Neon Genesis Evangelion’s studio reveals unexpected object used to create the sound effect for the series’ iconic plugsuits 

Studio Khara, the Japanese animation studio responsible for the Rebuild of Evangelion film series, recently revealed the real-life item used to create the form-fitting sounds of the plugsuits worn by Shinji and the gang. A white Madison Square Garden sports bag made of what looks like leather was popped and scrunched to make the now-iconic sound effects. 

The small but surprising new piece of trivia caught many Japanese Neon Genesis Evangelion fans off-guard, as the Madison Square Garden sports bag was a popular item in the country back in the 1970s-1980s. Older fans were happy that a piece of their childhood made it into their favorite anime, as some thought the sound effects came from other objects such as a big leather jacket. 

While real, life-size plugsuits are a thing, most Neon Genesis Evangelion fans might want to avoid wearing one. These skintight, full-body suits don’t just look uncomfortable, but they can’t be used in any working Evangelions to increase the wearer’s synchronization rate. It might be best to stick to a Madison Square Garden bag, which is both functional and fashionable.