A massive steel sculpture modeled after the left hand of a humanoid weapon from the popular anime Neon Genesis Evangelion has been placed in front of JR Ube-Shinkawa Station in Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The piece honors Ube native director Hideaki Anno, with the station inspiring the final scene of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, released in 2021. On its public debut on November 20, numerous fans visited the site to take photos.
In Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture, a large sculpture replicating the left hand of Unit 01—the humanoid weapon piloted by the protagonist in Neon Genesis Evangelion—has been unveiled in front of JR Ube-Shinkawa Station. The series, created and directed by Ube native Hideaki Anno, enjoys global acclaim. The steel sculpture measures approximately 3.6 meters long, 1.4 meters wide, and 1.4 meters high, designed to appear as if the hand is emerging from the ground.
Commissioned by the city from local firm Ube Steel Co., the piece stems from a winning entry in a contest held last year. The station served as inspiration for the closing scene in the 2021 film Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time. On November 20, its first public showing drew crowds of fans who eagerly photographed the installation. Such initiatives highlight local ties to cultural icons and may boost regional tourism.