The latest crossover between the legendary mecha anime Evangelion and the beloved world of Sanrio characters is taking a soft, huggable form. Sega has officially unveiled a new lineup of plush toys that fuse the pilots of Evangelion with some of Sanrio’s most famous mascots. These five unique dolls, which pair each character with a matching Sanrio friend and complementary accessories, are set to debut as arcade prizes across Japan on June 12, 2026. While international availability has not yet been announced, the collection represents one of the most visually distinct collaborations to emerge from these two iconic franchises in recent years.
Five Evangelion Pilots, Five Sanrio Mascots
Each plush in the collection pairs a main Evangelion pilot with a specific Sanrio character, creating a thematic and color-coordinated duo. The design concept goes beyond simply placing a mascot next to a pilot. Each Evangelion character wears their traditional plugsuit but is adorned with hair accessories that mirror the ears or distinctive features of their Sanrio partner. This design choice creates a cohesive visual identity for each pair, making the fusion feel intentional rather than arbitrary.
Shinji Ikari and Cinnamoroll
Shinji Ikari is paired with Cinnamoroll, the white, puppy-like Sanrio character known for his long ears and blue eyes. In the plush design, Shinji’s plugsuit is complemented by a small Cinnamoroll figure at his side, and his hair is styled with accessories that evoke the mascot’s signature floppy ears. The pairing draws a subtle parallel between the introspective, often gentle nature of Shinji and the soft, dreamy aesthetic of Cinnamoroll.
Asuka Shikinami Langley and Pompompurin
Asuka Shikinami Langley is matched with Pompompurin, the golden retriever mascot known for his beret and pudding-like appearance. This pairing is a fitting one, as Pompompurin’s energetic and slightly boastful personality mirrors Asuka’s own fiery, competitive spirit. The plush shows Asuka in her red and orange plugsuit, with Pompompurin by her side and matching ear accessories in her hair.
Mari Makinami Illustrious and Hangyodon
Mari Makinami Illustrious is paired with Hangyodon, the comedic and slightly clumsy fish-like Sanrio character. The choice of Hangyodon for Mari, who is often portrayed as the most eccentric and playful of the Evangelion pilots, is a playful nod to her unpredictable nature. The plush design captures Mari’s signature pink plugsuit and incorporates Hangyodon’s distinct blue and white color scheme through the accessories.
Rei Ayanami and My Melody
Rei Ayanami is paired with My Melody, the sweet and gentle rabbit character. The contrast between Rei’s stoic, enigmatic demeanor and My Melody’s cheerful innocence creates an interesting dynamic. The plush design keeps Rei in her white and blue plugsuit, with My Melody’s signature hood and ear accessories woven into her hair, offering a softer, more whimsical interpretation of the character.
Kaworu Nagisa and Kuromi
Kaworu Nagisa is paired with Kuromi, the mischievous, punk-inspired imp with a jester’s hat and skull motif. The pairing is a clever one, as Kuromi’s dark yet playful aesthetic perfectly complements Kaworu’s enigmatic and transcendent nature. The plush features Kaworu in his white plugsuit, with Kuromi by his side and matching pointed ear accessories.
Release Timeline and Availability for the Evangelion x Sanrio Plush Toys
The Evangelion x Sanrio Characters plush toys are scheduled to appear in Japanese arcades as Sega prizes beginning on June 12, 2026. This release is exclusive to the Japanese market at launch, with no official word on a global or US release. However, based on established patterns, there is a strong likelihood that these items will eventually appear on international storefronts.
Sega prize items that debut in Japanese arcades have a history of making their way to Western markets through Sega’s official Amazon storefront and through retailers like Crunchyroll. Previous examples of this pattern include a range of Sakura Wars merchandise that initially appeared as arcade prizes in Japan before becoming available to international buyers online. Given this precedent, collectors outside of Japan should monitor the Sega Amazon storefront and Crunchyroll’s merchandise listings in the weeks following the Japanese launch.
Where to Stream Evangelion
For fans unfamiliar with the source material or those looking to revisit the series before the plush toys arrive, the original Neon Genesis Evangelion television series is available to stream on Netflix. The more recent Rebuild of Evangelion film series, which introduces the characters depicted in these plush toys, is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The movies notably feature Mari Makinami Illustrious and the reinterpreted character of Asuka Shikinami Langley, making them the direct visual and narrative reference point for this collection.
What This Crossover Means for Collectors
This collaboration between Evangelion and Sanrio is a clear signal of the enduring crossover appeal between high-concept anime and mass-market character brands. The plush toys are designed to appeal to two distinct demographics: long-time Evangelion fans who appreciate the series’ psychological depth and iconic character designs, and Sanrio collectors who value the cute, approachable aesthetic of mascots like Cinnamoroll and My Melody.
The decision to include hair accessories that mirror the Sanrio characters on each pilot’s head is a thoughtful design touch that elevates these plush toys above simple character swaps. It demonstrates a level of creative integration that rewards close inspection, a quality that often distinguishes the most desirable collector items from more generic licensed merchandise. The limited release model, starting as arcade prizes in Japan, will likely create a secondary market with dynamic pricing, making the June 12 debut a key date for collectors and resellers alike.
As the lines between high-art anime and kawaii culture continue to blur, collaborations like this one offer a tangible, accessible way for fans to own a piece of both worlds. The Evangelion x Sanrio plush toys will be available in Japan starting June 12, 2026, and the wait for an international release will likely be measured in months, not years.
