As a seasoned gamer and avid fan of anime, I must say that Mikasa Ackerman from Attack on Titan is one of the most intriguing characters I’ve ever encountered. Her unique blend of strength, vulnerability, and protective instincts make her a true standout in a series filled with memorable personalities.


The personalities in “Attack on Titan” stand out distinctly, even if they exhibit some common characteristics and the occasional stereotype. In an interview, Hajime Isayama, the creator of “Attack on Titan,” shed light on the motivation behind crafting one of the series’ most memorable characters: Mikasa Ackerman, a key figure in the narrative. It’s intriguing to learn who or what served as inspiration for Mikasa’s appearance in the manga.

What inspired Isayama to create Mikasa?

WARNING: Below you’ll find some major spoilers form Attack on Titan manga and anime.

In the past, I delved into why Isayama shied away from romance in “Attack on Titan.” This time around, let me share some insights about the inspiration behind Mikasa’s character design. To start things off, let’s get to know Mikasa a bit better. We all remember that her parents were brutally taken by kidnappers because of their ethnicity, a topic that gains significance as the story unfolds. Right from the beginning, it’s obvious that Mikasa hails from a nation similar to Japan.

Following the passing of her parents, Mikasa took up residence with Eren’s family and stayed there until a significant day arrived. Throughout her time with the Yeagers, Mikasa gained recognition for her protective nature towards Eren. As we progress through the training arc, it becomes evident that she is remarkably resilient (a trait enhanced by her unique bloodline), demonstrating herself as one of the top soldiers. In summary, Mikasa represents a strong individual who fiercely cherishes those dear to her.

During an interview, Isayama revealed that while he was working in an internet café, he frequently came across drunk individuals whose behavior influenced his portrayal of Titans. One particular day, he observed a woman hiding her face with a scarf, and this image served as the inspiration for Mikasa’s character design. As the mangaka himself explained:

That fear I possessed from the unpleasant feeling of not being familiar with them [drunkards] ended up becoming a big influence in the SNK story. Also at that time, one of the clients I met [by chance] became the model of Mikasa. She covered her face with a muffler late at night, and I thought this look of hers was endearing [cute]. When she came to the store, I felt something and quickly started to sketch on the memo pad I had in my hand. The sketch from that time was the original drawing of Mikasa.

Why name Mikasa though?

During that very same interview, I too was privy to the insight into what sparked Isayama’s inspiration when he named Mikasa. At first, there wasn’t a clear-cut decision, as he yearned to follow in the footsteps of legendary classics like Neon Genesis Evangelion and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, seeking a name that would resonate with similar iconic status.

In my creation, I named Mikasa after a historical Japanese warship, the “Mikasa.” It’s said that if you give a female character a name from a battleship, your work will gain widespread acclaim, much like Rei Ayanami in Neon Genesis Evangelion and Yuki Nagato in The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.

The creator of Attack on Titan acknowledged that there are similarities between Mikasa and Casca from Berserk, a widely recognized masterpiece. This observation lends credence to fan theories, as Mikasa has demonstrated remarkable bravery, particularly when confronted with making some of the most difficult decisions within the entire storyline.

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2024-10-30 18:02