Who is Shinji Ikari 101: Everything You Wanted to Know

By Matteo Drelli. Updated Sep 2, 2023

Meet Shinji Ikari, the central figure in the world of Evangelion. He's the Third Child and the chosen pilot of the powerful Evangelion Unit-01. Shinji is the son of Yui Ikari, a brilliant bioengineer, and Gendo Ikari, the head honcho at NERV.

But life hasn't been easy for him. After losing his mom, his dad left him.

For 11 years, he lived with his teacher. Then, he got the call to move to Tokyo-3. Why? To pilot Unit-01 and save the world from mysterious beings called Angels. At first, he shares a home with Misato Katsuragi, but they soon welcome a new roommate: Asuka Langley Soryu.

What is Shinji Ikari's Personality?

Shinji Ikari is complex, and his personality is a maze of emotions. He starts off as pretty chill, thanks to the easy-going life he had with his sensei.

But when asked to pilot Unit-01, he says no. Why? Because deep down, he's craving the praise and love he never got from his dad. It's why he takes on the heavy role, repeating to himself, "I mustn't run away."

But there's more. Shinji fears emotional hurt. He's scared people will leave or hate him. This probably comes from feeling abandoned as a kid. He blames himself, thinking he wasn't good enough to keep his dad around.

Social situations? Not his thing. He's introverted and finds it hard to control his feelings. Sometimes, he'll risk it all just to save one life.

Shinji often escapes into music, tuning out the world with his SDAT player. Yet, he's self-aware.

He knows his flaws and remembers the past in vivid detail. Above all, he's gentle. He's the only one who tries to find a reason to fight the Angels. Sometimes, he walks away from piloting just to avoid causing harm.

Shinji Ikari's Style and Looks

Shinji Ikari has a distinct look that mirrors his complex personality. He sports medium-length brown hair and striking grey-blue eyes. He's on the slender side and dresses neatly—his shirt is often tucked in.

Whether he's at NERV or out in town, he dons a uniform: a white dress shirt, blue t-shirt, dark pants, and white kicks.

But at home, it's casual wear all the way. When in his plug suit, you'll see him in shades of light and dark blue, accented with black.

💡 Did you know? 💡

Shinji's plug suit colors aren't just for show. They're designed to help him sync better with his Evangelion Unit-01. The light blue and dark blue tones complement the unit's own color scheme. It's all about that perfect connection!

Shinji Ikari's Past and Journey

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Shinji Ikari carries a heavy past. At just three years old, he lost his mom in a failed experiment with Unit-01. Witnessing this was traumatic and shaped him for life.

Fast forward to age 14, Shinji gets called to Tokyo-3. His dad, Gendo, wants him to pilot Evangelion Unit-01. At first, he says no.

Then, he sees the injured backup pilot, Rei Ayanami, fall from her stretcher. Shinji helps her up and notices her blood on his hand. That's when he says yes to piloting the Evangelion.

His first mission? Facing the Angel, Sachiel. Shinji starts okay but then trips. Sachiel beats up the Evangelion, and Shinji blacks out.

He wakes up in NERV's medical room, clueless about how Unit-01 went wild and defeated Sachiel on its own. After this, he moves in with Misato Katsuragi, so he's not alone.

A few weeks later, Shinji starts school. He meets Tōji, Kensuke, and Hikari. Tōji punches him for injuring his sister during the Angel fight.

Soon, another Angel, Shamshel, attacks. Shinji gets in Unit-01 again but almost harms his classmates. He runs away but eventually returns, picked up by NERV agents.

Misato gives him a talking-to, and he decides to stay. He moves back in with Misato and gears up for more battles.

Later on, things get complicated at NERV HQ. Shinji spots Rei talking with Gendo, who has burns on his hands.

He learns Gendo got burned saving Rei, but he's not convinced. His interest in Rei grows, although he tells himself it's just curiosity. He's given the task to return Rei's ID card, but he messes up. He walks in on her changing clothes and accidentally touches her. Awkward!

Then comes a new challenge: the Angel Ramiel. Shinji pilots Unit-01 again but gets hit hard. He retreats and later helps defeat Ramiel using a powerful beam. The first shot misses, but Rei steps in and takes the hit. Shinji then nails Ramiel with a second shot.

Just like his dad, Shinji burns his hands to help Rei out of her unit. He asks her to smile, showing how much he cares.

But there's more! Shinji's not thrilled about Misato's messy lifestyle. It gets embarrassing when she visits his school.

But then a rogue robot called Jet Alone goes haywire. Shinji and Unit-01 have to help Misato shut it down. After Tōji and Kensuke tell Shinji that Misato treats him like family, he warms up to her. All in all, Shinji starts to open up more, both to himself and the people around him.

Enter Asuka! She thinks Shinji is "dull" at first but starts to see his skills. They both pilot Evas to fight the Angel Gaghiel. As they team up, they manage to destroy it. Teamwork for the win!

Then comes another Angel, Israfel. After Asuka splits it into two, it revives and beats both of their Evas. Uh-oh! They bicker but realize they need to work together.

Cue a synchronized dance routine that wipes out Israfel. High fives all around!

After that victory, they chill by the pool. Asuka shows off her smarts and makes a cheeky comment about thermal expansion, leaving Shinji red-faced.

Another Angel named Sandalphon appears, and Asuka dives in to fight it. She loses her weapon, but Shinji saves the day by tossing her his knife. Asuka wins the battle. Teamwork strikes again!

Lastly, when NERV's power goes out, Shinji, Asuka, and Rei must band together to fight the Angel Matarael.

They may argue, but when it's game time, they nail it. Matarael is toast! Despite their differences, they're a team that gets the job done.

Shinji's getting better at syncing with his Eva, and Asuka's not happy about it.

When the Angel Sahaquiel shows up, it's all hands on deck. Shinji, Asuka, and Rei team up to catch it mid-air. Tough job, but they nail it. Shinji even survives a risky test with Eva Unit-00. Phew!

He tries to bond with his dad, Gendo, at his mom's empty grave. No luck, though. Back home, Shinji shows off his cello skills. Asuka's impressed. They even share a kiss, but Asuka's not thrilled by his emotionless vibe.

Next, Shinji nails a synch test, boosting his confidence. Then, an unusual 12th Angel arrives. Shinji fights it solo but gets trapped. Just when things look dire, his Eva goes berserk and crushes the Angel. Close call!

Soon after, Unit-04 vanishes, and Unit-03 arrives in Japan. Shinji and Asuka hang with Kaji while Misato oversees Unit-03 testing. Shinji chats with Kaji about his dad, thinking he's finally got him figured out. Kaji says, "Not so fast, you just think you do."

Shinji faces a tough call when Unit-03 turns into the 13th Angel. He won't fight because his friend Tōji is inside. His dad, Gendo, takes control and the Dummy Plug destroys the Angel. Angry and hurt, Shinji threatens to blow up half of NERV HQ. Gendo forces him out of the Eva, and Shinji quits.

Just then, the 14th Angel attacks. As Shinji hides, he witnesses the destruction first-hand. Kaji finds him and nudges him back into action. Shinji pilots Unit-01 again to face the Angel, right when it's about to destroy Central Dogma.

Here comes Zeruel, a super-strong Angel. Shinji's Eva goes Berserk and devours its S² Engine. Shinji gets absorbed into the Eva, where he explores his mental and emotional state. Meanwhile, Misato and Ritsuko try to get him back but fail. At the last minute, he realizes that the Eva smells like his mom and decides to return.

In Episode 23, Shinji faces a unique challenge with the Angel Armisael. Asuka is unfit to fight, and when Shinji engages, the Angel merges with his hands.

This emotional encounter connects him with Rei, who ultimately sacrifices herself to defeat the Angel. Shinji is crushed but finds Rei alive in the hospital.

Shaken, Shinji learns about the Eva graveyard and the Rei clones. This revelation adds to his inner turmoil. Distraught, he meets Kaworu Nagisa, a mysterious boy. They quickly form a connection due to Shinji's need for companionship.

Back at NERV, Shinji and Kaworu undergo synch tests and spend time together, even sharing a bath. Kaworu makes advances, but Shinji is cautious. Despite his mixed feelings, Shinji sleeps over at Kaworu's place, avoiding going home due to his fears.

In a shocking twist, Shinji finds out Kaworu is the 17th Angel. The emotional stakes soar as Shinji is forced to pursue him. A battle ensues, but ultimately, Kaworu allows Shinji to capture him. After some heart-wrenching moments, Shinji grants Kaworu's wish to be killed.

Shinji faces a new low after killing Kaworu, feeling abandoned and hopeless. He's in emotional turmoil, yearning for help and validation.

Much of these episodes dive into the power of personal perspective. Shinji learns to reshape his views on self-worth and reality.

Finally, in a moment of self-awakening, Shinji chooses individual existence over collective unity in Instrumentality.

Despite the risk of more pain, he acknowledges the need for others in his life. Both endings of the series point to one thing: Shinji has the potential for change and redemption.

So, the series leaves us with a poignant message: individual choice can be both a burden and a blessing, but it's integral to our humanity.

💡 Did you know? 💡

The idea of an Eva going Berserk and acting on its own introduces an element of unpredictability in the series. It suggests that these giant machines are not just tools but have a will of their own, further blurring the lines between man and machine.

Shinji Ikari's Relationships

Gendo Ikari: A Mirror Image?

Shinji has a complicated relationship with his father, Gendo. Gendo left Shinji after his mother's disappearance, deepening the emotional rift between them. Fast forward, Shinji gets a letter from Gendo, calling him to Tokyo-3. The message? Just one word: "Come."

Despite his resentment, Shinji still craves approval from his dad. As the series wraps up, Shinji finally begins to understand Gendo's motivations.

It's a two-way street. Gendo, too, struggles with the same fears of intimacy that plague Shinji. In the end, Gendo offers a long-overdue apology to Shinji, admitting his own flaws.

Their relationship serves as a cautionary tale. Both father and son wall themselves off, missing opportunities for connection. Yet, by the end, there's a glimpse of understanding, pointing to the possibility of healing.

A Complex Bond: Misato Katsuragi and Shinji Ikari

When Shinji moves to Tokyo-3, he ends up living with Misato, along with her pet penguin Pen Pen. At first, he's not a fan of her beer-and-snacks lifestyle. Misato, however, truly cares for Shinji. She even breaks down when she thinks he's lost forever.

Their relationship evolves into one of mutual understanding and deep connection. Both struggle with the same fears—losing people they care about. Their lives are like mirrors, reflecting similar issues with their parents. Shinji even opens up enough to discuss Misato with others.

Still, the relationship has its complexities, especially as they both struggle with their internal fears and barriers.

Misato offers Shinji a glimpse into a different kind of family life.

She tries to teach him that life has both ups and downs. Yet, both find it hard to fully reach out to each other. In the end, their bond remains strong but complicated, a mix of friendship, family, and unspoken emotions.

Misato wears two hats in Shinji's life. She's both his guardian and his boss at NERV.

Sometimes, this duality strains their relationship. Shinji doesn't always make it home because of her intense work style. Yet, he also admires her cool-headedness in battle. It boosts his own shaky confidence.

While Misato is quick to praise Shinji's successes, she also holds him accountable. At first, Shinji struggles with this.

Over time, her guidance helps him grow. He learns the deeper reasons behind his role as an Eva pilot. Misato's influence is crucial in his journey towards maturity and responsibility.

In pivotal moments like The End of Evangelion, losing Misato crushes Shinji. Her cross pendant becomes a symbol of the enduring impact she has on his life.

It's a token of their complex, yet meaningful, relationship as he steps into the future.

Shinji Ikari Tangled Feelings with Asuka Langley Sohryu

Shinji and Asuka's relationship is like a roller coaster—ups, downs, and sharp turns. Shinji is drawn to her, but it's complicated. He sees her as a source of strength, even though she's often harsh with him. He tries to show his affection, like attempting a kiss, but Asuka's mixed signals confuse him.

Asuka, on her end, is frustrated. She wants Shinji to "get" her, to respond to her advances. She's also jealous of his bond with Rei.

Over time, she starts seeing Shinji as her equal, especially in piloting skills. But when he outperforms her, resentment creeps in. She's trained her whole life for this, and she thinks Shinji just lucked into his success.

Both struggle with expectations. Asuka wishes Shinji would be her hero, like Kaji was for her.

Shinji, though brave in his own right, doesn't always meet that mark. Misunderstandings, like their awkward kiss, make things more tense. Asuka sees his hesitation as rejection, adding more strain to their complex relationship.

In a twist, Asuka becomes a sort of "tough love" mentor to Shinji. Her fierce spirit often boosts Shinji's own courage.

When they dance and train together, a new understanding blooms. Asuka's drive to be perfect helps Shinji find his own groove. They sync up and win the day.

But it's a seesaw of emotions. Asuka pushes Shinji away, scared of getting too close. Her barriers leave him puzzled. Does he like her? Does she like him? It's all a confusing dance, not unlike their training sessions.

They argue, they vent, and yes, they even embarrass their colleagues at NERV. Fuyutsuki shakes his head; Misato rolls her eyes.

Their classmates joke, calling them "newlyweds." And even as they blush and deny, everyone senses a deeper connection—something Shinji and Asuka are still figuring out.

In the manga, their connection takes a different route. Asuka's more childlike side initially turns Shinji off, but they still grow close.

No kiss happens, but their emotional ties get clearer. Shinji wants to protect Asuka. The feelings linger, even when their memories are hazy.

The "End of Evangelion" film deep dives into their complicated emotions. Fantasies, ultimatums, and desperate pleas swirl around.

Yet in the end, a simple, compassionate touch from Asuka shifts everything. Shinji breaks down, leaving us to wonder what's next for them.

💡 Did you know? 💡

The song about their complex relationship was fully produced but never made it into the final cut. It was replaced by "Komm, süsser Tod," which translates to "Come, Sweet Death," highlighting the depth of their emotional struggles.

Rei Ayanami's Enigma

Shinji meets Rei at Nerv HQ, where the Angel threat looms large. Despite her injuries, Rei's ready to pilot the Eva.

Her stoic nature puzzles Shinji. He tries to understand her. He's intrigued by her bond with his dad, Gendo. Slowly, Rei opens up. She learns more about herself, and her part in the big Nerv plan.

Shinji's feelings for Rei? Complicated. Not the same as his thing for Asuka. Maybe it's his mom's traits in Rei that draw him.

Their growing closeness? A mix of happiness and hurt. But romance? Probably not, given their genetic ties. Rei might feel some family vibes too.

Both lonely, Shinji and Rei connect on that level. Rei starts to grasp her own loneliness, and her desire to protect Shinji.

In a pivotal battle, she sacrifices herself for him. When Rei returns as a clone, things get awkward. Yet, in the end, she gives Shinji the reins of a world-changing decision. Rei, as Anno says, mirrors Shinji's inner self.

In the manga, Rei and Shinji's bond is richer. Touching Shinji's hand stirs something in Rei.

When Armisael attacks, she's hit with feelings she can't place. Plus, she's jealous of Asuka for taking Shinji's focus. But she's not in the manga's ending.

While Asuka symbolizes "heterosexual desire," Rei is the "mother figure." She's the Yin to Asuka's Yang. So, the manga gives Rei more space, emphasizing her nurturing side. Fun fact: If Shinji were a girl, Gendo would've named her Rei, hinting at a sibling-like bond.

Ryoji Kaji Connection with Shinji Ikari

Shinji sees Kaji as a mentor, a different kind of role model than his dad, Gendo. Whether it's joking about Misato or suggesting the dance routine with Asuka, Kaji makes a lasting impact.

He serves as a positive adult figure, while Gendo stands as a more negative one. Kaji's advice? It might be confusing, but it pushes Shinji to keep piloting.

In the manga, Kaji's role as a mentor deepens. He's critical and pushes Shinji to see the impact of his choices.

When Shinji blames Gendo for Toji's fate, Kaji flips the script. He challenges Shinji to own his actions and face the truth. This nudges Shinji to accept his role and continue piloting. And when Kaji dies, Shinji is among the first to catch on.

Kaworu Nagisa and Shinji Ikari

Kaworu is a mysterious figure for Shinji. He shows up when Shinji is feeling lost and lonely. Fans debate what exactly their relationship means. But one thing's clear: Kaworu matters to Shinji.

Kaworu says he "likes" Shinji. In Japanese, the word "suki" is open to interpretation—it could mean friendship, fondness, or something more.

This unclear expression is a big deal for Shinji, who often feels misunderstood. Kaworu's language sidesteps barriers, catching Shinji off guard.

When they battle, Shinji feels betrayed by Kaworu. It's a significant moment. It shows that Shinji might have been looking for emotional support from Kaworu, similar to a father figure.

But Kaworu's nature as a somewhat non-human entity lets him give Shinji the unconditional affection he craves, something he doesn't get from others.

Kaworu makes a strong impact on Shinji. However, his absence from key moments in the story raises questions. Was Kaworu just an emotional pitstop for Shinji, or something more? Only time will tell.

Shinji's act of killing Kaworu sends him into deep despair. It shakes his self-worth to the core.

Now, he feels that his role as a pilot, which defined him, only leads to pain. This impacts his ability to help Asuka during a critical battle.

Shinji's emotional spiral also sets the stage for the Third Impact. His desperate need for unconditional love makes him vulnerable.

When he can't find what he's looking for, he considers giving up on humanity altogether.

In the End of Evangelion, Shinji's plea for love shifts from Kaworu to Asuka. Unlike Kaworu, Asuka demands emotional give-and-take.

She calls Shinji out, saying he can't truly love others because he doesn't even love himself.

When Kaworu and Rei, as cosmic beings, offer hope for love and understanding, Shinji rejects it. He thinks it's fake. Yet, the real world offers a glimmer of hope: there, his feelings are real. It's a bitter but necessary truth Shinji needs to face.

In the manga version of Evangelion, Shinji's relationship with Kaworu has a different dynamic. Shinji is uncomfortable around Kaworu from the start. He avoids him because Kaworu killed a stray cat, which leaves a lasting impression on Shinji.

Despite his unease, Shinji is drawn to Kaworu's mysterious nature. He even questions why humans are drawn to each other at all. The manga presents their relationship as more of a hero-worship scenario rather than a romantic one, as confirmed by the creator, Yoshiyuki Sadamoto.

Interestingly, Kaworu's character seems to have surprised even the creators. They didn't expect him to make such a strong impression, especially on sexual grounds. Some of the iconic scenes, like holding hands in the bath, were animation errors but contributed to his breakout status.

Hideaki Anno, the mastermind behind Evangelion, describes Kaworu as a part of his Jungian shadow, contrasting him with other characters who represent his conscious parts. The creator denies any "carnal feelings" from Shinji towards Kaworu, aligning with Sadamoto's vision in the manga.

The complexities in Shinji and Kaworu's relationship speak volumes about human connections. Whether in the manga or anime, their interaction forces us to think about our own relationships and what draws us to others.

Ritsuko Akagi and Shinji Ikari

Ritsuko Akagi's relationship with Shinji is unique among the characters in Evangelion. She's softer and more motherly towards him, maybe because she understands the hardships pilots face. She also knows Gendo, Shinji's dad, is cold and indifferent.

Ritsuko and Shinji share a certain cynicism. In the manga, she even says that a "cheerful, confident Shinji" would be unsettling. It's almost as if they understand each other's stoicism on a deep level.

Ritsuko is friendly with Shinji but has complex feelings towards his relationship with Rei. She's a bit jealous because Rei has won the hearts of both Gendo and Shinji. This is especially highlighted in the manga where she even tries to strangle Rei out of jealousy.

In a critical episode, Ritsuko takes Shinji and Misato to Terminal Dogma. She reveals big secrets about NERV and then destroys the Dummy Plug system. This act showcases her complicated feelings about using child soldiers for a larger cause.

💡 Did you know? 💡

Ritsuko Akagi is named after a World War II aircraft carrier called Akagi. The carrier was part of the Imperial Japanese Navy and played a significant role in the early stages of the war. Just like the character, the ship had a mix of tactical importance and a tragic end.

Other Relationships with Shinji Ikari

Shinji has a friendly rapport with Tōji Suzuhara, Kensuke Aida, and Hikari Horaki. These friends are like most teens, joking around and teasing Shinji about his feelings for Asuka and Rei. However, they don't fully get Shinji's anxiety about piloting the Eva, especially Kensuke who wishes he could pilot one too.

When Toji becomes a pilot for Unit 03, it creates tension. Shinji can't bring himself to fight the Eva knowing a child is inside. Finding out that Toji was that pilot shakes him to his core and fuels his rebellion against NERV and Gendo.

A New Revealer

In Rebuild 3.0, Fuyutsuki, not Ritsuko, spills the beans about NERV's dark secrets while playing shogi. This conversation throws Shinji into a mental turmoil, though what comes next is still a mystery.

The Fuyutsuki Factor

Throughout different versions of the story, Deputy Commander Fuyutsuki has a hidden fondness for Shinji. Why? He sees a reminder of Yui Ikari, Shinji's mother, in him.

Unlike Gendo, Fuyutsuki cares about Shinji's well-being, making their relationship uniquely compassionate in the harsh world of NERV.

Behind Shinji Ikari Design

Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, the creative brain behind Shinji, first envisioned him as a male version of Nadia from "Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water." He even thought about making Shinji an "Asuka-type girl" but decided a boy would better suit a robot story.

Sadamoto designed Shinji in a simple white shirt and summer school uniform. Why? He wanted an "average guy." Unlike other robot-anime heroes full of courage, Shinji is different. Sadamoto calls him "a refraction of a hero," not a direct reflection.

At the beginning, Shinji had a wilder design with long hair covering his face. This was later changed to match the vision of the main staff, bringing us the Shinji we know today.

Sadamoto aimed for a hero who would connect with today's anime fans. His unique design choices make Shinji an unforgettable character in the anime world.

Fun Facts: Birthday and More!

Shinji shares his birthday with his voice actor, Megumi Ogata. His go-to weapon? The progressive knife. Swimming? Nope, never learned. His walkman? A WMD-DT1 model.

He was named after animator Shinji Higuchi. Higuchi also animated Asuka's scenes and found it odd to be called "stupid" by her during recording. His last name, Ikari, means "anchor," tying in with the show's nautical theme.

Creator Hideaki Anno designed Shinji as a reflection of his own personality, both consciously and unconsciously. He's not your typical hero because Anno himself isn't one either.

Originally, Shinji was more robust and mature. There was even a scrapped basketball scene showing him as good at sports. The character evolved to better mirror Anno's vision and the reality of young teens today.

Shinji isn't just an anime character; he represents the emotional state of a society where fathers are often absent. His character hits home because he's a real snapshot of youth in transition.

The Manga Version

In the manga, artist Yoshiyuki Sadamoto offers a different lens on Shinji. Here, the focus shifts from "running away" to "being honest with oneself." Sadamoto paints Shinji as more of a "bad boy," and he drew inspiration from the Gulf War and his own teen years for this take.

Changing Perspectives

While Anno initially saw himself in Shinji, that changed over time. By 2009, he identified with the show's young adults. And in the latest film? He sees himself in Gendo, Shinji's father. This even led him to seek input from Shinji's voice actress for character development.

💡 Did you know? 💡

Anno's shifting identification with different characters has had a direct impact on how Shinji's story evolves over time. This makes each version of Evangelion a unique glimpse into Anno's evolving perspective.

Debunked Myths of Shinji Ikari

Frequently Asked Questions About Shinji Ikari

Who does Shinji Ikari live with?

Shinji Ikari lives with Misato Katsuragi in her apartment. Misato is his commanding officer at NERV and becomes a guardian figure to him. They share the space with Pen Pen, a warm-water penguin. This living arrangement offers a slice of normal life amid the chaos of piloting Evangelions.

What makes Shinji Ikari happy?

Shinji Ikari finds happiness in small, meaningful moments. Listening to music on his SDAT Walkman offers an escape from his daily stresses. He enjoys playing the cello, a skill he's practiced since childhood. Cooking meals and sharing them with others also brings him joy. Lastly, the rare instances of genuine connection with people like Misato, Rei, and Asuka light up his world. These moments make him feel less isolated in his complex life.

Why do people hate Ikari Shinji?

Some viewers find Shinji frustrating because he doesn't fit the typical hero mold. His hesitance to act and his emotional struggles can be seen as weaknesses. People often dislike his tendency to run away from problems, both literally and emotionally. However, these traits make Shinji a more relatable and multi-dimensional character. So, while some may not like his character, others see his flaws as what make him genuinely human.

Shinji Ikari Quotes

Here are some of Shinji Ikari's most famous quotes.

Living alone is fine with me. I'm alone anyway.

Why don't you just try smiling?

No one can justify life by linking happy moments into a rosary.

To see more Shinji Ikari quotes, we recommend visiting the Shinji Ikari Quote section in Quotes Analysis.

We hope we have been helpful to you in this "Who is Shinji Ikari" article, and we hope you have a better understanding of who Shinji Ikari is!