Replica Tombak Longinus From The "Evangelion" Anime Series On Display In Ube City

The inauguration of the spear from the Neon Genesis Evangelion animated series. (Screenshot of YouTube Channel/@ubenippo_saratto)

The more than seven-meter-high to Tomb inspired by the animated series "Neon Genesis Evangelion" is displayed in the industrial city which was adopted as the background for the film.

Replica "Longinus Reshuffle", a giant space gun playing an important role in the anime, stuck on land located in Tokiwa Park, Ube City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Quoted from Kyodo News November 1, the city was the birthplace of the director of the series, Hideaki Anno.

The Spear is the work of young employees at Ube Steel Co., one of the units of chemical manufacturer Ube Corp. which owns many factories in the city.

The proposal to make the spear was first submitted by company employees in July last year. The 1.2 tonnes of silver is made of scrap metal and other materials.

They recreated the distinctive spiral design of the spear after repeatedly discussing with the copyright management of the series, employees said.

At his inauguration ceremony last month, Ube Steel President Hisao Yamane recalled how he "never thought (this project) would come to fruition."

"We use advanced technology to make the part of the spiral straight. We hope people really touch and enjoy the texture of the steel," explains Yamane.

The spear was featured as part of the city's promotion campaign until January 8, to attract fans at an exhibition about the anime series.

Interestingly, the spear can light up and emit red light and others from 17:30 to 21:30 local time.

"I hope fans come to visit both from Japan and abroad," said Ube Mayor Keiji Shinozaki.