Fans of Neon Genesis Evangelion are in for a treat, as McDonald's Japan has announced its first-ever collaboration with the iconic anime franchise. This partnership, which was revealed on December 19, 2024, promises to deliver exclusive transforming figures, bringing together two beloved aspects of Japanese pop culture.
McDonald's Japan has long been celebrated for its anime collaborations, producing themed commercials, unique menus, and collectible toys to attract the otaku community. Yet, the announcement of its alliance with Evangelion has struck fans with excitement. The beloved anime, which first aired almost 30 years ago, continues to captivate audiences, earning its place as one of the most recognizable anime series of all time.
The announcement came through a teaser posted on McDonald's official X page, sparking instant recognition among fans familiar with Evangelion’s distinctive font. Two days later, the fast-food giant confirmed the collaboration with a special preview video featuring original voice actors from the series, gaining significant attention with almost 125,000 likes and numerous shares on social media.
The main attraction of this collaboration is the McDonald's Evangelion Value Set, which offers three unique transforming figurines. Each figure transforms from familiar McDonald's items—a Big Mac, French fries, and McShake—into EVA units (Test Type, Production Model, and Prototype). SoraNews24 reports, "The McDonald’s Evangelion Value Set includes all three transforming Evas for 3,900 yen (US$26)...[requiring customers to visit the restaurant to pick them up]." This appealing twist on the typical Happy Meal toy concept heightens the collectible value of these figures for fans.
Interestingly enough, these figures will not come with food. Instead, customers will have to register through the McDonald's Japan app for the lottery to purchase the Value Set, which runs until January 10, 2025. Winners will be informed on January 16 and can collect their sets from January 20 to 26. The requirement to register for lottery access signals both the popularity of the Evangelion franchise and the anticipated rush to secure these exclusive items.
For those who miss out on winning the opportunity to buy these collectible figures, don’t despair. This is merely the first stage of the collaboration. According to SoraNews24, "This part of the event, with the transformable figures, is only the first stage. McDonald's has announced the next stage will 'convey the world of Evangelion through deliciousness.'" Hints of themed menu items linked to Evangelion are already on the horizon, ensuring continuous engagement for anime fans and loyal customers alike.
Since Neon Genesis Evangelion continues to maintain its cultural relevance, integrating it with the global brand of McDonald's reflects the fast-food giant's adaptability and creativity. This strategy not only caters to returning fans but also attracts newer generations who are discovering Evangelion through streaming platforms like Netflix. The collaboration captures the essence of anime culture and food, showcasing how franchises can intertwine to create something truly special.
The creative marketing tactics used by McDonald's are nothing short of brilliant, drawing from both the franchise's legacy and fanbase's love. To participate, fans can keep their eyes peeled through social media announcements, keeping tabs on how to secure their share of the Evangelion themed treasures.
The collaboration with Neon Genesis Evangelion signifies not just the launch of new products at McDonald's Japan, but also the deep connections formed between fast food and pop culture fandoms. So, whether you are chomping down on your favorite burger or transforming toys, this partnership promises to bring joy to fans old and new!
