Hello Kitty’s First Major 2026 Collab Is Completely Cute in the Most Unhinged Way

Hello Kitty has always lived in a world of pastel charm and gentle smiles, but 2026 is already pushing her into stranger territory. Her first big collaboration of the year pairs the Sanrio icon with a franchise known for existential dread and towering mechs, creating a mash-up that feels equal parts adorable, surreal, and impossible to ignore.

Neon Genesis Evangelion might seem like an odd match for a character synonymous with stationery and plush toys, yet that contrast is exactly what makes this crossover so magnetic. The collection arrives in early February, according to CBR, promising fans a blend of soft colors and apocalyptic imagery that somehow manages to feel playful rather than jarring.

Hello Kitty Cute Meets Evangelion Chaos

The collaboration reimagines Hello Kitty as some of Evangelion’s most recognizable figures, turning the anime’s intense cast into pint-sized, bow-wearing versions of themselves. The result is a line that feels like an adorable joke delivered with surprising sincerity, leaning into both brands’ legacies while refusing to take itself too seriously.

One standout concept places Hello Kitty in the roles of Rei and Asuka, complete with school uniforms and pilot suits translated into simplified, cartoon-friendly designs. Instead of grim expressions and battle-ready stances, these versions carry Hello Kitty’s trademark calm, creating a humorous contrast that softens the series’ famously heavy tone.

The creativity doesn’t stop with the pilots. The collection also transforms Hello Kitty into one of the series’ monstrous Angels and even the iconic EVA Unit-01. These designs take some of the anime’s most intimidating imagery and filter it through a lens of plush textures and rounded shapes, making the threatening feel unexpectedly cuddly.

What is in the Hello Kitty x Evangelion Collab

This crossover isn’t limited to just a few novelty items. The lineup spans cozy apparel and small accessories, giving fans multiple ways to show off their love for both franchises. The centerpiece is a pullover sweatshirt that features the redesigned Hello Kitty and Evangelion characters front and center, blending streetwear comfort with playful anime homage.

For younger fans, the same designs appear in kid-friendly sizes, ensuring the collaboration reaches a wider audience. It’s a reminder that Hello Kitty’s appeal spans generations, while Evangelion’s influence continues to resonate decades after its original release, now in forms that even newcomers can enjoy.

Rounding out the Hello Kitty x Neon Genesis Evangelion collection are plush keychains and phone grips that double as tiny mirrors, turning everyday objects into miniature showcases for the crossover. With physical and online availability rolling out in the first week of February, the launch feels timed to celebrate both nostalgia and novelty, proving that even the most unlikely pairings can spark genuine excitement.

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  Created by Yuko Shimizu

  First Film Hello Kitty: Cinderella (1989)

  Latest Film Hello Kitty in The Sleeping Princess (1991)

  Upcoming Films Hello Kitty

  First TV Show Hello Kitty's Furry Tale Theater (1987)

  Latest TV Show Hello Kitty: Super Style! (2022)

  Hello Kitty is a globally recognized character created by Yuko Shimizu in 1974 for Sanrio. Initially designed for children, its popularity expanded to teens and adults, becoming a major part of kawaii culture. Depicted as a friendly, anthropomorphic cat from London, Hello Kitty has appeared in numerous animated series, comics, films, and video games. The brand is known for extensive merchandising, with over 50,000 products worldwide.

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  Created by Hideaki Anno

  First Film Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth

  TV Show(s) Neon Genesis Evangelion

  Movie(s) Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth, End of Evangelion, Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance, Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time

  Character(s) Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, Asuka Langley Soryu, Toji Suzuhara, Kaworu Nagisa, Mari Illustrious Makinami, Gendo Ikari, Misato Katsuragi

  Video Game(s) Neon Genesis Evangelion