Hideaki Anno Calls Himself a Fool After Realizing Shinji Was Based on His Own Struggles

by

Regardless of his numerous anime and film directing accomplishments, Hideaki Anno remains best known for Neon Genesis Evangelion. Although this series was first released three decades ago, it continues to be a cult favorite, with its character Shinji being particularly identifiable and memorable.

Shinji Ikari bears a resemblance to Hideaki Anno, his creator. Unlike other anime protagonists, Shinji stands out due to his imperfections and vulnerabilities. He’s not the cheerful, brave, or courageous type; instead, he is an exception to the rule. However, it’s precisely these qualities that have enabled fans to empathize with him throughout the years.

Hideaki Anno found out more about himself after Shinji was based on him

Neon Genesis Evangelion stands out with its deep character exploration, a trait seldom seen in popular anime. Hideaki Anno, the creator, penned and helmed the series following a long break, rumored to be due to depression. It’s evident while watching that the production is also a profound personal expression from the director.

In a 1997 conversation with Aerial Magazine, Anno acknowledged that Shinji’s character, encompassing both conscious and subconscious aspects, undergoes reflection. Contrary to expectations, Shinji, as the operator of Earth’s mightiest weapon, does not embody the typical heroic figure. His relationship with his father since childhood has left a profound impact on his personality, shaping him in unique ways. However, it is important to note that Anno clarified that his father never physically abandoned him.

During the creation of ‘Evangelion’, I discovered my true self and realized that I am indeed quite foolish.

-Hideaki Anno

In this rephrased version: Anno views Shinji as an extension of his own psychological self. Much like Anno, Shinji is portrayed as melancholic in nature. Given that much of Shinji’s character was derived from Anno, director Kazuya Tsurumaki chose not to present him as a valiant hero, largely because Anno isn’t known for his affinity towards heroism.

Hideaki Anno’s impact on Neon Genesis Evangelion‘s protagonist and the character’s development

Over time, Shinji finds himself taking control of Unit-01, driven by a deep desire for recognition. This longing stemmed from his wish to earn his father’s affection, something he had never experienced. Abandoned in his youth, Shinji exhibits a profound fear of being abandoned again, which is reflected in his emotional vulnerability. He is an introverted individual who feels uneasy in social settings and frequently retreats into solitude by regularly wearing headphones.

In a similar vein, just as Shinji was called upon by his dad to become a pilot, Hideaki Anno was also invited by Gainax to helm the anime. This character served as a vehicle for Gainax to explore and critique the mental health of anime enthusiasts, as well as broader aspects of Japanese society. The dynamic between Shinji and his father symbolizes the often-strained bond between Japanese kids and their absentee fathers, who are frequently engrossed in work.

Originally, it was planned for Shinji to be a reserved, top-performing student. However, the team soon abandoned this idea when they decided against creating an overly idealized character. Instead, they crafted a character with significant flaws, which resonated with both Japanese and international anime enthusiasts alike.

Neon Genesis Evangelion is currently available to stream on Netflix.

Read More

2025-04-30 10:02