Yui Ikari

Outstanding researcher involved in NERV's EVA development

Shinji's mother and an outstanding scientist involved in NERV's Evangelion development. Due to an accident in the contact experiment with EVA Unit-01, her body was completely absorbed, and her soul resides within Unit-01.

Quotes

  • To leave proof of humanity's existence eternally...
  • You're such a cute person, Gendo.
  • Liar...
  • I will continue to live inside EVA.
  • We are connected.

Trivia

  • Officially deceased, but actually exists as the soul of EVA Unit-01.
  • Friends with Kouzou Fuyutsuki and Ritsuko Akagi since university days.
  • Name derived from the Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Akagi.
  • In the Rebuild films, her maiden name is changed to 'Ayanami'.
  • Manga version depicts her with a brother and building a family.
  • The Unit-01 contact experiment was her role as test subject.

Alternate names

Yui Ikari Yui Yui-san

Tags

Neon Genesis Evangelion EVA NERV Researcher Shinji's mother Female scientist Deceased character Tragic figure Science fiction

Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Female
Birth year
1977

Appearance

Overall appearance
A woman with a bright and gentle atmosphere. Her hair is blackish, but in the Rebuild of Evangelion films, she also appears with blonde hair or a short haircut.
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Bright expression
  • Composed demeanor befitting a researcher
Iconic items
  • Lab coat
  • Glasses (depiction in old theatrical manga version)

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Devoted
Detailed personality
Cheerful and optimistic personality. Cares deeply for her family and holds hope for science and humanity's future. In a loving relationship with husband Gendo, with profound feelings for son Shinji. Even after the accident, she continues living as a soul within EVA Unit-01.
Keywords
  • Devoted
  • Cheerful
  • Scientist
  • Optimistic
  • Affectionate
  • Tragic heroine
Motto
To eternally preserve proof of humanity's existence
Talents
  • Scientific research
  • EVA system development
  • Excellent psychological insight
Skills
  • EVA contact experiment test subject
  • Direct entry into the core
  • Outstanding research analysis
Motivation
To protect humanity's future through EVA and support her son and husband

History

Backstory
Met Fuyutsuki at university in Kyoto, later dated and married Gendo Ikari. After Second Impact, while giving birth to son Shinji, worked actively as an outstanding researcher at the Artificial Evolution Institute and Gehirn. Suffered an accident in the EVA Unit-01 contact experiment, lost her physical body, and her soul alone resides in EVA Unit-01. Officially treated as deceased due to a research accident, but in reality, an existence integrated with EVA.
Debut date
October 4, 1995
Work title
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Media type
Anime
Episode or chapter
Irregular appearances starting from Episode 1

EVA Unit-01 Contact Experiment Accident

Significant event
EVA Unit-01 Contact Experiment Accident
Description
Suffered an accident in the contact experiment where she was the test subject, resulting in the disappearance of her body and her soul residing in EVA.

Shinji's Birth and Family Life

Significant event
Shinji's Birth and Family Life
Description
Supported the family as Shinji's mother, sharing deep love with husband Gendo.

Involvement in Instrumentality Plan-Related Secrets

Significant event
Involvement in Instrumentality Plan-Related Secrets
Description
Backed by SEELE, played an important role in EVA development.

Relationships

Gendo Ikari

Spouse

Husband. Shares deep love and a complex relationship, involved together in EVA development.

Shinji Ikari

Child

Biological son. Loves Shinji deeply and continues to influence his growth through her soul even after disappearance.

Kouzou Fuyutsuki

Mentor

Friend from university days and one of the EVA development members. Deep relationship of trust.

Ritsuko Akagi

Colleague

Colleague and fellow scientist. Collaborator in EVA development.

NERV

NERV: strategist

Media appearances

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Anime / Supporting

1995 TV series

Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death and Rebirth

Movie / Supporting

1997

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion

Movie / Supporting

1997

Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone

Movie / Supporting

2007

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance

Movie / Supporting

2009

Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo

Movie / Cameo

2012

Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time

Movie / Supporting

2021

Voice cast and creators

Megumi Hayashibara

Voice actor
Megumi Hayashibara
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV anime, theatrical versions, Rebuild series
Notes
Original and continuing role

Tara Platt

Voice actor
Tara Platt
Language
English
Version or series
English dub

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

King Records

Creator name
King Records
Role
Licensee

Related goods

Yui Ikari Figure

Item name
Yui Ikari Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Yui Ikari Acrylic Stand

Item name
Yui Ikari Acrylic Stand
Category
Accessory
Availability
Limited