Racing with Evangelion – An Inside Look at the 500 Type EVA Project

Text and photos by －SanjiNoir－Black Samurai Reader－
 
"Like a cruel angel, boy, become a legend..." When this music plays, do you think it’s the famous mecha Unit-01 from the anime *Neon Genesis Evangelion* about to go on a rampage? Actually, it’s a Shinkansen that’s about to speed off in style — let’s just say the otaku spirit in Japan runs deep from top to bottom. Here we introduce the Evangelion train that goes full throttle right from its debut — the Sanyo Shinkansen 500 Type EVA in Japan.

This epic crossover was made possible when JR West’s Sanyo Shinkansen celebrated the 40th anniversary of its full-line operation, teaming up with *Neon Genesis Evangelion*, which also marked its 20th anniversary that same year (what? Already 20 years?!). Together, they transformed the Kodama 730 Shinkansen train, which runs between Shin-Osaka and Hakata, into a limited-edition 500 TYPE EVA train themed after the iconic Evangelion Unit-01.
 
Although the exterior paint job is super cool, many have already seen it, so let’s focus on the interior instead. Quickly hop aboard the 500 TYPE EVA train to see what it looks like inside.

In Car No. 2, aside from the seat and cabin interiors being painted with designs, you’ll spot the unmistakable emblem of NERV, the organization responsible for the Evangelions in the show. The cabin is color-coordinated based on Evangelion Unit-01, and even the window curtains reveal a hidden surprise once drawn. But the fun doesn’t stop there — the curtains also feature a dramatic reveal of the Absolute Terror Field, or A.T. Field.

Anime fans familiar with the series will instantly recognize that orange octagon — it’s as if the train is protected by an A.T. Field, making it perfect for parodies. Speaking of parodies, nothing beats what happens when you lower the curtain to find Commander Ikari — the delightfully eerie father of the protagonist Shinji Ikari — in his most iconic pose. That’s probably the biggest joke the creators are playing on passengers.

Aside from the seats and window curtains, Car No. 2 also uses floor patterns to create a strong Evangelion atmosphere — quite a brilliant design. That’s the gist of Car No. 2. Now, let’s head into Car No. 1 for a closer look.