A new collaboration between the legendary anime series Evangelion and traditional doll maker Yoshitoku has been announced, bringing Ayanami Rei to life as a stunning 1/4 scale Japanese doll figure. The product, titled “Yoshitoku × F:NEX Ayanami Rei -Japanese Doll- 1/4 Scale Figure,” opened for preorders on July 25, 2026.
A Celebration of 30 Years of Evangelion
The Evangelion franchise first became a social phenomenon with the 1995 TV series Shinseiki Evangelion. In 2007, it was reborn as the Rebuild of Evangelion series, directed by Anno Hideaki. The first three films—Jo, Ha, and Q—were massive hits, drawing in new fans across generations. The final film, Shin Evangelion Gekijoban, released on March 8, 2021, earned 102.8 billion yen at the box office and attracted 6.73 million viewers. Even after the series concluded, its popularity continues to grow both in Japan and overseas.
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Shinseiki Evangelion in 2025, Yoshitoku and F:NEX collaborated to create this figure. Ayanami Rei, one of the most iconic characters from the Rebuild of Evangelion films, was sculpted as a traditional Japanese doll over the course of approximately two years.
Exquisite Craftsmanship and Design
The figure captures Rei’s quiet, graceful demeanor. Her left sleeve is wrapped to hide her hand, emphasizing a sense of modesty and elegance. The kimono uses real fabric and patterns identical to those used in actual kimono, and the garment is actually dressed onto the figure’s body to achieve a perfect silhouette. This approach balances the dignified presence of a Japanese doll with vibrant beauty.
Special attention was paid to the hands: the fingers are sculpted with a gentle curve, and the way she holds a fan and umbrella is designed to look natural. The face features delicate lip contours for a three-dimensional effect, and her expression is set to a soft, natural smile befitting a celebratory theme.
Kimono Details Inspired by Plug Suits and A.T. Field
To mark the 30th anniversary, the kimono is a luxurious double-layer design. The color scheme is based on the character’s plug suit. The obi (sash) incorporates a hexagonal pattern reminiscent of an A.T. Field. Notably, both the Rei and Asuka figures use the same fabric and patterns, so displaying them together creates a matching “link coordinate” look. The figure is not only a collectible but also a piece of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Preorder and Release Information
The “Yoshitoku × F:NEX Ayanami Rei -Japanese Doll- 1/4 Scale Figure” is available for preorder from July 25, 2026, to September 15, 2026, exclusively at the hobby e-commerce site “FURYU HOBBY MALL.” The figure is priced at 198,000 yen (tax included) and is scheduled for release in July 2027. The product is sold by Furyu Co., Ltd.
Product summary:
- Product name: Yoshitoku × F:NEX Ayanami Rei -Japanese Doll- 1/4 Scale Figure
- Preorder period: July 25, 2026 – September 15, 2026
- Release date: July 2027 (planned)
- Price: 198,000 yen (tax included)
- Distributor: Furyu Co., Ltd.
(C) Khara
