Shinji and Asuka's Relationship

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Despite not joining the cast until Episode 08, Asuka quickly becomes a pivotal figure in the narrative, both in her own right and in her interactions with Shinji. The complex dynamics of their relationship quickly become very prominent in the show.

This article is not meant to give a definitive answer the question "Are Asuka and Shinji meant to be together/ are they the show's canon couple?" one way or another, but rather to examine the unspoken and frustrated aspects of their relationship together. In the end, whether or not Asuka is "meant to be with Shinji" or "AsuShin is canon" are a matter of personal preference. There is no clear answer. That being said, Neon Genesis Evangelion is a show that thrives on ambiguity, and in examining the relationship between Asuka and Shinji - whether visually or through dialog and interpreting any unspoken feelings between the two depends as much on the viewer's perspective as anything else.

The Hedgehog's Dilemma

This section argues that the narrative consistently uses Asuka and Shinji's interactions to expose its themes, as the clashing of two characters that are superficially the opposite but in fact foils to one another, two sides of the same coin that allow the show to explore questions of individuality, intimacy, relationships, self-defense mechanisms, insecurity and many of the themes encompassed in the central metaphor of the show, the Hedgehog's Dilemma.

Several of their interactions follow the conventions of romantic comedy. For instance, they have an eventful first meeting, complete with instant dislike and mutual misunderstandings. Circumstances push them into continued proximity, with hinted sexual tension and slowly building mutual acceptance, as Asuka and Shinji both begin to impact one another's development as a character and as a person. Friends seem to see a relationship of which the characters themselves are blind, either teasing or offering advice, however their mutual insecurities keep them from attaining something deeper - or realizing that there is no point to having a relationship. Given Evangelion's brutal subversion and deconstruction of various tropes, it is worth noting that following that every convention set up is open to brutal subversion.

For example, this interaction in Episode 17 follows a romantic comedy convention:

A married couple....or not?
The pause in the second image before they deny their relationship and the blush suggests that Toji's observation has embarrassed them. They may be quarreling like a married couple, but are they a couple?

Parallels with Misato and Kaji

Shinji and Asuka are often deliberately juxtaposed with Misato and Kaji, via clever use of cuts during important moments. Whether this is meant to establish a parallel between the Shinji/Asuka relationship and that of Misato and Kaji remains a matter of interpretation - it could just as easily be a method of showing the contrast between their relationships. In episode 11 both pairs end up in compromising positions. Shinji and Asuka kiss in Episode 15 but fail to reach out to one another while at the very same time Misato and Kaji are able to enjoy brief intimacy with Misato revealing why she left Kaji in the first place.

Shinji/Asuka and Kaji/Misato
Comparison shots from episodes 9, 11, and 15

Having lost their mothers at an early age and the subsequent neglect by their fathers, Asuka and Shinji experienced very similar trauma, although it is arguable that Asuka's discovery of Kyoko's "murder"-suicide was significantly more traumatic than a toddler Shinji witnessing Yui's disappearance into Eva-01. Whatever the case, both of them developed opposite defence mechanisms, as they are both too afraid of reaching out to others for fear of receiving the same abandonment they have in the past. Shinji runs away from people and isolates himself in order to avoid intimacy and the risk of rejection and to always stay in his comfort zone. Asuka tries to cultivate a false image of herself as being superior to others, which she uses to aggressively seek attention and acknowledgement from those whom she deems to be her equals or superiors (such as Kaji), while using her arrogance and abrasiveness to push away those whom she considers inferior to herself. Either way, both of them refuse to face the reality that both of them are lonely and seek human affection.

Two sides of the same coin
Having faced similar trauma in their childhood, Shinji and Asuka develop opposite defense mechanisms.

Additionally, they are the only two characters present in the final scene of End of Evangelion, as their interactions there bring Evangelion's themes of the need for human communication, and the difficulty in doing so, full circle. The ending is deliberately ambiguous about the fate of their relationship. The immensely bleak post-Third Impact setting, the violence involved in Shinji's attempted strangulation of Asuka, and the disgust implicit in her final line leave the impression that no healthy friendship or relationship is possible beyond this stage. However, End of Evangelion is clear that both have gone through a process of growth and change, and that accepting themselves was and is part of a better future. A positive outcome for the two of them, whether individually or together, cannot be ruled out.

This article will also take into consideration some correlation between Asuka's feelings for Shinji and her feelings for Kaji.

Episode 08: Introductions

Asuka's initial reaction to Shinji is one of disappointment - she considers him "boring" and doesn't seem to consider him worth her time. However, when Kaji (whom Asuka looks up to) mentions Shinji's surprisingly high synchronization, Asuka suddenly develops an interest in him and is prompted to show off her superiority as a pilot: with words and showing off Eva-02 at first, and eventually in the battle against Gaghiel. Asuka rushes into battle against the Angel without a plan and with her Eva unequipped to fight underwater, and when the fight predictably goes downhill she snaps at Shinji to provide a solution to their predicament. Significantly, both Asuka and Shinji work together and break their synch records with Eva-02 at the end of the battle.

Asuka's arrogant, aggressive, dominating and competitive personality - along with an incapacity to accept her mistakes and difficulty in simply asking Shinji for help in a difficult situation (snapping at him instead) - is depicted as clashing dramatically with Shinji's quiet, polite, generally passive personality. While this sets them up to be opposites in more ways than one, Asuka's behavior in this episode defines her manner of approaching Shinji throughout the rest of the series.

Asuka is Not Impressed
"Pleased to meet you...NOT"	You’re telling me that I lost to this puppy?	Asuka Shows off Eva-02.

Seeing Asuka in a positive light

Episode 09 continues Asuka's introduction and further develops the connections between Asuka and Shinji, further exploring the theme of synchronization that was introduced in the Gaghiel battle. Asuka, now at Shinji's school, seems to be at least superficially friendly with him as she greets him with a cheery "Guten Morgen!", in stark contrast to how she behaves with the other students (Rei in particular).

Asuka and Shinji are employed together against Israfel, but she proceeds to charge the opponent on her own, forcing Shinji to cover her, with the sole purpose of proving to him and everyone else her superiority. Her rash decision leads them both to a defeat when the angel proves capable of duplicating itself. Both of them argue with each other about whom to blame, with Shinji being unusually assertive in talking back against Asuka. Misato decides to make them train to reach better synchronization with each other. Asuka moves in with Shinji and Misato and both of them train to move in synch. Asuka continues the pattern of blaming Shinji for her own missteps - during a dance session meant to bring them in synch with each other, it is Asuka who is out of synch although she blames Shinji for being too slow. After being prodded into continuing, Shinji and Asuka have a conversation where Asuka expresses to Shinji her determination to succeed as a pilot, while Shinji is shown to look up to her, expressing admiration for her confidence and strong personality.

The evening before the fight, Asuka and Shinji are left alone at home by Misato. After hinting at them being alone for the night, Asuka, without giving Shinji the opportunity to respond, proceeds to take her futon away from the living room bringing it to Misato's room and shutting the door. She then compares said door to the "unbreakable Walls of Jericho", ordering Shinji not to enter. The scene in question is referenced by the mind-violation sequence in ep.22 (Asuka vs Arael), with the strong implication that Asuka was in need of Shinji's support and help due to feeling lonely and (potentially) anxious for the battle of the next day. Her inability to accept the idea of relying on others, which is at the foundation of Asuka's personality, was what pushed her to shut herself inside Misato's room instead of seeking Shinji's company. The reference to the "Walls of Jericho" (famously destroyed in the battle of Jericho), could be seen as a reference to Asuka needing someone to push through her barriers and truly understand her. During the night Asuka visits the bathroom while half-asleep and then subconsciously lies next to Shinji. Seeing her asleep, Shinji stares stunned at her for a moment before trying to kiss her, only to then be interrupted by Asuka crying and calling for her mother. The obvious purpose of the scene is to express Shinji's attraction for her and to hint at Asuka's loneliness. The battle of the next day proves to be a victory, they succeed in reaching harmony (temporarily), only to have their conversation devolve into mutual, public and very embarrassing bickering.

Temptation
Asuka pretends to be fine, leaving Shinji alone in the living room. In truth she had been feeling lonely and in need of company.

Episode 10: If at first you don't succeed...

Asuka presses her two advantages.

The first relevant scene of the episode is Asuka's reaction when Misato lets her know that she won't be able to attend the school trip, as pilots have to be ready for emergencies. Asuka expresses her disappointment and tries to get Shinji to support her point of view but fails to do so, as Shinji seemed to have already accepted that scenario. This is an additional hint of Asuka's need for other people's support. Instead of going on the school trip Asuka, Shinji and Rei spend their time at the swimming pool. Asuka tries to make up for the inconvenience by looking for Shinji's attention, making fun of him for having issues at school (she has already completed university studies) and provoking him with her swimsuit, as she explains to him the basic concept of thermal expansion.

Shinji's reaction isn't particularly amusing for Asuka, as he doesn't quite know what to say and blushes, prompting Asuka to call him a "boring little boy". Worth pointing out is that Asuka was met with indifference by Kaji, when she had tried to impress him, earlier in the episode, with her choice of swimsuit. She then proceeds to call for Shinji's attention again as she dives in the swimming pool. In a way she seems to be having fun. It should be pointed out that Shinji is scared of water and Asuka is likely showing off to him her diving knowledge, to further prove her superiority to him (playfully). In the last part of the episode Asuka volunteers to fight the angel (Sandalphon) in a volcano, winning the confrontation but losing the safety cables that kept her from falling deeper in the lava. It is at that point that Shinji, without hesitation, comes to her rescue in Eva-01, despite it not being fitted with protective equipment, and grabs Eva-02 before it can drift away. At first completely surprised at Shinji's rescue, Asuka quickly gathers herself enough to make a token attempt at keeping up appearances, quietly calling Shinji a "fool" and a "show-off", but her expression plainly shows her true feelings; in spite of herself, she cannot help but tenderly smile at his action, both impressed and grateful. The moment also proves to Asuka her importance to Shinji, making his future failures (to help her) even more frustrating. In the battle against Matarael in Episode 11, Asuka puts herself in danger to protect Shinji, returning the favor from the previous fight.

Asuka takes charge.

Episode 12: Rivals and friends

In this episode the rivalry between Asuka and Shinji once again finds its way into the story. Shinji is shown to have further made improvements in his sync score and, while still lacking behind than Asuka, he is given all the praise. Asuka sarcastically expresses her envy and resentment for the praise Shinji receives, only to then head home on her own. This, along with Shinji's improvement as a pilot, act as elements of foreshadowing for painful and negative experiences Asuka will go through in later stages of the story.

The fight of the episode offers the three pilots another opportunity, once again successful, to cooperate. Shortly before being employed Shinji asks Asuka the reason why she pilots. When she learns he had asked Rei the same question, she seems to show a hint of possessiveness, making a pointed comment about how close he and Rei seem to be. She then proceeds to inquire about his reasons to fight. But when Shinji just replies that he doesn't know, she expresses surprise and incredulity at his answer.

When Shinji muses to the group about the praise he received from Gendo upon completion of the operation and how it might be his reason for being a pilot, Asuka, again a bit incredulous, makes fun of him for it, believing it to be a stupid reason. In hindsight though, Asuka's reaction can easily be interpreted as her being defensive.

Episode 14: Jealously

Asuka once again expresses envy when Shinji is given more attention than her, as he is testing Rei's Evangelion. In the last scene she is shown to say (in relation to Rei's identity): "Misato and Kaji-san won't tell me anything. Shinji knows nothing". Implication being she had developed a certain curiosity about the First.

Episode 15: Is it just a kiss?

The apogee.

Newtype Film Book Volume 5, dealing with Asuka and Shinji's kiss. This is from the Chinese release.
"It feels as if time has stopped."

When Asuka gets back home in the evening she walks in on Shinji playing the cello, and she applauds him after he plays the piece to finish, admitting that she is impressed with his performance and the fact he plays an instrument. In his usual self-deprecating manner, Shinji attempts to downplay her praise, telling her that he does not think he has any musical talents and only can do it so well because he has played since he was five years old. Asuka, still impressed, points out that perseverance is still a form of power. As the two are waiting for Misato's return, Asuka asks Shinji to kiss. She assumes a provocative/cold attitude, bringing boredom as the excuse for it.

expected, Shinji agrees to kiss her but, despite Asuka prolonging the exchange for as long as Shinji could breathe, he fails to understand its real meaning and to provide her with the support she needs. As the kiss ends without the affection she was looking for, Asuka (frustrated with Shinji's passivity and cluelessness) runs to the bathroom to hide her pain. Noisily rinsing her mouth and letting him know how bad of an idea it was to kiss him. 

Official commentary:

"Why does Asuka want to kiss Shinji? Even assuming she was spiteful of Kaji, one doesn't understand the real underlying motive. After the kiss, Asuka states: "I did it just to kill time." She yells, as if to make Shinji perceive it and to confirm it to herself, as if she wants to hide some embarrassment"

An interesting detail about the events of the episode is that they follow a circular structure. The episode begins with Asuka feeling rejected by Kaji, then bored by the date, not feeling understood by Shinji and ends with her, once again, feeling rejected by Kaji.

Misunderstood Intentions
Shinji believes Asuka's lie that her kiss was just to relieve boredom, but once again in Ep. 22 we find it meant a lot more.

Episode 16: Asuka Surpassed

I see you......

Starting off with Asuka attacking Shinji for being too quick to apologize, only to then express her jealousy and frustration at Misato when she tries to take Shinji in defense, accusing her of enabling Shinji's bad habits by being too soft on him and only being in a good mood due to being back together with Kaji. The key moment in the episode, concerning Asuka and Shinji's relationship, is her loss to the latter in the synchronization test. Strongly foreshadowed in previous episodes, the impact of said development on their relationship is truly destructive. Asuka starts to resent Shinji's success because, unlike Shinji, Asuka has not only deposited almost her entire self-worth into piloting, she has spent almost her entire life working for it, so Shinji surpassing her in so little time is unearned and unjust in her opinion, as if he did not deserve this success as he has not worked hard enough for it.

In two instances in the episode we see Asuka addressing Shinji sarcastically as Shinji-sama; first, in a burst of anger as she is in the locker room (with Rei) and then during the fight against Leliel. In that instance Asuka provokes Shinji to charge the angel on his own, causing him to get trapped and nearly costing him his life. It's interesting to note that Shinji attacks the angel with the express intention to prove himself to Asuka, and even says "combat is a man's job", a rather offensive statement when all of his teammates and immediate superiors are women, as if he feels emboldened by kissing Asuka. Misato and Ritsuko even notice that Shinji is suddenly acting more manly. Shinji charges headfirst against Leliel and the Angel easily traps and absorbs him, as Asuka and Rei watch helplessly.

After Shinji is absorbed, Asuka tries to mask her concern for Shinji by saying he acted recklessly and deserved it, which angers Rei. Interestingly, Rei picks up on the fact Asuka is envious of Shinji attaining a higher synch score. After Shinji's safe return, she is shown to further express envy for the attention given to him, when Misato hugs him in tears, by saying to her: "Didn't you say you would scold him?".

In spite of that, the episode ends on a somewhat positive note, when Asuka is seen awkwardly lurking in the hallway of the hospital in an attempt to check on Shinji's well being without being noticed. Of course she gets caught, prompting Shinji to laugh for the first time in the series. The clear implication of the scene is that Asuka felt guilty for her over-reaction and that she still cares about Shinji, even though Shinji remains clueless at Asuka's growing frustrations.

Episode 18: Cluelessness

In this scene, Asuka's uneasiness and nervousness at Shinji being on her mind, and talking about him with Hikari, is made quite clear

Asuka is shown to go out of her way to avoid Misato and Shinji, as she clearly has yet to accept having "lost" to them. It is hinted at that Shinji has yet to understand Asuka's jealousy for Kaji, as he is shown to ask Misato why Asuka is trying to avoid her. It is in fact his cluelessness that becomes the main theme of the episode. Though she usually goes home from school with Shinji, this time Asuka is avoiding him, something Hikari also notes as strange. When Hikari asks about him, the second pilot refers to Shinji by saying: "Actually, he's the most dense of them all. And he's an idiot to boot. He doesn't know how to relate to people." She also expresses her annoyance at Shinji having yet to learn the identity of the fourth pilot (Toji). It is interesting to see how, after the kiss, Asuka seems to be even more frustrated by Shinji's density. Further reminding us of the main issue in their relationship; he just doesn't get it and he is too passive to make up for it. When Kaji is in their apartment later, Asuka is surprised to realize that Shinji doesn't know who is the pilot of Unit 03, but stops herself from telling him when he asks. She essentially comes to the same conclusion that Misato made earlier; Shinji will likely be greatly upset from learning the news, and she doesn't feel up to the task of shouldering the ensuring emotional fallout.

Perhaps most pivotal, Asuka learns, while she and the other pilot lies in wait for Bardiel, that Shinji still does not know that Toji is the pilot of Eva-03. Asuka, for what it is worth, finally decides to bite the bullet and attempts to do the thing that everyone around Shinji, including herself, have been trying to avoid for the longest time, namely telling him the truth. But before Asuka can finally break the reveal out loud, Bardiel sneaks in on her while she is distracted, and incapacitate her and Eva-02. The underlying message is quite clear; Asuka and Shinji's inability to communicate openly and honestly with each other is now directly hampering their effectiveness as team members.

In Episode 19, Eva-01 defeats Zeruel while Asuka in Eva-02 fails miserably. Asuka appears far more absorbed by her defeat than concerned about Shinji being absorbed by Eva-01.

Episode 22: A subconscious need

Asuka before confessing her feelings to Kaji.	Asuka sees Shinji speaking to Rei	Asuka realizes she is confiding in Shinji after her phonecall from her stepmother.

Episode 22 Flash-Sign Montages

See this page: Theory and Analysis:Film Montage Theory in Evangelion for a complete interpretation of this following piece.

Asuka, during the Episode 22 mindrape, is forced to come to terms with the nature of her relationship with others and society, trying to reject others but eventually having to come to terms with her inability to remain alone.

Episode 23

Shinji, clearly frustrated by his surrogate family rapidly falling apart at the seams, but also feeling powerless to do anything about it, is seen standing outside the door to Asuka's room, noticing that she once again is spending the night at Hikari's house, and quietly wishes that she would come back. It obvious that his wish for Asuka's return at this point is more about having some sense of normalcy restored to the household than anything else.

Episode 24

Asuka and Shinji have what may be one of their last conversations in Misato's apartment. Shinji has just informed Asuka that Kaji is dead and will not be coming back (offscreen), and Asuka audibly slapping Shinji and angrily accusing him of lying makes it clear that their relationship is at its lowest, and they are now completely unable to talk normally to each other. Shinji's equally angry and frustrated reply makes it clear that he has tried to explain the truth to Asuka who is by now in obvious denial about that fact. Asuka repeats her insistence that Shinji is just lying, but her despondent facial expression betrays that she knows what he is saying is true (Denial is considered the first of the five stages of grief).

This revelation may be what finally pushes Asuka over the edge; as the narrative cuts to a week later, Asuka is seen after having been on the run from home for seven days and seen lying in a bathtub in the ruins of a house, obviously physically weakened and completely sapped of the will to live as Section 2 finally finds her.

Later in the episode, as Shinji contemplates his loneliness and isolation from his friends, he lists Asuka amongst the persons he misses and wish he could talk to.

Episode 26

The alternate universe shown in this episode makes use of traditional anime school setting tropes, with Asuka presented as Shinji's childhood friend, a setting later recycled in spin-offs such as Angelic Days and Shinji Ikari Raising Project. Rei even reacts vehemently to Asuka getting defensive over Shinji, which in the old ADV dub gave birth to the (in)famous "are you riding his baloney pony?" line, one of the results of ADV's creative liberties.

The mysterious pupil.

This scene even features an easter egg echoing the old shoujo manga Anno likes: one of the desks features a drawing of an umbrella with Asuka and Shinji's names written on them. This "love umbrella" is an old reference to someone being paired up as a couple. It's similar to writing a heart shape with "Asuka+Ikari" inside it. Who wrote it isn't made obvious, though it also has "anta baka" written underneath, and the umbrella is not only "divided", but it's scribbled all over. There's another "how lewd!" comment, also scribbled over.

End of Evangelion

Episode 25'

Later on, Asuka implies she knows this is not the first time.

The first part of the movie opens with Shinji seeking comfort and attention from a hospitalized Asuka, as she is asleep (likely drug-induced) and unable to respond.

Increasingly desperate, Shinji shakes the girl's body, attempting to wake her up, until he inadvertently rips her shirt open and exposes her breasts. It is at this point that all the pent-up frustration and attraction, that the boy felt for Asuka, push him to masturbate right next to her. A rash and violent decision which ends up being the cause of Shinji's temporary breakdown.

It should be noted that, at this point of the story, Shinji perceives Asuka to be the only person whose love could help him recover and feel better, as he admits to her that he is scared of Rei and Misato.

During the later stages of the episode, in her fight against the MPEs, Asuka, who found in her mother's soul the support she needed to recover, makes a comment about Shinji's absence: "Jeez! Don't they ever stop!? And I can't even count on that idiot Shinji!!".

Episode 26'

"...Unit 01 was attacked by Target A, which split from the target submerged 2 km off Suruga Bay." This article should either be split into multiple articles accessible from a disambiguation page or as a set of articles pertaining to a certain subject. Please discuss this issue on the talk page.

Taking place, nearly in its entirety, during Instrumentality, it allows Asuka and Shinji to confront each other in a way they never could in the series. Often times it is impossible to determine with certainty if the characters are themselves or just a projection, a limited representation of who they really are. Regardless of this, the four main exchanges between Asuka and Shinji are worthy of individual analysis.

What is, however, worth noticing when it comes to the bigger picture, is that the second and fourth exchanges are essentially twisted retakes of events from the show; respectively, Asuka and Shinji's disastrous kiss from Episode 15, and Shinji confronting Asuka with Kaji's death in Episode 24. What is notable here is that these moments, while not outright unimportant to Shinji in and of themselves, are arguably of much greater and central importance to Asuka's character arc than they are to his. Both events can be summed up as moments where Shinji has inadvertently done profound and deep emotional damage to Asuka. Where the first event started Asuka on her course to towards the edge, the second was by all appearances what finally pushed her over it. What both cases also have in common, is that Shinji was by all means more or less oblivious to the full extend of the harm these moments did to Asuka. Here, however, Asuka is finally able to make it clear just how deeply he has failed her and lets him have it with both barrels.

First exchange

Asuka on top of a seemingly naked Shinji, reflecting their sexual tension

"The sight of you makes me so irritated!"

The first is as brief as it is important to understand Asuka's instinctive and superficial dislike of Shinji throughout the series.

Asuka:"The sight of you makes me so irritated!"

Shinji:"It's because we are similar."

The exchange in question relates to the psychological concept of shadow (one of the terms to appear during Asuka's mind-violation in ep.22). To express it in "technical" terms, the shadow is an "unconscious aspect of the personality which the conscious ego does not identify in itself. Because one tends to reject or remain ignorant of the least desirable aspects of one's personality". Essentially, in Asuka's case, she rejects the part of herself she deems unacceptable in an attempt to maintain a positive image of herself as an independent and mature person. Shinji embodies Asuka's shadow. He represents all that Asuka fears to accept about herself: an insecure person always in need of other people's acceptance and love. As such, clashing with him on a regular basis causes Asuka to shift onto Shinji part of the hatred she feels for herself. To put it in simpler terms: she hates Shinji because she hates herself. The moment she will succeed to accept herself for how she is, she will also finally manage to truly love and accept Shinji. It should be pointed out that, here, Shinji seems to fully understand Asuka, but the awareness he shows is gone in the following interactions.

Visually the exchange also says a lot; Asuka's face is livid with anger and disgust with Shinji, yet they are in a very intimate situation, being naked in a bed together. And what is especially notable is the fact that Asuka is explicitly portrayed as being the dominant part in the situation: she is on top of Shinji and has him effectively pinned down. He is not able get away from her because she refuses to let him go, even in spite of the negative emotions he awakens in her. Also notable is the fact that though the two of them are shown to be together, neither of their faces are shown in the same shot. In cinematography, such a shot reverse shot technique is often used to imply a disconnect between two characters.

Second Exchange

Shinji, unable to understand others, masks his frustration and despair with a "layer" of anger, not unlike Asuka herself does.

Their second exchange tackles Shinji's inability to help and understand Asuka. It re-enacts the lead up to their kiss (from Episode 15), though inter-spliced with Misato rejecting Asuka's request to borrow some of her lavender perfume, and telling her that it is "not for kids", which seems to imply that Asuka's obsession with being seen as mature and adult, at least partially played into her motivation for instigating the kiss.

Regardless, the scene plays out as it originally did, but the kiss itself is then replaced by Asuka's accusations.

Asuka: "It's not like you understand me at all. Don't come near me."

Asuka: "You think you understand me? You think you can help me? Now that's really arrogant! You couldn't possibly understand me."

It essentially translates Asuka's frustration after the kiss into words, expressing the way she feels about Shinji's density. It's interesting to note that Asuka, while angry at Shinji, is not hiding her need to be understood and helped, as opposed to what she did in the real life version of the scene. It is worth adding that Shinji's feelings of sexual frustration is also emphasized here, as several rapid, but still lingering shots from his point of view focuses on Asuka's eyes, lips, cleavage, neck and shoulders, and legs, as she makes her accusations, as if to imply that the more physical side of his attraction to her acts as an additional barrier for their communication, at least for him.

A hopeless Shinji then proceeds to express his exasperation at her.

Shinji: "There's no way I could understand you. Because you don't say anything, Asuka. You never say anything, and you expect me to understand you, when you don't even talk at all? That's impossible!".

This is certainly the most fitting back and forth to express the main issue in their relationship: communication. Shinji believes that, if Asuka does not actively explain him everything she feels, he cannot understand her. He does not understand that people have their own insecurities and emotional needs. Rei also questions him on this:

Rei: Ikari, did you really try to understand?

Shinji sullenly insists that he did, but Asuka immediately throws it in his face, leading to...

Third exchange

"Go ahead and do it, I'll be here and watch"

The third exchange relates purely to the physical/sexual attraction that exists between the two, not to be mistaken with romantic love. Because Shinji has already been able to access Misato's memories, there is no reason to believe this is not the real Asuka since they are already inside Instrumentality. However, here she no longer has the inhibitions that would prevent her from openly expressing herself in a real-life scenario.

Asuka: "Idiot! I know that I'm your jerk-off fantasy. Go ahead and do it as usual, I'll be here and watch. If you cannot be mine and mine only, I don't even want you."

In the original Japanese, Asuka uses the idiomatic expression "I know you've been using me as a side dish". In Japanese, "using something as a side dish" is an expression for using something or someone for one's erotic fantasies, but with the underlying implication that the person using the "side dish" is too scared to actually act on their feelings. As such, Asuka might even be implying that Shinji could have had the "real thing" before, but hesitated.

Asuka is shown to express awareness of Shinji's attraction for her, something she had known since the end of ep.9, but likely received further confirmation of, during Instrumentality. An interest which seems, to an extent, reciprocated. That is where the lack of inhibitions comes into play; all the issues Asuka has with Shinji's personality don't seem to affect her interest in him here, as they did throughout the series. The only condition she sets is for him to be hers only, representing Asuka's possessive and jealous nature.

Additionally, Asuka shows that she is not only aware that Shinji has masturbated to her in the hospital, but clearly implies it is in fact a habit of his. That she is still willing to accept this in a sense might indicate how much she also wants his affections, as long as they are committed. In fact, in an earlier EoE script, Shinji would not masturbate in the hospital, but instead go back home after seeing her exposed breasts, and then masturbate in his room, with superimposed images of breasts (similar to what Shinji sees when he is asked by Lilith-Rei what he wishes for just before entering Instrumentality) and even his face as he ejaculated.

Asuka is demanding here that Shinji return her attempts at affection, she demands reciprocity, even if she also unwilling to give it back herself. However, Shinji responds...

Shinji: Then, be nice to me...

Asuka/Misato/Rei: We are nice to you.

Shinji: LIARS!! You're all just hiding behind a smile! You just want to keep things ambiguous!

Shinji, at this moment, is too unstable and insecure and reverts to thinking that Asuka, as well as Misato and Rei, should somehow just revolve around him, as he is unwilling to navigate the ambiguity, insecurity and emotional needs of others, a crucial part of human relationships. Rather, Shinji wants things to be clear-cut and easy, and for people to simply exist to serve his needs, without him having to do anything for them himself or to actually earn their affection. This is symbolized most of all with Asuka, who actively refuses to just be his "doll".

Rei: Because the truth hurts us all... Because it's very, very distressing.

Shinji: But ambiguity only makes me insecure.

Rei: That's just an excuse...

It is only by the end of the movie that Shinji starts to realize and accept this.

Fourth exchange

Asuka's final rejection.

The last and longest exchange is, in a sense, opposite to the first one. Here it is Asuka to fully comprehend Shinji's nature. In the series she had shown to understand him, but never to such an extent. Taking place in a fake version of their living room (similar to ep.24), Shinji approaches Asuka in an attempt to help her only to be met by her rejection. This scene also directly parallels their kiss in Episode 15. Because Asuka interpreted Shinji's inaction not as simply passivity, insecurity or lack of experience, but instead as outright rejection, she feels clearly hurt about this, which can be heard very clearly in her tone of voice in the original Japanese, which her voice almost breaking. Rejecting Shinji's pleas here, in her mind, also count as payback.

Asuka:"...Stay away from me, because all you do is hurt me."

Once again, she doesn't deny her need for help, but, unlike in their second exchange, she proceeds to turn Shinji's words against him, exposing his real intentions. In truth, Shinji's attempts to help Asuka are simply a selfish way to gain her love and acceptance.

Asuka:"You're scared of both Misato and First, and your mother and father..."

She then proceeds to accuse him of not loving anyone, not even himself. The accusation in question should not be interpreted as an inability to feel but as an inability to translate the feelings to meaningful acts of love. Asuka is unwilling to serve as just Shinji's escape and emotional crutch, and thinks Shinji is unable to return any affections and treat her as a human being. The scene ends with Shinji begging for someone to love him and not leave him alone, only to be met with Asuka's final rejection. Shinji snaps at this, prompting him to strangle her.

One More Final

Shinji surprised to be accepted by Asuka	Asuka looking at Shinji as she caresses him

Yui's earlier caress

See also: Theory and Analysis:Final Scene in End of Evangelion

The final page from End of Evangelion Psalms compares Asuka and Shinji's choking scene to their kiss scene from Episode 15, by juxtaposing it with their dialogue.

In Episode 22, above, Shinji is physically distant from Asuka, they are divided by a physical object, and Shinji is visibly tense as he is unable to comfort a visibly crying and furious Asuka. The poster for End of Evangelion directly parallels this scene, except that this time Asuka and Shinji are close to one another, the barrier between is gone, and they seem much more relaxed and at ease with each other. Perhaps a sign of better things to come.

The final sequence of the movie. Taking place at the end of Instrumentality, it shows Asuka and Shinji lying on a beach, in front of Rei's remains. There is evidence that that Asuka made the conscious decision to live as an individual and returned from Instrumentality, similarly to Shinji, and has even chosen to lay down at his side. As Shinji notices the girl, he moves towards her and begins to strangle her, without a clear reason. The generally accepted interpretation is that he was trying to determine whether she was real or if they were still experiencing Instrumentality. Asuka's reaction comes as a surprise; she caresses him, an act of acceptance meant to symbolize Asuka's growth. Instead of reacting to him with aggression or hostility as she has done many times before, she reacts with compassion, gentleness and affection.

She has finally made a genuine, open effort to reach out to him. Even though it would be possible to just try to punch him or push him off her, to reject him again, she has instead chosen to accept him. In the same way her hatred for Shinji could be seen as misdirected hatred for herself, so is her kindness towards him indicative of self-acceptance. She can finally accept him for who he is, because she can accept herself. This is done echoing the way his mother Yui caressed Shinji just before he returned to the real world. Taken aback by her caress, Shinji begins to cry.

The ambivalence and duality in this scene represent the fact that they are not yet completely healthy and changed, but are beginning to open themselves to this change. The movie leaves open where they will go from there, but even after all the grievous death and destruction throughout the movie, and even though they are still only starting to grow, it still gives them this hope, as long as they pursue it. They are now able to accept one another, and if they are able to grow and change, they can be happy.

Notes

For more information, less accepted alternatives and objections, see Shinji and Asuka forum thread.

Some fans believe that the Asuka in Episode 26' is not real, and is instead a fake or a creation of Shinji's mind. However, there is plenty of evidence pointing out that it is indeed her soul inside Instrumentality, much like Misato and Shinji herself. See: Theory and Analysis:List of Common Misconceptions#The Asuka in the Hell Kitchen scene wasn't real

As an interesting aside, Sadamoto also suggested during the conceptualization of Eva that the relationship between Asuka and Shinji would be similar to the relationship between Jean, Nadia's love interest and eventual husband in the earlier Nadia.

In the expanded Director's Cut version of Episode 22, Anno also took inspiration from a 1996 doujin by author Nobi Nobita called Bridal Veil, which depicted an expanded mindrape scene itself. Curiously, while making his own scene, Anno made it clear that Asuka's feelings were directed at Shinji, having supplanted her crush for Kaji. It also adds more lines for Asuka bemoaning Shinji and makes this context even clearer by adding additional past scenes with Asuka and Shinji, like him rescuing her in Episode 10. This isn't made clear in the doujin, wherein it seems ambiguous if she's talking about Shinji or Kaji. This doujin has been translated on Evageeks and a full scanlation is also available on its thread.

In contrast to the simple "favourable feelings" Shinji has with most other characters, Evangelion Chronicle describes their relationship as "complex feelings" and "love and hate."

Yuko Miyamura describes Asuka in 2007 as "what we now call a tsundere. It's Shinji that she's interested in as a member of the opposite sex, but she cannot really show it.

Hideaki Anno has also written a song that seems to be about their relationship. It was fully produced, but ultimately unused in End of Evangelion, in favor of Komm, süsser Tod. See: Everything You've Ever Dreamed