Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Preparing for Reincarnation
• Part 2 of 2: How to Behave Like Shinji in Everyday Life
• Tips
• Warnings

Ever wanted to cosplay Shinji Ikari, the protagonist of the Evangelion anime and manga? If you love music, love to wear a school uniform, and have deep empathy for other people, then you are already halfway there. To learn how to imitate the brooding Shinji, follow the simple tips in this article.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Preparing for Reincarnation

1. 1 Watch the series and movies several times. Observe the behavior of the hero, learn to understand his fears, thoughts and desires. You can also read the manga, but keep in mind that Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, the manga author and character designer for the first Evangelion anime series, presents Shinji differently from Hideaki Anno, the main writer and director of the anime.
2. 2 Wear your Japanese school uniform. Unlike many cosplay costumes, this outfit will not stand out too much in everyday life. It's simple: a white short-sleeved button-down shirt, a black T-shirt and black trousers. Complete the look with a black leather strap and white high top sneakers.
   • Be sure to choose a shirt made of thick fabric so that the black shirt does not show through.Otherwise, you will not only move away from the hero image, but you will also look sloppy.
3. 3 Dye your hair and get a haircut like Shinji's. Fortunately, Shinji's clothes and hairstyle are quite simple and understated. Cut your hair straight and short, not with a clipper. The bangs should be slightly uneven and barely reach the eyebrows. Part in the middle. Dye your hair a dark brown color if necessary.
   • If you don't want to do anything with your hair and are just preparing cosplay for the anime festival, wear a wig.
4. 4 Wear in-ear headphones and listen to music often. Shinji has a fictional SDAT brand player that looks like a portable cassette player. Even though cassette players are outdated, they are not that hard to find. Instead, you can use your usual MP3 player.
   • To really get into the image, listen to classical music, preferably Bach (Suite No. 1 for cello, prelude).
   • In one of the episodes, Shinji wears a T-shirt that says "XTC" (British rock band), which means that most likely he also likes new wave music. Here are some bands and artists similar in genre to XTC: Shriekback, Gang of Four, Talking Heads, The The and Elvis Costello.
5. 5 Learn to play the cello or another musical instrument. Shinji is embarrassed that he is not good enough at this, but in fact he is already a certified cellist. His shy cello style has become a trait already in the original anime series. In the latest film, Evangelion 3.33: You Can (Don't) Fix, he also learns to play the piano.

Part 2 of 2: How to Behave Like Shinji in Everyday Life

1. 1 Be modest. Shinji is an introvert and prefers to spend time alone or in a small company. He is also very reserved and vulnerable. However, he begins to open up a bit to other pilots as the series progresses.
2. 2 Take the metro as often as possible. Shinji usually travels by train. He also occasionally takes the train to avoid responsibility. In addition, trains and electric trains are one of the main leitmotifs in the original series.
3. 3 Try deserve love and approval. Shinji wants to be loved by everyone, especially his father, who is very distant. Shinji is very worried about what other people think.
   • Be careful with this point. It is believed that a person seeking recognition and approval has low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence. Shinji has a problem with this, of course, but you shouldn't risk your peace of mind and get too used to the role.
   • A good and healthy way to gain the approval of others is to actively empathize with the feelings of others. Ask people around them about their needs and don't be selfish
4. 4 Do what you are told. Due to the fact that Shinji needs external approval, he often does what some authoritative person requires for him. He is extremely passive.
   • Do what you should (housework, chores) when asked. As you do these things, imagine that you are saving humanity like Shinji.
   • As with the previous step, don't take these actions too personally. Shinji may have controlled a giant robot, but you shouldn't put yourself in danger.
5. 5 Apologize often. One of the bad things about Shinji is that he is constantly insecure and often blames himself for things that happen through no fault of his own. Don't let the game go too far. Instead, only apologize when you are really guilty of something, or in ambiguous situations (for example, when someone bumps into you, if you and your friends have a misunderstanding, and so on).
   • In general, apologizing too often is not a good idea. If you haven't done anything wrong, then asking for forgiveness can cause you to lose confidence.
6. 6 Don't react to insults and don't run into trouble. Be kind and polite to others. At heart, Shinji is very sympathetic to others.Even though he has a duty to fight to protect humanity, he has a very negative view of violence. In addition, he is so passive that he cannot openly respond to insults, even if deeply hurt.
   • Repeated insults and threats can be described as bullying. If you are being bullied, talk to your teacher (if it happens at school) or the manager (if it happens at work). If you are a minor, talk to your parents. If you feel you are in serious danger, call the police.
7. 7 Talk to yourself pretty much everything you do. Shinji is very self-absorbed and often ponders everything that happens to him. Introspection can be a healthy habit. Being aware of what is happening, when you understand everything that you are feeling in the present moment, leads to a happier and more positive life. Healthy self-reflection after stressful events can also help you better deal with similar situations in the future.
   • Remember that Shinji sometimes worries about his loneliness and thinks that he is not worthy of life, but in the end he realizes that he is loved and takes responsibility for his life.
   • Despite this discovery, Shinji still suffers from self-loathing. This is another point in which you should not imitate Shinji; remember that you must always love and accept yourself.
   • Psychologists call unhealthy obsessions about pain and trauma rumination. To be mentally healthy, don't ruminate yourself. If you find that you cannot control this, talk to a specialist.

Tips

• Shinji is portrayed differently in the official manga and even in other spin-offs of the manga such as Evangelion: Angel Days. Because of these differences, you will not be able to behave at the same time as all the incarnations of the hero.
• Remember that this is just a game, so don't take it too seriously. Don't start hating your father or despising yourself just to become like Shinji. Your own life is worth living, whether you are Shinji or not.

Warnings

• Some people do think that Shinji is just a sissy, especially in the movie End of Evangelion. Ignore them, but be prepared for ridicule.
• Shinji has many personality traits that should not be imitated. This character experiences many traumatic events in Evangelion. He also suffers from severe depression and social phobia. Do not get used to the role to be in his place.