want to move beyond casual play and actively hunt for the best prizes, it's time to think like a pro.
Scouting and Timing
Serious Kuji players don't just play on release day. They scout. They visit multiple stores in an area, checking the prize boards. They're looking for a "vulnerable" set: one where several lower-tier prizes have been claimed, but the A and B prizes are still available. This increases the statistical probability of pulling a top prize. They'll also note how many tickets are left, planning to return later for a potential "Last One" strike.
The "Last One" Gambit: Is It Worth It?
Let's do the math on the Evangelion 2.0 Kuji. The Last One prize is that incredible EVA-02 figure. You find a store with only 8 tickets left. The A and C prizes are gone, but the B prize (Asuka in cockpit) is still there.
- Cost to buy out: 8 tickets x ¥790 = ¥6,320.
- What you get: The B Prize Asuka figure, 7 lower-tier prizes (towels, keychains, etc.), AND the exclusive Last One EVA-02 figure.
For ¥6,320 (around $45-50 USD), you're walking away with two amazing figures and a bag full of souvenirs. Bought on the second-hand market, those two figures alone would likely cost you double that amount. If the conditions are right, the "Last One" gambit is absolutely worth it.
The Second-Hand Market: The Guaranteed Win
What if you hate gambling, have terrible luck, or arrive in Japan a week after the Kuji sells out? Don't despair. The second-hand market is your best friend.
Stores like Lashinbang, Surugaya, Mandarake, and K-Books in areas like Akihabara, Nakano Broadway, and Ikebukuro will have the Kuji prizes for sale individually within days (sometimes hours) of release.
- Expected Prices (estimated):
- A/B/C Prize Figures: ¥4,000 - ¥9,000
- Last One Prize Figure: ¥8,000 - ¥15,000+ (depending on popularity)
- Lower Tier Prizes (acrylics, towels, etc.): ¥300 - ¥1,500
This is the perfect way to get exactly the prize you want without buying a single ticket. It's a guaranteed win, but you trade the thrill of the draw for the certainty of a purchase.
The Kuji Universe: Other Hot Lotteries to Look For in 2026
Evangelion is huge, but Ichiban Kuji is a vast universe. While you're on the hunt, you'll see posters for many other series. Keep an eye out for other popular franchises that frequently get the Kuji treatment. You might stumble upon a lottery for a series you love. For example, fans of martial arts manga will want to keep an eye out for the Baki Ichiban Kuji 2026, while shonen fans might spot the Hunter x Hunter Greed Island Kuji. The variety is endless!
Your Kuji Survival Guide: Essential Tips for Tourists
Before you head out, here are a few final, crucial tips for a smooth Kuji hunting experience.
- Budgeting: It's easy to get carried away. Decide on a budget beforehand. Maybe set aside ¥5,000 for Kuji and see what you can get. For a more detailed breakdown of daily costs, our guide on how much cash to bring to Japan can be a lifesaver.
- Luggage Space is Crucial: This cannot be overstated. Ichiban Kuji figure boxes are BIG. The A Prize Shinji & Rei figure will likely come in a box the size of a shoebox, or larger. If you win big, you might need to buy an extra duffel bag. A trip to a Don Quijote can solve this problem cheaply.
- Timing is Everything: This Kuji releases in "December 2026." The exact date will be announced closer to the time. In major cities, popular sets can be gone from most stores within the first weekend. If your trip is in late December, your best bet will be the second-hand market.
- Embrace the Small Wins: Don't be discouraged if you don't pull the A prize. A unique, exclusive rubber strap or a beautifully designed clear file is a fantastic memento of your trip and a direct link to a fun cultural experience.
The "Ichiban Kuji: Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance" is more than just a merchandise release; it's an event. It's a chance to engage with your favorite series in a way that's interactive, thrilling, and deeply ingrained in modern Japanese fan culture.
So, when you're in Japan this December 2026, take a break from the temples and shrines for an afternoon. Step into a brightly lit convenience store, point to that glorious Eva poster, and say, "Ikkai, onegai shimasu." You're not just buying a lottery ticket—you're buying a story, a memory, and a piece of otaku treasure. Happy hunting
FAQ
Q: What is Ichiban Kuji?
Ichiban Kuji, meaning 'Number One Lottery,' is a brand of prize raffle by Bandai Spirits where every ticket is a guaranteed winner. You purchase a ticket and instantly receive an exclusive piece of merchandise from a specific anime or game series.
Q: When does the 'Ichiban Kuji: Evangelion: 2.0' release?
The official release is scheduled for December 2026 across Japan.
Q: How much does a ticket for the Evangelion 2.0 Kuji cost?
Each ticket costs a fixed price of ¥790, tax included.
Q: Where can I play Ichiban Kuji in Tokyo?
You can find it at major convenience stores like Lawson and FamilyMart, as well as dedicated anime shops in areas like Akihabara (Animate, Gamers) and Nakano Broadway. Suburban hobby stores like Book-Off and Surugaya are also great options.
Q: What is the 'Last One' prize for this Evangelion Kuji?
The 'Last One' prize is a special, exclusive figure awarded to the person who buys the very last ticket in a set. For this lottery, it's a dynamic figure of Evangelion Unit-02 performing its aerial dropkick.
Q: What if I can't win the prize I want?
If you have bad luck or arrive after the Kuji has sold out, you can visit second-hand stores like Mandarake, Surugaya, or Lashinbang in Akihabara and Nakano Broadway. They sell the prizes individually, allowing you to buy exactly what you want.