“Neon Genesis Evangelion / Ritsuko Akagi”, Original Japanese Promotional Poster 1996, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) Q71

This is an original Japanese B2 promotional poster issued in 1996 for Neon Genesis Evangelion, featuring Ritsuko Akagi. Produced during the series’ original first wave of popularity, the poster is associated with SEGA and GAINAX / Project Eva, and belongs to the same important early promotional campaign as the other character-specific Evangelion sheets from the mid-1990s.

Series background

First broadcast in 1995, Neon Genesis Evangelion quickly established itself as one of the most influential anime series of its era. Among its most important supporting characters is Ritsuko Akagi, NERV’s brilliant chief scientist, whose cool intellect and increasingly fraught position within the series make her one of the show’s most fascinating adult figures. Character posters like this are especially appealing because they isolate the psychological identity of each figure within the Evangelion world, rather than relying on action scenes or mecha spectacle.

Poster design

This is a strikingly elegant and highly collectible character poster. Ritsuko is shown in three-quarter view wearing her white lab coat over a dark fitted outfit, set against a soft pink gradient ground. The large NEON GENESIS EVANGELION masthead dominates the upper section, with “Ritsuko Akagi” printed at top right, while the SEGA logo appears at lower right. The illustration is credited to Takeshi Honda, whose clean linework and confident character rendering give the image both clarity and presence.

Unlike more crowded Evangelion posters, this design is notably restrained. That simplicity suits Ritsuko perfectly: the poster emphasises intelligence, control, and poise, making it an especially strong display piece. The balance of the white coat, pale background, and sharp black typography gives the sheet a refined, almost fashion-editorial quality.

Rarity and significance

Because this poster was issued in 1996, it belongs to Evangelion’s original release era, the period most sought after by collectors. Early Japanese promotional posters linked to SEGA campaigns, home-video promotion, or associated merchandise were not mass-market retail products and were generally produced in more limited numbers than later franchise material. Surviving examples are therefore increasingly desirable, particularly in clean condition.

As a country-of-origin Evangelion character poster from the series’ formative period, this Ritsuko example is both visually strong and historically appealing.

Condition

Very Good / Excellent. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale. 

It is over 30 years old!

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.