Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most famous anime licenses and is well known all over the world. This Japanese mecha anime television series, produced by Gainax, was broadcast on TV Tokyo from October 1995 to March 1996. There is a lot to discuss about Evangelion—the depth of its characters, each torn by childhood trauma, and the complexity of its story, which intertwines history, religion, and mecha. The main protagonists of the series are children, and as the story unfolds, we learn more about their pasts, allowing us to understand their emotions and behaviors.
When we interact with others, we rarely stop to consider their personal histories or the experiences that shaped them—particularly their childhood traumas. Scientific understanding of brain development has revealed that the brain does not fully mature until our twenties, making children especially vulnerable to traumatic events. This highlights the importance of creating a safe environment for our children, shielding them from experiences that could shape their future behaviors and emotions in ways they may not even realize. Many adults remain unaware of how deeply their childhood experiences influence their actions, reactions, and emotional states.
Does Evangelion Challenge Our View of History and Religion?
Evangelion’s blend of Japanese culture and Western religious themes sparks debate, but it also encourages viewers to question where truth really lies. Historically, many languages have used the term “barbarian” to describe outsiders, yet today, we recognize that all humans share a common identity. The fact that this outdated concept still permeates stories, history, and society demonstrates how deeply ingrained the idea of “us versus them” remains. While our knowledge has evolved, our narratives have not always followed suit. Evangelion challenges these perspectives by intertwining spiritual and philosophical themes, prompting us to reconsider our understanding of the world and ourselves.
Is Evangelion Just an Anime, or a Marketing Phenomenon?
One lesser-known aspect of Evangelion—especially for those outside Japan—is how extensively the brand has been used for commercial and profit-driven purposes. Alongside other iconic franchises like Gundam and Hokuto no Ken, Evangelion has been heavily featured in Pachinko slot machines, a massive industry in Japan. More recently, McDonald’s released Evangelion-themed burgers in January, which sparked my reflection on the immense influence of story-driven marketing. While it may seem trivial at first, this illustrates the power of storytelling in shaping consumer behavior.
Are We Truly Learning and Evolving as a Society?
We like to believe that humanity is progressing, but true change requires reshaping our societal structures—starting with the individual. Self-awareness and personal growth are the first steps toward transformation. Evangelion, through its deep psychological themes, encourages us to reflect on our own experiences, biases, and place in the world.
What are your thoughts? Have you ever noticed how childhood experiences shape adulthood? How do you feel about the commercialization of deeply philosophical stories like Evangelion? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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