Mana Kirishima: Unraveling an Evangelion Enigma

Unlike the instantly recognizable pilots and NERV personnel from the television series, Mana Kirishima first made her debut in the 1997 PlayStation and Sega Saturn game, Neon Genesis Evangelion: Girlfriend of Steel (also known as Iron Maiden). This visual novel, released by Bandai, offered a distinct narrative thread that diverged from the main anime storyline, setting the stage just before the thirteenth episode of the series. Her introduction was a pivotal moment, signaling a willingness to explore new character dynamics and plot possibilities within the established Evangelion framework. Mana Kirishima is introduced as a new transfer student at the Tokyo-3 middle school, specifically joining Shinji Ikari's class 2-A. From her very first appearance, she is depicted as a vibrant and engaging individual, quickly drawing the attention of Shinji and, consequently, sparking a strong reaction, often jealousy, from Asuka Langley Soryu. This immediate dynamic set Girlfriend of Steel apart, shifting the focus towards a more personal, romantic narrative rather than the existential dread and mecha combat typical of the anime. Her presence extends beyond Girlfriend of Steel; Mana Kirishima also plays a role in Neon Genesis Evangelion: Shinji Ikari Raising Project, another popular game that allows players to guide Shinji through various daily activities and relationships. In this life-simulation game, her character offers a distinct romantic path for Shinji, enriching the player's experience with new interactions and potential endings. These game appearances cemented her status as a significant character within the broader Evangelion multimedia landscape, even if she never stepped into the anime's hallowed halls.

At first glance, Mana Kirishima presents herself as a bright, lively, and unreserved girl. She is depicted as someone who is direct and honest about her feelings, especially towards Shinji Ikari, whom she finds "cute" (kawaii) upon their first encounter. This forthrightness is a stark contrast to the often-internalized struggles of the main Evangelion cast, making her a breath of fresh air in the emotionally charged world of NERV and Angels. She actively pursues a relationship with Shinji, often sticking close to him and even following him to NERV, much to Asuka's chagrin. This bold romantic initiative is a key driver of the game's plot. Beneath her outwardly cheerful and confident demeanor, Mana Kirishima possesses layers of complexity. The game's narrative reveals her to be a pilot of a new, experimental robot named TRIDENT, developed by another military branch as a rival to the Evangelions. This revelation positions her as an undercover agent, sent to gather information on the EVA piloting system. This dual role—part charming love interest, part clandestine operative—adds significant intrigue to her character, blurring the lines between personal affection and professional duty. She is described as being "vivacious and direct, yet self-conscious as well", a trait that adds depth to her character and makes her more relatable despite her extraordinary circumstances. Interestingly, fan discussions and character analyses often highlight that Mana Kirishima embodies a blend of personality traits seen in both Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu. She possesses Rei's initial enigmatic quality and quiet allure, combined with Asuka's directness, competitiveness, and strong will, particularly when it comes to Shinji. This amalgamation was reportedly a deliberate design choice, aiming to create a character who took "the best points of Rei and Asuka" to be inherently attractive and popular. This unique blend contributes significantly to her lasting appeal within the fandom. Her family name, Kirishima, like many Evangelion characters, is derived from a World War II battleship, adding a subtle thematic link to the series' underlying military and historical motifs. Adding to her distinctiveness, Mana Kirishima is famously voiced by Megumi Hayashibara. Hayashibara is a highly prolific and celebrated Japanese voice actress, known for an extensive range of iconic roles, including Rei Ayanami herself in Neon Genesis Evangelion. The choice of Hayashibara to voice Mana likely contributed to her immediate recognition and appeal among fans, further intertwining her with the established Evangelion soundscape. This casting choice lends an immediate air of familiarity and authority to Mana's character, despite her non-canonical status in the anime.

The core of Mana Kirishima's story unfolds within the interactive gameplay of Girlfriend of Steel. The game is an adventure title where player choices influence the progression of Shinji's relationship with Mana. The narrative of Girlfriend of Steel revolves around Mana's arrival and her immediate interest in Shinji, which quickly leads to a budding romance. Shinji, inexperienced with romantic feelings, navigates this new relationship with Mana, leading to moments like their first date and kiss. This provides a rare glimpse into a more "normal", slice-of-life Shinji, a stark contrast to his usual burdened existence. However, the romantic subplot is intertwined with military intrigue. Asuka's suspicions about Mana's true identity, fueled by jealousy, drive much of the secondary plot. Asuka actively tries to expose Mana as a spy, a fact that is eventually revealed as Mana is indeed a pilot of the TRIDENT, a robot designed to be a competitor to the Evangelions. The game culminates in a confrontation involving the TRIDENT, forcing the Evangelion pilots to deal with this new, human-piloted threat. This narrative twist showcases Mana's competence as a pilot and her deep connection to the military's strategic maneuvers, making her more than just a romantic interest. The game successfully blends the personal with the sci-fi action, offering a relatively wholesome, if dramatic, deviation from the anime's dark tone. In Shinji Ikari Raising Project, Mana Kirishima's role shifts slightly to fit the game's simulation format. Players can cultivate a relationship with Mana by having Shinji join the Music Club, which Mana is a part of. Attending club activities and other events with Mana increases her affection parameter, which can lead to various romance endings. This game further explores Mana's softer, more everyday personality, allowing fans to interact with her in a less high-stakes environment. Her interest in music, particularly Janet Jackson, and her unique personality that leads her to spontaneously dance when she hears music, are charming details that flesh out her character in this context. The presence of Mana Kirishima in these games created unique narrative possibilities, allowing fans to explore dimensions of Shinji's character and the Evangelion world that were largely untouched by the main series. They offered a glimpse into a more conventional, albeit still fraught, teenage life for Shinji, with Mana at the center of a potential romantic awakening. This exploration of "normalcy" within a fantastical, apocalyptic setting was a significant draw for many players.

Despite her limited appearances in the Evangelion franchise compared to main characters, Mana Kirishima has cultivated a remarkably strong and enduring presence within the fandom. Her popularity is a testament to the compelling nature of her character and the appeal of the narratives she inhabits. She is often cited in discussions about "what if" scenarios and alternative romantic pairings for Shinji. One of the primary reasons for her lasting impact is the sheer novelty of her existence. In a series known for its psychological depth, angst, and often tragic relationships, Mana Kirishima offers a refreshing, more straightforward romantic interest. Her assertive and affectionate approach to Shinji stands in stark contrast to the complex, often dysfunctional dynamics he shares with Asuka and Rei. This provides fans with a glimpse of a different future for Shinji, one where he might find a more conventional sense of happiness and connection. This desire for Shinji to experience something akin to "normalcy" resonates deeply with many long-time fans who have witnessed his struggles throughout the main series. Furthermore, Mana Kirishima serves as a focal point for fan speculation and creative works. She frequently appears in fanfiction and fan art, often as a love rival to Asuka or Rei, adding tension and new dimensions to established romantic triangles. The discussions on online forums and social media platforms, even in 2025, frequently include debates about her personality type (often speculated as ISFP or ESFP), her best pairings, and her potential inclusion in future Evangelion projects. This ongoing engagement highlights her importance as a beloved "original character" who has transcended her game-only origins to become a recognized part of the Evangelion cultural tapestry. Her character also taps into the broader appeal of spin-off media in major franchises. For devoted fans, original characters like Mana Kirishima provide fresh perspectives and expand the universe they love, exploring unexplored narrative avenues without necessarily contradicting the established canon. She embodies the allure of alternative timelines and character development, offering a sense of completion or resolution that the often ambiguous main series might not provide. The fact that her character concept was to combine the best aspects of Rei and Asuka also speaks to her broad appeal. She represents a harmonious blend of traits that fans appreciate, making her a "best of both worlds" character for many. Her existence demonstrates the creative freedom that can be found in expanding a beloved franchise beyond its primary medium.

As of 2025, Mana Kirishima remains a significant figure in the Evangelion fandom's collective memory. While the Rebuild of Evangelion film series concluded, and new animated projects seem less likely in the immediate future, the passion for its expanded universe characters persists. Fan communities continue to celebrate Mana, discussing her unique qualities and the compelling alternate realities she embodies. The longevity of her popularity underscores the power of well-developed characters, regardless of their canonical status in the main series. Her story is a reminder that even within a highly defined and critically acclaimed franchise, there is ample room for exploration and innovation through supplementary media. Mana Kirishima offered players a chance to experience the Evangelion world through a different lens, focusing on personal connection and emotional development alongside the customary mecha action. This focus on human relationships, sometimes overlooked amidst the grander philosophical and apocalyptic themes of the anime, is perhaps her most enduring contribution. Looking forward, the concept of Mana Kirishima and characters like her might even inspire future creators within other major franchises to delve deeper into the narrative potential of their spin-off media. She serves as a powerful example of how an "exclusive" character can carve out a meaningful and cherished place in the hearts of fans, proving that impact isn't solely determined by appearances in the primary animated or serialized works. Her legacy is one of offering hope and a touch of romantic normalcy in a world perpetually on the brink of collapse, making her a beloved figure who provides a contrasting, yet equally valid, emotional journey within the vast Evangelion saga. She is a testament to the fandom's desire for diverse narratives and the enduring appeal of characters who dare to offer a different kind of hope.