Did Kaworu Actually Kiss Shinji in Evangelion?
As a passionate Evangelion fan and avid gamer, this is a question I get asked a lot. So let‘s analyze the available information and evidence around this ambiguous moment between Kaworu and Shinji.
A Clear Answer on the Kiss
To provide a clear answer upfront – yes, Kaworu did kiss Shinji in the manga version of events. Creator Yoshiyuki Sadamoto confirmed this, while adding that Kaworu used a CPR excuse to cover his embarrassment.
In the more well-known anime series, Kaworu and Shinji do not explicitly kiss on screen. But there are hints of Kaworu‘s romantic affection, which I‘ll analyze in more detail later.
A Deep Dive into the Manga Version
In the manga‘s 67th chapter, Kaworu kisses a sleeping Shinji. This takes place after Shinji starts hyperventilating from nightmares. Kaworu uses the opportunity to kiss Shinji while calming him.
As mentioned before, Sadamoto outright stated this was a real kiss. But Kaworu hides behind an excuse that it was just CPR resuscitation.
So in the manga canon, they definitely kissed.
But why did Kaworu do it? We can presume he has romantic feelings for Shinji. And given Shinji‘s vulnerable state, Kaworu gave in to his desire to be intimate.
Hints of Attraction in the Anime Version
Now let‘s analyze hints that Kaworu wanted to kiss Shinji in the anime too:
- The "I Love You" Confession – Kaworu tells Shinji "I love you" using the word "suki" which implies romantic love in Japanese.
- Intimate Gestures – Kaworu gently touches and caresses Shinji‘s face when they first meet.
- Official Artwork – Anime art depicts them posing together, with Kaworu hugging a reluctant Shinji.
So while they don‘t kiss on screen, Kaworu displays attraction non-verbally instead.
Interestingly, a 2003 manga spin off titled "Shinji Ikari Raising Project" takes things further. It shows Kaworu stealing a kiss from Shinji:
| Moment | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Hot Springs Kiss | Kaworu surprises Shinji by kissing him in an outdoor hot spring bath |
| Bedroom Kiss | Kaworu kisses a sleeping Shinji after sneaking into his bedroom |
So in this alternate universe, Kaworu goes beyond just hints of affection. He outright acts on his desire for intimacy.
Their Special Relationship and Bond
Regardless of whether they physically kissed, Shinji and Kaworu shared a profound relationship in a short span of time:
- Unconditional Love – Kaworu offered Shinji the unconditional love and acceptance he always craved.
- Mutual Understanding – Despite their differences, they empathized with each other deeply.
- Soulmates – Some fans consider them soulmates based on their strong rapport.
few have impacted Shinji more than Kaworu did. Their bond transcended physical intimacy.
So in the manga they share a controversial kiss laden with deeper meaning. And in the anime, they form an emotional connection with romantic undertones. For devoted fans, the exact details don‘t matter as much as the special dynamic created between these two lost souls.
