Neon Genesis Evangelion, one of the most influential anime ever made, is teaming up with GU — UNIQLO’s sister brand — for a vintage-style T-shirt collection.
The drop lands on Monday, June 22, 2026, with four washed, retro-look tees featuring the show’s iconic mecha and pilots, each priced at just ¥1,990 (tax included).
GU’s graphic tees are lightweight, affordable, and easy to pack, making them great Japan souvenirs — or simply comfortable shirts to wear on the road. Here’s what’s in the GU × Evangelion collection, plus how to actually get one as a traveler: where to shop, how tax-free works, and how to avoid missing out.
What is Evangelion?
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a landmark Japanese mecha anime that first aired in 1995.
It follows teenagers who pilot giant humanoid machines called “Evangelions” against mysterious enemies known as Angels, and it marked the 30th anniversary of its TV broadcast in 2025. The series has a devoted following far beyond Japan: pilots like Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, and Asuka Langley Soryu — and units like Unit-01, Unit-02, and Unit-00 — are recognizable even to people who’ve never seen the show.
Tied to the series’ 2025 broadcast anniversary, this new GU collaboration follows another Evangelion release from the brand in 2025.
What’s in the GU × Evangelion collection (out June 22, 2026)
Every tee gets a washed, faded finish that gives the iconic artwork a thrifted, vintage feel — fan gear that still works as everyday streetwear. Look on the back, just below the collar, for a “NERV / Tokyo-3” print. There are four designs:
- Unit-01: deep navy, with an iconic Unit-01 scene and the “EVANGELION” logo.
- Unit-02: pairs the mecha with text from Asuka’s debut episode (Episode 8).
- Unit-00: an off-white shirt that matches the unit’s color, featuring pilot Rei Ayanami.
- The pilots: a dark-gray tee with Shinji, Asuka, and Rei, plus the title logo and Unit-01.
Sizes run XS–3XL, so you can wear them fitted or size up for a roomier, modern look. Note that XS, XXL, and 3XL are sold online only.
Where can travelers buy it?
You’ll find the collection at GU stores nationwide and on the GU official online store. GU is UNIQLO’s sister brand, with many stores across Japan and a handful overseas, and is generally even more budget-friendly.
In Tokyo, large central stores — such as GU Ginza and GU Shinjuku — carry wide selections and are easy to fit between sightseeing stops.
Keep in mind that GU uses Japanese sizing. As noted, XS, XXL, and 3XL aren’t stocked in stores and are online-only, so use the official online store if you need those. Stock and available sizes vary by location, so if there’s a design or size you really want, it’s worth checking store availability on the official site first.
How to shop tax-free
All GU stores offer tax-free shopping for foreign visitors (though the online store isn’t eligible). Show your passport, and once you spend ¥5,500 or more including tax at one store on one day, you qualify.
Three Eva tees come to ¥5,970 including tax, so buying three or more clears the tax-free minimum.
One heads-up: from November 1, 2026, Japan switches to a “refund” system: you pay the tax up front, and once customs confirms at departure that you’re taking the items out of the country, the store — or a designated refund operator — refunds the consumption tax. As of June, you still get the discount right at the register. For the full picture, see our guide to Japan’s tax-free system.
How to avoid missing out
Collabs with big franchises like Evangelion draw crowds, and popular designs can sell out soon after launch. If you have your heart set on one, head to a store early on launch day or keep an eye on the online store for restocks. For the sizes that aren’t carried in stores at all (XS, XXL, 3XL), it’s best to order online early.
If you like affordable character tees, the UNIQLO × mofusand UT collection — also ¥1,990, out June 19 — is worth a look too.
While you’re here this June
June is a lovely time around Tokyo, with hydrangeas in bloom and early-summer events on. If you’d like to fold some seasonal sightseeing into your shopping, our Tokyo & Kamakura hydrangea guide and summer heat survival guide are good starting points.
For more fashion, see our roundup of June UNIQLO x-Marni Designer Francesco Risso's Summer Capsule and our Japan tax-free shopping guide.
This article was translated from the original Japanese with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team. The Japanese version is authoritative.
