Gendo Ikari

Supreme Commander of the Special Agency NERV

The cold-hearted commander who promotes the Human Instrumentality Project and is Shinji's father, responsible for commanding Evangelion. He makes ruthless decisions without emotion, but harbors deep motives and sorrow.

Quotes

  • Humans cannot avert their eyes from their own terror and loneliness.
  • I want to see Yui-san.
  • For the sake of my goal, I don't mind becoming cruel and ruthless.
  • Surely, we'll meet again someday.
  • Shinji, you're still a child. Grow up.
  • We can redo things as many times as it takes.

Trivia

  • Gendo Ikari's name derives from the Imperial Japanese Navy battleship and the sextant surveying instrument.
  • Voice actor Fumihiko Tachiki is known for calm and strict male roles.
  • The sunglasses in Rebuild reflect the design of SEELE executives from the original.
  • The manga version emphasizes his emotional depths more than the TV anime.
  • In-story birthday is said to be close to his voice actor's.
  • Depicted as a complex strategist burdened with sorrow.

Alternate names

Gendo Ikari Commander Gendo Ikari Ikura-san

Tags

Gendo Ikari Neon Genesis Evangelion NERV Human Instrumentality Project Commander Cold-hearted Shinji's Father Anime Character

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Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Male
Birthday
April 29
Birth year
1967

Appearance

Overall appearance
Middle-aged man wearing glasses. Black hair and tall stature. Always has a cold, calculating expression. In the latter half, he uses goggle-like sunglasses.
Height
Approximately 180cm
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Goggle-like sunglasses (Rebuild of Evangelion onward)
  • Sharp gaze
  • Black hair
Iconic items
  • Glasses
  • Green uniform (NERV Commander jacket)
  • Pilotsuit
  • Handgun
  • NERV command console

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Cold-hearted
Detailed personality
Outwardly ruthless and cold, prioritizing plans above all and not swayed by emotions. However, inwardly a complex character driven by deep love for his wife and strong obsession with reuniting with her.
Keywords
  • Cold-hearted
  • Ruthless
  • Obsessive
  • Strategist
  • Lonely
  • Enigmatic
  • Cunning
  • Schemer
  • Complex
  • Mixed love and hate
Motto
The ends justify the means
Talents
  • Tactical command
  • Psychological manipulation
  • Scientific knowledge
  • Calm composure
  • Strategic thinking
Skills
  • Evangelion operation command
  • Negotiation
  • Secret project management
  • Information manipulation
  • Firearms use
Motivation
To reunite with his disappeared wife Yui Ikari, he promotes the Human Instrumentality Project and aims to become a god-like existence.
Habits
Speaks in a cold, monotone voice without inflection and does not show emotions. Hides deep love for his wife deep in his heart.
Favorite foods
Coffee
Disliked situations
Emotional interference, Obstacles to the plan, Shinji's rejection

History

Backstory
Isolated in childhood without parental love. Met Yui Ikari at university and married her. Joined the Artificial Evolution Laboratory around the time of Second Impact. After his wife's death, he independently advances the Human Instrumentality Project. As NERV Supreme Commander, he confronts the Angels while holding secret missions and complex relationships.
Debut date
October 4, 1995
Work title
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Media type
Anime
Episode or chapter
Episode 1 - Appearance

Second Impact Investigation

Significant event
Second Impact Investigation
Description
In 2002, joined the UN Second Impact investigation team with Fuyutsuki. Learned the truth and leads NERV.

Wife Yui's Accident

Significant event
Wife Yui's Accident
Description
During the EVA Unit-01 activation experiment, his wife disappears, with her soul remaining in Unit-01. Thereafter, he wishes to reunite with Yui.

Advancement of Human Instrumentality Project

Significant event
Advancement of Human Instrumentality Project
Description
While following SEELE's intentions, he advances it independently, attempting fusion with Rei and evolving himself, ultimately becoming a god-like existence.

Instrumentality in the End of Evangelion

Significant event
Instrumentality in the End of Evangelion
Description
Rejected by Shinji during Instrumentality but realizes parental reconciliation and his own loneliness at the end.

Climax in Rebuild of Evangelion

Significant event
Climax in Rebuild of Evangelion
Description
In Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, confronts the final battle, faces his wife and son in the mental world, and reaches a conclusion.

Relationships

Yui Ikari

Spouse

Beloved wife. Physical body disappeared during EVA Unit-01 activation experiment. Soul resides in Unit-01; promotes Human Instrumentality Project to reunite.

Shinji Ikari

Child

Biological son. Separated in childhood and on bad terms, but harbors love deep down. Holds many conflicts.

Genma Ikari

Kouzou Fuyutsuki

Confidant

Closest confidant and one of the few who supports advancing the plan. Assists as vice commander.

Ritsuko Akagi

Colleague

MAGI developer and had a lover relationship, but a complex emotional bond.

Ryouji Kaji

Spy

Spy sent by SEELE for surveillance; used him while trusting him.

NERV

NERV: leader

Human Instrumentality Committee (SEELE)

Human Instrumentality Committee (SEELE): unknown

Media appearances

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Anime / Protagonist

1995 TV series

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion - Death and Rebirth

Movie / Protagonist

1997

The End of Evangelion

Movie / Protagonist

1997

Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone

Movie / Protagonist

2007

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance

Movie / Protagonist

2009

Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo

Movie / Protagonist

2012

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time

Movie / Protagonist

2021

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Manga / Protagonist

1994-2013

Numerous Neon Genesis Evangelion related games

Game / Protagonist

1990s onward

Voice cast and creators

Fumihiko Tachiki

Voice actor
Fumihiko Tachiki
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV anime and original films
Notes
Original/Main

Fumihiko Tachiki

Voice actor
Fumihiko Tachiki
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Rebuild of Evangelion series
Notes
Continued

Hideaki Anno

Creator name
Hideaki Anno
Role
Original author

Yoshiyuki Sadamoto

Creator name
Yoshiyuki Sadamoto
Role
Character designer

GAINAX

Creator name
GAINAX
Role
Animation studio

Khara

Creator name
Khara
Role
Animation studio

Kadokawa Shoten

Creator name
Kadokawa Shoten
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Gendo Ikari Figure

Item name
Gendo Ikari Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

NERV Commander Cosplay Costume

Item name
NERV Commander Cosplay Costume
Category
Apparel
Availability
Limited

Gendo Ikari Action Figure

Item name
Gendo Ikari Action Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

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