“Neon Genesis Evangelion: Girlfriend of Steel” / 「新世紀エヴァンゲリオン 鋼鉄のガールフレンド」, Original Japanese Video Game Promotional Poster 1998 — Illustrated by Tadashi Hiramatsu — PlayStation, B2 Size (51 × 73 cm) L77

This is an original Japanese B2 video game promotional poster produced for the 1998 PlayStation release of Neon Genesis Evangelion: Girlfriend of Steel, published by GAINAX.

Featuring Mana Kirishima, the original character introduced in the game, this distinctive design presents a quieter, more intimate aspect of the Evangelion universe. The illustration is credited along the bottom edge to Tadashi Hiramatsu / 平松禎史, the animator and character designer associated with the game’s visual production.

The poster also carries an explicit “NOT FOR SALE” marking, identifying it as promotional material supplied for advertising rather than a retail poster.

Game background

Girlfriend of Steel, titled 「鋼鉄のガールフレンド」 / Kōtetsu no Girlfriend in Japan, began as a computer game in 1997 before receiving console adaptations. The PlayStation edition was released in Japan on 16 April 1998.

The game introduces Mana Kirishima, a new student who joins Shinji Ikari’s school and develops a close relationship with him. Her arrival brings romance and jealousy into Shinji’s everyday life, while the secrets surrounding her connect the story to the military intrigue of the wider Evangelion setting.

Presented as an illustrated adventure with dialogue, animation and player choices, the game places particular emphasis on character relationships. Familiar figures—including Asuka, Rei and Misato—appear alongside Mana, creating an original side story within the established world.

Megumi Hayashibara, also the voice of Rei Ayanami, provides Mana’s voice.

The illustration

The printed credit reads:

「イラスト 平松禎史」

“Illustration: Tadashi Hiramatsu.”

Hiramatsu’s image makes Mana the sole focus of the composition. Her placement is immediately striking: she reclines diagonally across the sheet, with her head towards the lower right and her body extending beyond the upper-left edge.

She wears a white sleeveless blouse and a red-and-white checked skirt, with a green-strapped watch visible at her wrist. Her short auburn hair spreads around her face, while her raised arms frame her direct gaze.

The relaxed pose and close viewpoint give the illustration a personal quality, reflecting the game’s emphasis on emotional connection and its new heroine.

Poster design

A rectangular field of deep blue, water-like texture sits behind Mana, bordered in black. Her figure extends beyond this frame, creating a layered composition against the pale surrounding background.

Large, softly blurred passages of Japanese text cover the background. Their subdued treatment adds texture without competing with the character illustration, suggesting the dialogue and storytelling central to the game.

The English series title:

“NEON GENESIS EVANGELION”

appears across the upper section in white lettering with a heavy black outline.

The Japanese title:

「鋼鉄のガールフレンド」

runs down the lower-left side and across the bottom in enormous red characters with black shadowing. This strong typography balances the pale clothing and blue background.

The GAINAX logo appears at upper left, with the PlayStation logo at upper right. The lower margin includes the 1997–1998 copyright information, illustration credit, GAINAX details and the advertised software price of ¥6,800 before tax.

The small “NOT FOR SALE” box at lower right completes the design and records its original promotional purpose.

Collecting significance

This poster documents an early stage in Evangelion’s expansion into character-driven video games, shortly after the original television series and theatrical films.

Its focus on Mana Kirishima makes it particularly distinctive within Evangelion advertising. Together with the credited Hiramatsu illustration and original PlayStation branding, it offers an appealing connection between the franchise’s animation and gaming history.

It is especially suitable for collectors of Evangelion, GAINAX, Tadashi Hiramatsu, original PlayStation games and Japanese promotional artwork.

Condition

Excellent condition.

Reference: L77.

Please review all photographs, including the close-up and reverse, as they show the exact poster for sale.

This is an original Japanese B2 promotional poster for the game’s 1998 PlayStation release, measuring approximately 51 × 73 cm.

It is now over 28 years old.

It is not a reproduction or a reprint.

Certificate of Authenticity included.