Japanese outdoor‑gear manufacturer Dress has unveiled a brand‑new collection of fishing lures and accessories that borrow visual elements from the iconic anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion. The line, announced in early October, features miniature replicas of the series’ mecha on bobbers, reels printed with the series’ emblem, and a handful of novelty items such as T‑shirts and tote bags. While the company has not disclosed an exact launch day, the announcement signals that the products will soon be available through Dress’s domestic distribution channels. For Osaka’s sizable community of expatriates who enjoy weekend angling or collect anime memorabilia, the release offers a rare crossover that blends two popular pastimes. The lures are designed to attract attention not only from fish but also from fellow anglers who recognize the distinctive Eva silhouettes, turning a routine outing on the Yodo River or Osaka Bay into a conversation starter. Early adopters can also use the gear as a unique gift for friends who share a love of Japanese pop culture, adding a playful edge to an otherwise practical hobby. The Evangelion‑themed assortment includes three sizes of plastic bobbers—each painted in the color scheme of Units‑00, 01, and 02—metallic spinners that bear the series’ NERV logo, and a limited‑edition carbon‑fiber rod finished with a custom grip featuring the series’ signature red and white stripes. In addition, Dress is offering a set of enamel pins and a waterproof jacket embroidered with the “Angel” motif. Although the catalogue lists no pricing, the company has hinted that the items will be positioned as premium collectibles rather than standard fishing supplies, suggesting a price point above typical lures. The launch arrives at a moment when anime‑based merchandise is experiencing a resurgence, driven by the recent release of the Evangelion Rebuild films and a growing appetite among tourists for exclusive Japanese products. Dress, which originally specialized in utilitarian fishing equipment for local anglers, has been expanding its portfolio to capture niche markets, and the collaboration with a globally recognized franchise represents a strategic pivot toward lifestyle branding. This trend mirrors other Japanese manufacturers that have turned pop‑culture icons into functional everyday items, thereby widening their appeal beyond traditional hobbyists.
ACTION: 1. Visit Dress’s official website and navigate to the “Special Projects” section, where a preview gallery of the Evangelion line is currently hosted. 2. Subscribe to the site’s newsletter to receive a notification the moment the items become purchasable. 3. Follow Dress’s English‑language Twitter account, which will post updates on stock levels at major fishing‑gear retailers in Osaka, such as T‑Kura and Sports Authority. 4. If you prefer to see the products in person, check the display windows of the Osaka‑based hobby shop “Fish‑Mania” on Namba Street, which has been confirmed as an authorized dealer. 5. For bulk orders or corporate gifting, email the sales department using the address listed on the contact page, referencing “Evangelion release” to ensure proper handling. When a reel spins and a familiar Eva silhouette bobs on the surface, the line between sport and fandom blurs—turning every cast into a small tribute to a series that has shaped Japanese pop culture for decades. For anglers in Osaka, the next big catch might just be a conversation about giant robots and the thrill of reeling in something truly unforgettable.