Hideaki Anno Reveals Shinji in Evangelion Is a Mirror of His Own Soul

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Shinji Ikari in the anime series, Neon Genesis Evangelion, deviates from the conventional hero archetype common in many anime. Instead of exhibiting loudness, endless optimism, courage, and other traits typical of popular Shonen genre heroes, he tends to shy away from confrontations, avoid meaningful relationships, and grapples with self-esteem issues. Unlike most characters, he lacks the usual qualities that make him stand out from the crowd, such as confidence, pride, or distinctive characteristics.

It wasn’t a coincidence that there was discord, and it turned out just as intended. Without that, Neon Genesis Evangelion might not have endured as the legendary anime it is today after three decades. As stated by creator Hideaki Anno, Shinji wasn’t influenced by external factors but was crafted from within.

The Evangelion protagonist was never meant to be a hero

creators typically strive to maintain a clear divide between their own image and how they’re perceived by fans versus their characters or anime components. However, Hideaki Anno revealed striking resemblances between Shinji, the main character, and himself during an uncommon open moment.

A comment that seems incredibly straightforward to anyone familiar with Shinji’s intense emotional struggles. This character is often connected with a range of unpleasant feelings such as loneliness, disregard, uncertainty, and despair.

It’s quite challenging for a teenager to encompass all these themes, yet it seems logical that they represent the sum total of a person’s emotional journey throughout their life. These were also struggles that Anno personally faced during the making of the show.

During an interview with Aerial Magazine, Anno spoke about the connection he shares with Shinji-

Shinji does reflect my character, both the conscious and unconscious parts

The pervasive feelings and adverse impacts color each moment in the show Evangelion, giving it an enduring allure and making it still relatable more than three decades since its creation.

However, Anno makes it clear that the book isn’t an exact account of his life. The primary character engages in many actions that, if linked to him, would cause considerable embarrassment.

From animation to introspection: Anno’s Journey

Although Hideaki Anno didn’t personally go through the rift between Shinji and Gendo, he suggests that it symbolizes the emotional detachment he experienced with his own father while growing up.

The mechas, the angels, a world in ruins filled with conflict, and the impending Armageddon serve as narrative devices and backdrops to effectively portray inner turmoil with a relatable context.”

In this version, I’ve used “narrative devices” instead of “plot elements,” “backdrops” for “settings,” and “effectively portray” instead of “convey.” The aim here is to make the language more natural and easier to read while preserving the original meaning.

When designing Shinji, Anno didn’t merely construct a character; rather, he crafted a reflection. Many might overlook a profound truth about themselves that others can easily perceive. This offers a unique chance to view oneself from an outsider’s perspective.

Through creating ‘Evangelion’, I discovered more about myself and came to accept that I’m not the wisest person.

Or,

While working on ‘Evangelion’, I realized my own nature, which isn’t always the most intelligent.

Shinji’s shortcomings, his hesitation to take action, his deep yearning for approval, were all rooted in Anno’s personal acknowledgment of his own insufficiencies. Yet, he bravely confronted these issues and transformed them into a powerful storyline that left an indelible impact on the anime world.

What sets Evangelion apart and transformed it from a niche anime into a cultural touchstone is its authenticity. Viewers are witnessing a portrayal of human actions and the indomitable spirit within us, despite our efforts to resist it. In truth, Anno may not be like Shinji, but Shinji embodies some aspects of Anno.

Neon Genesis Evangelion is available to watch on Netflix.

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2025-04-20 18:33