The intersection of high-end brewing and seminal anime has yielded a striking new collectible. Sapporo Breweries, in collaboration with Studio Khara, has launched a limited-edition series of Evangelion-branded beer cans, placing iconic illustrations of Evangelion Units 01 and 13 directly onto their premium Kuro Label product. This campaign, spearheaded by renowned designer Mahiro Maeda, extends beyond mere packaging into a curated line of merchandise, celebrating the enduring legacy of the franchise while offering fans a tangible piece of its aesthetic. The release coincides with Evangelion’s 30th anniversary momentum, linking this exclusive beverage collection to the announced future of the series with notable creatives like Yoko Taro and Keiichi Okabe. This article details the specifics of the can designs, the accompanying merch lineup, its context within the anniversary celebrations, and how enthusiasts can acquire these limited items.
The Collaboration: Sapporo Kuro Label Meets Evangelion
Sapporo Breweries’ Kuro Label line represents a commitment to a richer, more full-bodied draft beer experience. Its collaboration with the Evangelion franchise is not a mere licensing exercise but a curated artistic project. The central feature is new, exclusive artwork by Mahiro Maeda, a key creative figure in the Evangelion rebuild films and wider anime industry. His illustrations re-imagine two of the series’ most pivotal Evangelion Units: the iconic, purple-and-green Eva-01 and the dual-piloted, mysterious Eva-13 from the finale. These designs are not stock imagery but bespoke creations for this campaign, elevating the cans from promotional items to legitimate art pieces.
Evangelion Unit 01 on 350ml Cans
The illustration of Evangelion Unit 01, the protagonist unit piloted by Shinji Ikari, adorns the 350ml cans of Sapporo Draft Beer Kuro Label. This size is typical for individual consumption, making the Eva-01 design a personal, handheld collectible. Maeda’s artwork captures the unit’s aggressive posture and distinctive color scheme, rendered with a quality that respects its status as a pop culture icon. The 350ml can thus becomes a dual-purpose item: a premium beer and a miniature display piece for Eva-01 fans.
Evangelion Unit 13 on 500ml Cans
In contrast, the larger 500ml can features the imposing illustration of Evangelion Unit 13, the unit central to the climax of the film series. This size suggests sharing or a more substantial serving, matched by the artistic weight of Eva-13. The unit’s complex design, with its four eyes and dual entry plug, is detailed on the larger canvas of the 500ml can. This differentiation in can size by unit type adds a thoughtful layer to the collection, encouraging fans to seek out both formats to complete the set.
The Extended Merchandise Collection
The collaboration extends far beyond the beer cans themselves. A dedicated online store, the Kuro Label Club, hosts a range of merchandise featuring the Evangelion Unit 13 illustration. This allows fans to engage with the artwork without the beverage component, though all items are produced in limited numbers.
Coaster Mats and Bar Glass
For the home bar or dining table, the collection includes a coaster mat priced at ¥3,300 (approximately $20.65). It provides a functional yet decorative base for drinks, featuring the Eva-13 artwork. Complementing this is a dedicated bar glass, sold for ¥8,250 (~$51.60). This glass prominently displays both the Sapporo and Evangelion logos, designed for actual use with the Kuro Label beer or as a standalone display item, blending utility with collectibility.
Tote Bags and T-Shirts
The apparel and accessories line offers more portable options. A tote bag carrying the Unit 13 illustration costs ¥6,600 (~$41.30), serving as a statement piece for daily use. The T-shirt selection, priced at ¥13,200 (~$82.60), comes in two distinct variants: a regular version and a washed version. The washed variant offers a softer, vintage-style feel, providing an aesthetic choice for fans. These items translate the cinematic artwork into wearable fashion, expanding the collaboration’s reach into personal style.
Context Within Evangelion’s 30th Anniversary
This Sapporo Evangelion campaign is strategically positioned within the broader celebration of the franchise’s 30th anniversary. The anniversary event in February 2026 was not merely a retrospective but a forward-looking announcement. Studio Khara revealed plans for a new Evangelion anime series, with story writing duties entrusted to Yoko Taro (creator of NieR and Drakengard) and music composition to Keiichi Okabe (celebrated for his work on the NieR series). This bold creative direction signals an ambitious new chapter for Evangelion.
The Kuro Label collaboration acts as a tangible, consumer-facing element of this anniversary momentum. It connects the classic iconography of the series—via Eva-01 and Eva-13—with a premium lifestyle product, effectively bridging the franchise’s storied past with its ongoing commercial and cultural vitality. The limited-edition nature of the cans and merchandise creates a sense of immediacy and exclusivity around the anniversary celebrations, offering fans a physical artifact to mark this pivotal moment in Evangelion’s history.
Availability and Acquisition Details
All items from this Sapporo Evangelion crossover—the branded beer cans, bar glass, coaster mats, T-shirts, and tote bags—are available in limited quantities exclusively in Japan. The primary avenue for the merchandise is the online Kuro Label Club web store. The beer cans themselves are likely available through select retail channels, supermarkets, and possibly specialty liquor stores carrying Sapporo’s Kuro Label line. Interested international fans will need to explore import services or third-party resellers, as direct overseas shipping from the official store may not be offered. The limited nature of the run underscores the importance of timely acquisition for collectors.
The Sapporo Evangelion beer cans represent a sophisticated fusion of culinary craftsmanship and anime artistry. By applying Mahiro Maeda’s evocative illustrations directly to the Kuro Label cans and supporting them with a high-quality merchandise line, the collaboration transcends typical promotional tie-ins. It serves as both a celebration of Evangelion’s 30-year legacy and a tangible link to its future, energized by the announcement of Yoko Taro and Keiichi Okabe’s involvement. For collectors and fans, these items offer a rare opportunity to own a piece of this milestone, blending the enjoyment of a premium beer with the deep cultural resonance of one of anime’s most defining franchises.
