/a/ - Aryanime

Neon Genesis Evangelion is widely celebrated for its psychological depth and exploration of trauma, identity, and existential dread. However, it also contains content that, intentionally or not, sexualizes its underage characters—particularly Asuka Langley Soryu, a 14-year-old girl. This aspect of the show cannot be dismissed, and raises troubling questions about how anime media portrays young girls and who that portrayal is meant to appeal to.

Visual Framing and "Fan Service"

Throughout the series, Asuka is depicted in scenarios that highlight her body in suggestive ways. The most obvious example is her frequent appearance in a form-fitting plugsuit and, in some episodes, a swimsuit, with the camera often lingering on her hips, chest, or legs. These shots aren't always necessary to the story; rather, they serve a purpose that aligns more with traditional "fan service"—a term used in anime to describe gratuitous or suggestive content meant to please viewers.

One particularly striking moment is in the opening credits, where there's a fleeting shot of Asuka's skirt being blown upward by the wind, revealing her thighs. It’s subtle and brief, yet highly deliberate. The question must be asked: what narrative or psychological purpose does this serve? The answer appears to be none—it functions purely as a s*xual visual cue, even though the character is canonically a m*nor.

Intent vs. Impact

Some defenders argue that Hideaki Anno, the creator, used these tropes to critique otaku culture and its tendency to objectify fictional girls. However, this critique is muddled when the visual language of the show indulges in the very objectification it allegedly condemns. This creates a disconnect between the show’s intellectual ambitions and its actual aesthetic choices.

Whether or not the creators intended it, the impact remains the same: the series includes imagery that caters to adult viewers by presenting a young girl in s*xualized ways.