Evangelions Become Japanese Gods in New Official Art Project
Hansan has unveiled five new Evangelion folding screen artworks that reimagine the anime’s iconic EVA units and pilots through the visual style of one of Japan’s most celebrated national treasures.
Evangelion first debuted in 1995 and has remained one of the most influential anime franchises of the past three decades, combining psychological drama, apocalyptic science fiction and deeply symbolic imagery with battles between biomechanical EVA units and mysterious beings known as Angels.
The new collection forms the second release from the “Eva Japonism” project, an ongoing initiative that combines the world of Evangelion with traditional Japanese art, crafts and production techniques to explore the series’ mythology and symbolism from a different perspective.
The project’s first collection reimagined Rei Ayanami, Asuka and Mari as Edo-period princesses through three ukiyo-e works inspired by Kitagawa Utamaro’s famous bijin-ga triptych, “Three Beauties of the Eight Ri of Hakone”.
Titled the “EVANGELION Wind God and Thunder God Folding Screen” series, the latest release draws inspiration from Tawaraya Sōtatsu’s national treasure “Wind God and Thunder God Screens,” replacing the original deities with five EVA units and their associated pilots.
The EVA designs sample Sōtatsu’s brushwork and distinctive approach to shape, creating the impression that the machines themselves have been painted in the style of the legendary artist rather than simply placed over a traditional background.
The human characters are also depicted through expressive brushwork rather than realistic portraits, with their poses, gestures and positions chosen to reflect their personalities, emotional struggles and relationships within Evangelion.
The “Thunder God: Evangelion Unit-01 and Shinji Ikari” folding screen, priced at ¥29,700 (approx. $202 USD / £149 GBP), connects Unit-01 with a deity representing both overwhelming natural terror and the possibility of salvation, while Shinji is shown floating with his eyes closed as a character repeatedly shaken by forces beyond his control.
The “Wind God: Evangelion Unit-00 and Rei Ayanami” folding screen, priced at ¥29,700 (approx. $202 USD / £149 GBP), presents Unit-00 as a protective force fighting alongside Unit-01, with Rei standing calmly while reaching toward a purpose that still feels just beyond her grasp.
The “Wind God: Evangelion Unit-02 and Asuka Shikinami Langley” folding screen, priced at ¥29,700 (approx. $202 USD / £149 GBP), pairs the movement and protective power of the Wind God with Unit-02’s strength, while Asuka is portrayed as a figure driven by determination and a willingness to throw herself directly into danger.
The “Wind God: Evangelion Unit-08 and Mari Makinami Illustrious” folding screen, priced at ¥29,700 (approx. $202 USD / £149 GBP), reflects Mari’s energetic and optimistic personality through a dynamic full-body pose that shows her confidently entering even the most difficult situations.
The “Wind God: Evangelion Mark.06 and Kaworu Nagisa” folding screen, priced at ¥29,700 (approx. $202 USD / £149 GBP), presents Mark.06 as a guiding presence while Kaworu looks over the world with a peaceful smile and open arms that suggest acceptance.
Although each design can be displayed as a standalone artwork, the folding screens have been created so that two can be positioned side by side, allowing the direction of the characters’ gazes, hands, and bodies to create new conversations and relationships between each pairing.
Collectors can also place Evangelion figures in front of the screens to expand the composition beyond the printed artwork, creating a layered display that blends traditional Japanese presentation with modern anime collectibles.
Hansan has deliberately reproduced the uneven color, visible fibers and subtle imperfections associated with traditional washi paper, helping each piece retain the atmosphere and texture of historic ukiyo-e artwork.
The folding screens are produced using washi paper, wood, MDF and fabric, combining established Japanese materials with contemporary printing and design techniques.
Artist Izumo created the collection around the idea of building a bridge between Japan and the things its creators love, drawing on experience across anime, tokusatsu, fashion and commercial design while combining ink-based artwork with the childhood appeal of heroic characters.
The five “EVANGELION Wind God and Thunder God Folding Screen” artworks will be available through Hansan’s official Ukiyo-e Kobo online shop.
Sales are scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM Japan Standard Time on July 17, 2026.
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