碇真嗣
In the making of the series, the staff wanted to make "the next generation of anime with this show." For this they wanted it to be an original anime rather than an adaptation. The staff also wanted it to be a "two-season show" regardless of possible difficulties. The basic concept of the show is in a "Japanese style, a Japanese concept, and that is what makes it more original than other shows." When asked about similarities between Shu and "Neon Genesis Evangelion"s lead Shinji Ikari, the staff answered they are both passive characters although they found Shinji more passive.