Kaworu Nagisa

{{Short description|Fictional character from Neon Genesis Evangelion}} {{good article}} {{use dmy dates|date=April 2021}} {{Infobox character | name = Kaworu Nagisa | series = Neon Genesis Evangelion | image = Eva24DC Kaworu.jpg | image_size = 230px | caption = | first = ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' episode 24: "The Beginning and the End, or "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"" (1996) | creator = Gainax | voice = {{plainlist| *'''Japanese:''' * Akira Ishida * '''English:''' * Kyle Sturdivant (ADV dub; Broadcast) * Aaron Krohn (Manga dub of ''Death & Rebirth'' and ''The End of Evangelion'') * Greg Ayres (ADV dub; Director's Cut) * Jerry Jewell (''Rebuild series''; Funimation dub) * Clifford Chapin (Netflix dub) * Daman Mills (''Rebuild series''; Prime Video dub)}} | species = Angel | gender = Male | title = Fifth Child | aliases = Adam <br />Tabris }} {{nihongo|'''Kaworu Nagisa'''|渚 カヲル|Nagisa Kaworu|lead=yes}}, real name {{nihongo|'''Tabris'''|タブリス|Taburisu}}, is a fictional character from the ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' franchise created by Gainax. In the original television series, he is the pilot of a giant mecha named Evangelion Unit 02 for the special agency Nerv, as well as the seventeenth and final member of the Angels which threaten humanity and that Nerv is meant to fight. When he arrives at Nerv, he meets Eva-01 pilot Shinji Ikari, showing great affection towards him. After revealing his nature as an Angel to Shinji, he asks him to kill him to allow humanity to survive.

The character, originally conceived by Gainax as a cat controlling a boy, was supposed to appear in the series' twenty-second episode. After several changes, director Hideaki Anno and screenwriter Akio Satsukawa decided on him being the last Angel, and he was included in the twenty-fourth episode, "The Beginning and the End, or 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door'". He later re-appears in subsequent works in the franchise, including the ''Rebuild of Evangelion'' films, video games, the original net animation ''Petit Eva: Evangelion@School'', and the manga adaptation by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto. His role is notably significantly expanded in ''Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo'', the third film of the ''Rebuild'' saga.

Although he only appears in a single episode of the original series, Kaworu significantly alters the narrative, in particular Shinji's character, and proved popular with audiences and animation enthusiasts, topping popularity polls. An ambiguous character by design, Kaworu's nature both narratively and thematically has been widely debated, and he polarized critics, with some disliking his ambiguity and the romantic undertones of his relationship with Shinji, while others praised his personality, finding him to be open, affectionate and sociable. His prominent role in ''Evangelion 3.0'' also attracted attention, with reviewers generally appreciating his relationship with Shinji. Merchandise based on Kaworu has been released, particularly action figures.

== Conception == thumb|left|alt=Sketches of Kaworu and a cat|Kaworu was originally conceived as a cat-like Angel who possesses a boy. Akio Satsukawa, a screenwriter who contributed to writing for the series' twenty-fourth episode, "The Beginning and the End, or 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door{{'"}}, chose Kaworu's name. He opted for the surname Nagisa (Japanese for "shore") as a homage to Japanese director Nagisa Ōshima.<ref>{{cite web|first=Hideaki|last=Anno|url=http://www.gainax.co.jp/hills/anno/essay1.html|title=Essay|publisher=Gainax|date=2 November 2000|access-date=12 June 2017|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070220135947/http://www.gainax.co.jp/hills/anno/essay1.html|archive-date=February 20, 2007}}</ref> The choice of a term related to the sea allowed him to connect to the names of other series' characters inspired by Imperial Japanese Navy ships and {{nihongo|''nami''|波||lit. "wave"}} in the surname of Rei Ayanami.<ref>{{cite book|language=ja|date=1997|title=EVA友の会|chapter=CASTから一声|volume=12}}</ref> The name Kaworu was not written with the contemporary spelling {{nihongo|カオル||Kaoru}} with the katakana {{nihongo|オ||o}}, but with the archaic character {{nihongo|ヲ||wo}}. The kanji {{nihongo|''nagisa''|渚}} was chosen for its connection with the katakana {{nihongo|''shi''|シ}} and the kanji {{nihongo|''sha''|者}}, a detail referring to the Japanese title of the episode: {{nihongo|"The Final Messenger"|最後のシ者|Saigo no shisha|}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ciatr.jp/topics/57655|title=『エヴァンゲリオン』カヲルは何者？正体と意味深なセリフを解説！|date=6 July 2017|language=ja|access-date=3 February 2021|archive-date=29 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129143649/https://ciatr.jp/topics/57655|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|publisher=A.D. Vision|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Platinum Edition Booklet|date=2005|volume=7|chapter=Episode Commentaries}}</ref> Satsukawa then created a pun with the phoneme ''shisha'', which can mean {{nihongo|"messenger"|使者}} or {{nihongo|"dead"|死者}}.<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=9|language=ja|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|page=54}}</ref>

Two years before the series began broadcasting, Gainax published a presentation about the series entitled {{nihongo|''New Century Evangelion (tentative name) Proposal''|新世紀エヴァンゲリオン (仮) 企画書|Shinseiki Evangelion (kari) kikakusho|}}. Kaworu was originally going to appear in the twenty-second episode of the series as a "''bishōnen'' constantly accompanied by a cat".<ref name=Kadokawa>{{cite book | date = 1997 | editor = Gainax |title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Newtype 100% Collection|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|isbn=4-04-852700-2|language=ja|page=88}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=19 |page=26 |publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref> Nerv would have allowed the boy to enter its laboratories and, after a clash in which his fellow pilot Shinji Ikari found himself "in the dilemma of having to fight against an anthropomorphic enemy", "the greatest secret of the organization" would be revealed.<ref name=Kadokawa/><ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=1 |page=26 |publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref> In the first drafts, the Angel would have been a cat controlling a boy; however, this idea was abandoned, and elements of it were merged into Kaworu.<ref name=June/> In preliminary proposals, he had an organ characteristic of Angels named core and the ability to modify his appearance through metamorphosis, ideas which were set aside during the series' production.<ref>{{cite book | date = 1997 | editor = Gainax |title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Newtype 100% Collection|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|isbn=4-04-852700-2|language=ja|page=146}}</ref>

Anno conceived him as an "ideal male". According to him, "The plan was that the 'unconscious Shinji' would be Ayanami Rei, the Shinji who appears on the surface would be Ikari Shinji, and the 'ideal Shinji' would be Nagisa Kaworu".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jinnken.org/kouenroku/annohideaki.html|title=庵野秀明|language=ja|access-date=3 February 2021|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223160931/http://www.jinnken.org/kouenroku/annohideaki.html|archive-date=23 February 2010}}</ref> Character designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto conceived him as "more elegant and more refined" than Shinji, and compared to him he would be "taller, thinner and with a smaller face". For the somatic features of his face, he decided to combine those of Rei, Shinji, and Asuka Langley Soryu.<ref>{{cite book|title=ALL ABOUT 渚カヲル A CHILD OF THE EVANGELION|date=2008|publisher=Kadokawa Group Publishing|language=ja|page=146}}</ref> While designing him, Sadamoto envisioned him with a "younger" voice than in the final version.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mizutama|first=Keinojo|date=January 24, 2000|title=第９回「貞本義行」篇|url=http://www.so-net.ne.jp/SF-Online/no35_20000124/interview_Mizutama.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001002081553/http://www.so-net.ne.jp/SF-Online/no35_20000124/interview_Mizutama.html|archive-date=October 2, 2000|access-date=May 2, 2021|website=SFオンライン}}</ref> In one of the drafts of the twenty-fourth episode, he is described as a blond-haired boy,<ref name=":0"/> but during production staff decided to change his hair colour to white. Following a personal request from the director, colorist Harumi Takaboshi made his eyes red to be analogous with Rei's and give him "a distinct impression".<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=9|language=ja|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|page=46}}</ref> Although he was conceived to appear only in the final episodes, during the making of the opening theme the main staff decided to depict him with a sketch by Sadamoto;<ref name=June>{{cite book|chapter=庵野秀明 – Part I|title=新世紀エヴァンゲリオン残酷な天使のように|publisher=Magazine Magazine|language=ja|date=1997|isbn=4-906011-25-X}}</ref> in the editing phase, the sketch was inserted before a frame depicting Rei Ayanami and the caption "Angels".<ref>{{cite book|publisher=A.D.Vision|title=Platinum Edition Booklet|volume=2}}</ref>

In the early stages of production, scriptwriter Akio Satsukawa wrote some drafts of the twenty-fourth episode's script, in which Kaworu's relationship with Shinji would have been expanded upon and presented with less ambiguity. Some of his ideas included Kaworu and Shinji swimming naked in a river at night, Kaworu proposing to Shinji to play piano and cello together and a kiss scene between them.<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=9|language=ja|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|page=52}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite book|title=別冊JUNE|publisher=Magazine Magazine|date=September 1996|language=ja}}</ref> Anno originally gave him an outline that Satsukawa greatly expanded upon, something that struck Sadamoto.<ref name=":1" /> Though Anno did not dissuade Satsukawa and the homoerotic tone of his draft, at one point he considered it "above my tolerance level". The ''Evangelion'' staff and producers also rejected these proposals.<ref name=June/> Episode director and animator Masayuki refused to work on them and threatened to resign.<ref name=Conte>From the interview in {{Cite book|title=Shinseiki Evangerion e conte shū = Neon genesis Evangelion|date=1997|publisher=Fujimi Shobō|editor=Gainax|isbn=4-8291-7350-5|edition=Shohan|location=Tōkyō|pages=}}</ref> The drafts underwent several modifications before being accepted as the definitive script.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Evangelion Original〈3〉|date=1996|publisher=富士見書房|author=Hideaki Anno, 秀明 庵野|isbn=4-8291-7323-8|location=|at=Foreword|oclc=674428440}}</ref> However, they did not change or alter the essence of Kaworu's character; Anno said the draft's "atmosphere" was preserved in the script. Anno explained he wanted to hold on to the idea of an Angel "conversing in human language", mentioning it as a progression from Shinji's conversation with the Angel Leliel in the sixteenth episode. He also considered expanding Kaworu's role in the expanded director's cut version of the episode, but decided to prioritize clarifying Kaworu's connection to Seele instead.<ref name=June />

Staff indicated they did not expect Kaworu to provoke a strong sexual impression, nor how popular he would become. They attributed their unawareness of this to the short time they had to produce the later episodes,<ref>{{Cite book|title=Anno Hideaki sukizo, Evangerion|date=1997|publisher=Ōta Shuppan|isbn=4-87233-315-2|editor=Ōizumi Mitsunari|location=Tōkyō|pages=172–177|chapter=Part Two: Hideaki Anno “tried in absentia” by the staff of Evangelion (First Part)|oclc=46717139}}</ref> and mentioned that Kaworu was not supposed to hold Shinji's hand in the bath scene. This was an animation error; he was supposed to touch it instead.<ref name=Conte/> Like other characters in the series, Anno conceived Kaworu based on his own personality. He described Rei and Kaworu as part of his unconscious, and Kaworu specifically as his shadow—the dark and unconscious side of the psyche.<ref>{{cite book|date=November 1996|language=ja|title=Newtype|chapter=ＥＶＡ ＳＰＥＣＩＡＬ ＴＡＬＫ ｗｉｔh 庵野秀明＋上野俊哉|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten}}</ref> According to some fans, he may have used Kunihiko Ikuhara, the director of the animated series ''Sailor Moon'' and his friend, as a model. In an interview, Ikuhara denied the rumors, comparing Kaworu's cynical personality to Anno himself, while stating he was not involved in the creation of the character. He also said he had close correspondence with Anno, with whom he was on good terms since the early design stages of ''Neon Genesis Evangelion''. During the production of ''Sailor Moon'', the staff went on a trip to the spa, and Ikuhara chatted all night with Anno, who also worked as an animator for some of the series' episodes. When watching the episode, Ikuhara noticed how the situation with the bath was the same as the conversation he had with Anno.<ref name="Ikuhara"/>

=== Voice === {{multiple image | footer = Jerry Jewell (''left'') and Clifford Chapin (''right'') voiced Kaworu for the ''Rebuild of Evangelion'' saga and the Netflix series' dub, respectively. | image1 = | align = right | alt1 = Photograph of Akira Ishida | caption1 = | width1 = 150 | image2 = Jerry Jewell by Gage Skidmore.jpg | alt2 = Photograph of Gage Skidmore | caption2 = | width2 = 188 | image3 = Clifford Chapin Photo Op GalaxyCon Richmond 2020.jpg | alt3 = Photograph of Clifford Chapin | caption3 = | width3 = 158 }} Akira Ishida voices Kaworu Nagisa in his appearance in the original series,<ref>{{cite news|date=24 January 2017|url=http://www.excite.co.jp/News/music/20170119/Realsound_201701_post_11015.html|title=声優・石田彰『昭和元禄落語心中』の七変化ーー青年、老人、女役までこなす"神業"に迫る|language=ja|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404215804/http://www.excite.co.jp/News/music/20170119/Realsound_201701_post_11015.html|archive-date=4 April 2017}}</ref> as well as the later films, spin-offs, video games,<ref name=":3">{{cite web|url=http://www.gainax.co.jp/soft/koutetsu2/report.html|title=鋼鉄のガールフレンド 2nd – Report|language=ja|access-date=18 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009160400/http://www.gainax.co.jp/soft/koutetsu2/report.html|archive-date=9 October 2007|publisher=Gainax|website=Gainax.co.jp}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.broccoli.co.jp/game/meitantei_eva/sp/|title=惣流・アスカ・ラングレー役の声優 宮村優子さんへのアフレコインタビュー！|language=ja|access-date=31 March 2017|publisher=Broccoli|website=Broccoli.co.jp|archive-date=22 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422094947/http://www.broccoli.co.jp/game/meitantei_eva/sp/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the ''Rebuild of Evangelion'' saga. In 1997, when ''The End of Evangelion'' was released, Ishida said he found the role "very difficult", and felt "a lot of pressure" during the dubbing of the film version. His emotional tension grew exponentially when he learned that there would be two feature movies, but he was satisfied with his performance.<ref name=Usagi>{{cite web|url=http://www.usagi.org/doi/seiyuu/radio/geruge/19970610.html|title=ゲルゲトショッキングセンター – 1997.06.10|publisher=Usagi|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-date=22 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122013842/http://www.usagi.org/doi/seiyuu/radio/geruge/19970610.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During the recording of ''Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone'' (2007), the first chapter of the ''Rebuild of Evangelion'' cinematic tetralogy, Anno explained in detail the role played by Kaworu in the new theatrical version and his relationship with Shinji. <!-- providing Ishada with various indications and some privileged information, closed to all the other voice actors. (This needs clarification. Indications of what? What information? "Closed" i.e. not shared?>)--->During the dubbing sessions for ''Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo'' (2012) he felt tense, but with the director's support, he overcame his performance anxiety and reprised the role.<ref name=Ishida2>{{cite book|title=ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版:Q 記録集|language=ja|date=17 November 2012|pages=47–49}}</ref> For the final installment, ''Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time'', Ishida noted he had trouble saying the character's "complex" lines.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Evangelion 3.0+1.0 Theatrical Pamphlet|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|year=2021|location=Japan|page=46|chapter=Akira Ishida as Kaworu Nagisa|asin=B08Y85RJ9Q}}</ref>

In English, he is voiced by Kyle Sturdivant in the original series;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Kyle-Sturdivant/|title=Kyle Sturdivant|publisher=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-date=14 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214235439/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Kyle-Sturdivant/|url-status=live}}</ref> Greg Ayres in the director's cut version,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2014-01-08/anime-midwest-announces-greg-ayres|title=Anime Midwest Announces Greg Ayres|date=8 June 2014|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-date=5 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705092918/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2014-01-08/anime-midwest-announces-greg-ayres|url-status=live}}</ref> Aaron Krohn in the 1997 film duology,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/aaron-krohn|title=Aaron Krohn|publisher=Behind The Voice Actors|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-date=6 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106151316/https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Aaron-Krohn/|url-status=live}}</ref> Clifford Chapin in the Netflix' dub,<ref>{{cite web|access-date=4 February 2021|url=https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-netflix-english-dub-comparison/|title=How Evangelion's Netflix Dub Compares to the ADV Original|date=23 June 2019|publisher=Comic Book Resources|archive-date=8 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208200302/https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-netflix-english-dub-comparison/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=4 February 2021|url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/neon-genesis-evangelion-netflix-english-dub-cast/|title=Netflix Reveals Neon Genesis Evangelion's New English Dub Cast|date=21 June 2019|publisher=Comic Book|archive-date=8 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208222519/https://comicbook.com/anime/news/neon-genesis-evangelion-netflix-english-dub-cast/|url-status=live}}</ref> Jerry Jewell in the first dub of ''Rebuild of Evangelion''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.fandompost.com/2016/11/15/anime-limited-details-evangelion-1-11-you-are-not-alone-release/|title=Anime Limited Details 'Evangelion: 1.11 You Are (not) Alone' Release|first=Chris|last=Beveridge|date=15 November 2016|newspaper=Fandom Post|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-date=2 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402093612/http://www.fandompost.com/2016/11/15/anime-limited-details-evangelion-1-11-you-are-not-alone-release/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2013/10/04-1/evangelion-333-english-dub-cast-announced|title="Evangelion 3.33" English Dub Cast Announced|first=Scott|last=Green|date=5 October 2013|publisher=Crunchyroll|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-date=29 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029030717/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2013/10/04-1/evangelion-333-english-dub-cast-announced|url-status=live}}</ref> and Daman Mills in the Amazon Prime Video's dub.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-08-07/amazon-prime-video-lists-new-english-dub-cast-for-1st-3-rebuild-of-evangelion-films/.175998|title=Amazon Prime Video Lists New English Dub Cast for 1st 3 Rebuild of Evangelion Films|date=7 August 2021|access-date=9 August 2021|publisher=Anime News Network|archive-date=9 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210809000734/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-08-07/amazon-prime-video-lists-new-english-dub-cast-for-1st-3-rebuild-of-evangelion-films/.175998|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the Netflix dub, one of Kaworu's lines to Shinji was changed from ADV DVD's "I love you" to "I like you".<ref>"I like you" also appeared in the VHS subtitles</ref> This was a controversial choice among some fans, who felt it altered their relationship and contributed to queer erasure. Dan Kanemitsu, studio Khara's in-house translator<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Kanemitsu's website|url=http://www.translativearts.com/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101182604/http://www.translativearts.com/|archive-date=1 November 2020|access-date=9 February 2021|website=translativearts.com}}</ref> responsible for the updated ''Evangelion'' subtitles, production assistance, and other official Gainax and Khara translations, including the ''Rebuild of Evangelion'' films, explained in an interview that he consults the original creator when the meaning is unclear or ambiguous. He defended the importance of ambiguity, citing Anno's commentaries on ''Evangelion''{{'}}s ambiguity and open-endedness,<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Romano|first=Aja|title=Netflix's re-translation of Neon Genesis Evangelion is drawing backlash for queer erasure|url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/6/24/18701179/netflix-neon-genesis-evangelion-kaworu-gay-backlash|url-status=live|access-date=9 February 2021| website=www.vox.com|date=24 June 2019|language=en|archive-date=1 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701102316/https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/6/24/18701179/netflix-neon-genesis-evangelion-kaworu-gay-backlash}}</ref> his commitment to accuracy,<ref>{{cite news|title=Japanese Fans, Official Translator Weigh in on Netflix Evangelion English Subtitle Debate|work=Anime News Network|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-06-27/japanese-fans-official-translator-weigh-in-on-netflix-evangelion-english-subtitle-debate/.148305|access-date=27 June 2019|archive-date=27 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627181826/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-06-27/japanese-fans-official-translator-weigh-in-on-netflix-evangelion-english-subtitle-debate/.148305|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=兼光ダニエル真|date=21 June 2019|title=While I am not in a position to refer specifically to the decision involved in the scene you described, in all my translation of any title, I have tried my best to be faithful to the original source material. Bar none.|url=https://twitter.com/dankanemitsu/status/1142082024586399744|access-date=28 June 2019|website=@dankanemitsu|language=en|archive-date=27 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627111034/https://twitter.com/dankanemitsu/status/1142082024586399744|url-status=live}}</ref> and conveying the text's intended nuances across a cultural gap.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dalbey|first=Alex|date=27 June 2019|title=Why did Netflix erase the queerness of 'Evangelion'?|url=https://www.dailydot.com/irl/netflix-erased-queer-evangelion/|url-status=live|access-date=9 February 2021|website=The Daily Dot|language=en-US|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107233647/https://www.dailydot.com/irl/netflix-erased-queer-evangelion/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=27 June 2019|title=The De-Queering of 'Neon Genesis Evangelion'|url=https://geekdad.com/2019/06/the-de-queering-of-neon-genesis-evangelion/|access-date=9 February 2021|website=GeekDad|language=en-US|archive-date=15 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215030457/https://geekdad.com/2019/06/the-de-queering-of-neon-genesis-evangelion/|url-status=live}}</ref> Shinji's voice actress, Megumi Ogata, also agreed with the translation for the Netflix/Khara release, saying she originally interpreted Kaworu's lines as "like", and that she is glad the new version is closer to the original Japanese version.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Original Neon Genesis Evangelion Actor Reveals Their Interpretation Of Controversial Scene|url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/neon-genesis-evangelion-original-actor-interpretation-controversial-scene-anime/|access-date=9 February 2021|website=comicbook.com|date=17 July 2019 |archive-date=15 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215004443/https://comicbook.com/anime/amp/news/neon-genesis-evangelion-original-actor-interpretation-controversial-scene-anime/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Appearances == === ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' === Kaworu appears in the twenty-fourth episode of ''Neon Genesis Evangelion''. A secret sect called Seele and a group called Commission for the Instrumentality of Mankind sent him to the headquarters of the special agency Nerv to carry out a mission{{sfn|Porori|2010|pp=78–79}} as the Fifth Child and the replacement for Asuka Langley Soryu, who became unable to pilot Eva-02 following her breakdown. Soon after arriving in Tokyo-3, he meets with Shinji Ikari, who is the Third Child and Eva-01's pilot.{{sfn|Porori|2010|pp=80–81}} He befriends him,<ref>{{cite book|title=Platinum Edition Booklet|volume=7|date=2005|publisher=A.D. Vision|chapter=The Seventeenth Angel}}</ref> showing unconditional and sincere sympathy towards him.{{sfn|Porori|2010|pp=18–19}} His position as a pilot allows him to enter Nerv, but Misato Katsuragi, a major in the organization's operations department, becomes suspicious of him.<ref name=Poggio>{{Cite book|first=Alessandra|last=Poggio|language=it|year=2008|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Encyclopedia|publisher=Dynit|pages=94–95}}</ref> He is subjected to a synchronicity test with Eva-02, and his high results astound the organization's staff,<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=9|language=ja|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|page=48}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=16 |page=19|publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref> since he can arbitrarily vary his rate of synchronization with the mecha.<ref>{{cite book|first=Yoshiyuki|last= Sadamoto|title=新世紀エヴァンゲリオン 公式ガイドブック|date=31 March 2011|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|isbn=978-4-04-715671-5|language=ja|page=29|quote=The reason why Kaworu could set his synchro rate with Eva-02 at will is because like Eva-02 he was born from Adam. Had the Eva not had a soul already, he could have merged into the Eva. He could also control the Eva without piloting from inside. The reason why reconfiguration of core is not necessary is because he had the same soul as the Eva. Because the soul inside the Eva was closed inside its shell, he could control the Eva at his will.}}</ref> All data about his past is erased to conceal his true identity, but Misato discovers that he was born on September 13, 2000: the day the first of the Angels caused a calamity called the Second Impact to occur at the South Pole.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gainax.co.jp/anime/eva/chara.html|title=新世紀エヴァンゲリオン – Character|language=ja|access-date=3 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918030722/http://www.gainax.co.jp/anime/eva/chara.html|archive-date=18 September 2015}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{cite book|chapter=登場人物|title=Death & Rebirth Program Book|date=1997|editor=Gainax|language=ja}}</ref> He is revealed to be Tabris, the seventeenth Angel and the "last sacrificial messenger",{{sfn|Fujie|Foster|2004|p=38}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=9|language=ja|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|page=59}}</ref> who has the soul of the first Angel, Adam, implanted in him.{{sfn|Porori|2010|pp=18–19}} Seele, who captured Tabris when he was still in an embryonic state, "recovered" it.<ref name=Glossary/> Unlike the other Angels, he can develop human-like feelings<ref name=Glossary>{{cite book|date=1997|language=ja|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion pamphlet|chapter=用語集}}</ref> and communicate with them.<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=23 |page=19|publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref> Once in the headquarters, he comes into contact with Rei Ayanami,<ref>{{Cite book|first=Alessandra|last=Poggio|language=it|year=2008|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Encyclopedia|publisher=Dynit|page=97}}</ref> the pilot of Eva-00, in which the soul of another Angel is implanted, and confesses to her he is also a hybrid.{{sfn|Porori|2010|p=95}}<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=27 |pages=15–16|publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref>

Using his Angel abilities, Kaworu manipulates the movements of Eva-02<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=29 |pages=9–12|publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref> to enter the Terminal Dogma of Nerv's headquarters and contact the angel Adam, who is supposedly being guarded within the structure.{{sfn|Porori|2010|p=99}}<ref name=Tabris2>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=13 |pages=3–4|publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref> Despite his anthropomorphic features, he possesses several anomalous abilities,{{sfn|Fujie|Foster|2004|p=54}} including levitation and an AT Field, a powerful forcefield that is characteristic of Angels and Evangelions.<ref name=Poggio/><ref>{{cite book|title=ALL ABOUT 渚カヲル A CHILD OF THE EVANGELION|date=2008|publisher=Kadokawa Group Publishing|language=ja|page=195}}</ref> Upon arriving at his destination, he discovers that the second Angel Lilith is being kept inside the base rather than Adam.{{sfn|Porori|2010|pp=18–19}} Upon seeing Lilith, he interrupts his attempt at contact and decides to preserve her lineage, which humankind is descended from, rather than cause their extinction.<ref>{{Cite book|first=Alessandra|last=Poggio|language=it|year=2008|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Encyclopedia|publisher=Dynit|page=99}}</ref> He allows himself to be killed by Eva-01 and Shinji to allow humanity to survive.{{sfn|Porori|2010|p=97}}

In the ending film of the series, ''Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion'' (1997), the souls of humanity unite into a collective consciousness, and during a process called Human Instrumentality, Shinji argues symbolically with Kaworu and Rei Ayanami.{{sfn|Porori|2010|p=90}} Akira Ishida said that the Kaworu who appears in ''The End of Evangelion'' is not real or concretely present;<ref name=Usagi/> in the film, he and Rei say they represent the "hope that people will one day be able to understand each other".<ref>{{cite web|access-date=February 2, 2021|first=Vrai|last=Kaiser|url=https://sea.ign.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-900656-ws/151206/feature/evangelion-neon-genesis-ending-explained|title=Evangelion Neon Genesis Ending Explained|date=28 June 2019|publisher=IGN|archive-date=2 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102233632/https://sea.ign.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-900656-ws/151206/feature/evangelion-neon-genesis-ending-explained|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Ploof>{{cite web|access-date=2 February 2021|url=https://25yearslatersite.com/2019/06/20/neon-genesis-evangelion-rei-and-kaworu/|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: Rei and Kaworu|first=Aaron|last=Ploof|date=6 June 2019|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120072248/https://25yearslatersite.com/2019/06/20/neon-genesis-evangelion-rei-and-kaworu/|url-status=live}}</ref> He also appears when Gendo Ikari dies, along with Rei and Shinji's mother Yui Ikari.<ref>{{cite AV media|people=Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki, Masayuki (directors)|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion|medium=Film|publisher=Studio Gainax|date=1997}}</ref>

=== ''Rebuild of Evangelion'' === In the ''Rebuild of Evangelion'' saga, Kaworu has a prominent role<ref>{{cite magazine|title=New Trials|magazine=Newtype USA|volume=5|issue=11|page=63|date=February 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Rebuilding it right|magazine=Newtype USA|volume=5|issue=12|pages=50|date=March 2007}}</ref> and he is aware of details of Shinji's life even before meeting him.<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion 1.01 Booklet|date=2007|language=ja}}</ref> He is introduced in the final sequence of the first film, ''Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone'' (2007), in which he awakens on the surface of the Moon to converse with a member of Seele.<ref>{{cite video | people = Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki, Masayuki (directors) | title = Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone | medium = Film | publisher = Studio Khara |date = 2007}}</ref> During the scene, he rises from a coffin placed on a lunar sea, with eight coffins next to him: four already open and four still closed. Behind him, a white giant is framed, similar to the Angel Lilith.<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=37 |page=10 |publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref> He is completely naked, and somehow can breathe on the Moon. He addresses commander Gendo Ikari, who is visiting a place named Tabgha Base, as "father".<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=36 |pages=3–4|publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref> In ''Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance'' (2009), the second installment of the saga, when Shinji tries to save Rei and unwittingly starts Third Impact, he descends aboard an Evangelion unit known as Mark.06.<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion 2.22 : You Can (Not) Advance Booklet|publisher=Khara|date=2010|language=ja}}</ref> He stops the Third Impact, addressing Shinji with the phrase: "At least this time I will be able to make you happy."<ref>{{cite video | people = Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki, Masayuki (directors) | title = Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance | medium = Film | publisher = Studio Khara |date = 2009}}</ref> Originally, Kaworu would have said the line with the light-hearted smile of the original series; however, during production it was decided to give him a troubled expression. Kazuya Tsurumaki, the assistant director of the original series and its movies, described him as a man who takes his wife back by force. He also said: "[We thought it would be] more interesting if Kaworu looked like [he was thinking]: 'You've been with a woman while I've been away? How dare you...!{{'"}}.<ref>{{cite book|date=2010|title=ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版：破 全記録全集|publisher=Ground Works|isbn=978-4-905033-00-4|language=ja|chapter=鶴巻 和哉 interview|pages=323–351}}</ref> Staff initially wanted to give him a "showier entrance", and originally give him a scene talking to Asuka when Eva 03 is possessed the ninth Angel.<ref>{{cite book|date=2010|title=ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版：破 全記録全集|publisher=Ground Works|isbn=978-4-905033-00-4|language=ja|chapter=樋口 真嗣 interview}}</ref>

In the third movie, ''Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo'' (2012), set fourteen years after the previous film, he works for Nerv and is designated to pilot Eva-13 with Shinji on behalf of Gendo,<ref>{{cite web|access-date=26 July 2020|url=https://www.cbr.com/shinji-robots-most-powerful-evas-evangelion-ranked/|title=Shinji Get In The Robots: The 10 Most Powerful Evas In Evangelion, Ranked|date=19 June 2019|first=Hannah|last=Collins|publisher=Comic Book Resources|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126143925/https://www.cbr.com/shinji-robots-most-powerful-evas-evangelion-ranked/|url-status=live}}</ref> who he calls "king of Lillith". He shows Shinji, who is alone and scared of the new world, the consequences of his actions on planet Earth. Shinji is initially reluctant, but Kaworu offers him an opportunity to revert the damage done by Third Impact. To train, the two boys practice piano on the same ''a quatre mains'' musical base. Having reached good harmony, the two board Eva-13 and head to the Terminal Dogma of the Nerv base. Asuka and Mari Makinami confront them, but Kaworu falls for a trap set by Gendo and accidentally causes Shinji to start the Fourth Impact. He reveals he is the first Angel, but was demoted to thirteenth, and dies telling Shinji that "We will meet again."<ref name=":7">{{cite video | people = Hideaki Anno, Kazuya Tsurumaki, Masayuki (directors) | title = Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo | medium = Film | publisher = Studio Khara |date = 2013}}</ref> Akira Ishida, Kaworu's voice actor, was asked if the sequence of the two boys united in the same Evangelion could be interpreted as a "love scene"; Ishida replied he "could not make that interpretation", and left it up to what the director said or the fans' speculation, saying: "But, at the very least, them getting in the same unit is different, as they both pursue the same goal together. It seems representative of the depth of their connection.".<ref name=Ishida2/>

=== Manga === In the ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' manga, written by the series' character designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, Kaworu is introduced in advance in a narrative arc roughly corresponding to the nineteenth episode of the series.<ref name=Horn>{{cite book|first=Carl Gustav|last= Horn|chapter=The Mysterious Stranger|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion|date= 3 November 2004|volume=9|publisher=Viz Media|isbn=978-1-59116-707-5}}</ref> In the 57th chapter of the comic, he meets Shinji in the ruins of a church during a piano solo.<ref>{{cite book|title=ALL ABOUT 渚カヲル A Child of the Evangelion|date=2008|publisher=Kadokawa Group Publishing|language=ja|page=73}}</ref> In his first appearance, he kills a stray cat in front of Shinji,<ref>{{cite web | last= Gramuglia | first= Anthony | date= April 29, 2020 | title= The Best Version of Evangelion's Story Isn't Animated | url= https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-manga-better-than-anime/ | publisher= CBR | access-date= November 17, 2013 | archive-date= May 6, 2020 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200506184244/https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-manga-better-than-anime/ | url-status= live }}</ref> arguing this would spare the cat further pain. He is later brought into Nerv to replace the Fourth Child, Toji Suzuhara, who died while fighting alongside Rei Ayanami against the Angel Armisael. His role as an Angel also changes, being presented as the twelfth instead of the seventeenth. In this version of events, Shinji has strong suspicions of the Fifth Child,<ref>{{cite book|title=ALL ABOUT 渚カヲル A CHILD OF THE EVANGELION|date=2008|publisher=Kadokawa Group Publishing|page=130|language=ja}}</ref> and he accuses Kaworu of violating his personal space.<ref name=Horn/> Following Rei's death, Shinji temporarily moves to his apartment, heartbroken by the loss he has just suffered.<ref>{{cite book|title=ALL ABOUT 渚カヲル A CHILD OF THE EVANGELION|date=2008|publisher=Kadokawa Group Publishing|page=85|language=ja}}</ref> Shinji has a nightmare and starts to hyperventilate, and Kaworu uses this opportunity to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation by kissing Shinji, which angers him.<ref name=":8">{{Cite book|last=Sadamoto|first=Yoshiyuki|url=https://www.viz.com/read/manga/neon-genesis-evangelion-volume-9/product/215|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion|publisher=Viz Communications|others=GAINAX|year=2004|isbn=978-1-56931-294-0|location=San Francisco, CA|at=Stage 57|oclc=41088584|access-date=2021-02-23|archive-date=2020-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810000934/https://www.viz.com/read/manga/neon-genesis-evangelion-volume-9/product/215|url-status=live}}</ref> Over time, their relationship becomes increasingly cold and tormented, until they take two different paths.<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=40 |page=21 |publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref>

Unlike the original series, in which their relationship is ambiguous and up to speculation, for the manga Sadamoto changed Kaworu's characterization, leaving less margin for interpretation. According to him, Kaworu feels "a reflection of Rei's feelings" for Shinji, but he fails to understand them.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Yoshiyuki Sadamoto commentary|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion|date=18 November 2008|volume=11|publisher=Viz Media|isbn=978-1-4215-2029-2}}</ref> Irritated by his behavior, after killing Kaworu, Shinji admits he felt "drawn to him", but in the end rejects him "because he is not Rei".<ref name=Milan/> Before his death, the Third Child imagines himself strangling Kaworu at the same time and place he met him. For this scene, the author took inspiration from the film ''Betty Blue'', directed by Jean-Jacques Beineix, which is tormented story of two young lovers in which he ultimately strangles her out of love.<ref name=Milan>{{cite web|url=http://www.animeclick.it/news/36125-milano-manga-festival-reportage-dei-sadamoto-days|title=Milano Manga Festival: Reportage dei Sadamoto Days|date=11 July 2013|access-date=3 February 2021|language=it|archive-date=12 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712051527/http://www.animeclick.it/news/36125-milano-manga-festival-reportage-dei-sadamoto-days|url-status=live}}</ref> Sadamoto created Kaworu to represent "a situation in which Shinji has to confront liking someone"; according to him, he is the person who understands Shinji the most. In an interview, Sadamoto compared his death to a "contradictory ''fumi-e''", an ancient Japanese ritual consisting of the trampling of Christian icons, in which Tabris would ask Shinji to prove he liked him by killing him.<ref>{{cite magazine|pages=54–59|date=December 2014|title=貞本 義行|magazine=CUT|publisher=Rockin'On|language=ja}}</ref> According to Sadamoto, in this particular moment of his life Shinji "does not want the affection of a girl, but the approval of another boy".<ref name=":1"/> Unlike Hideaki Anno, who wanted to give Kaworu the image of an "ideal man", Sadamoto, who believes that human beings are the last evolutionary stage of Angels, tried to represent him as a "pre-human", who is innocent and naive. He was inspired by his own experiences, particularly by a classmate in elementary school who was a charming transfer student from Tokyo, and which he felt great admiration for. "I secretly thought it was very cool. It was not romance ... It is a delicate feeling in a delicate age".<ref name=":1">{{cite book|title=ALL ABOUT 渚カヲル A CHILD OF THE EVANGELION|date=2008|publisher=Kadokawa Group Publishing|language=ja|chapter=Interview: Yoshiyuki Sadamoto|pages=146–155}}</ref>

=== In other media === After the conclusion of ''Neon Genesis Evangelion''{{'}}s first airing, a self-parody audio track written by Anno called ''After the End'' was released. On it the series' characters, played by their original voice actors, jokingly discuss and prepare a new ending just before the production schedule deadline, breaking the fourth wall. Kaworu appears; when Asuka calls him "homoboy", he tells her, "I wish you wouldn't make statements when you lack evidence for them." Nagisa, along with Eva's other pilots, joins a ''super sentai''-style superhero group named ''Shin sentai Evangelion''.<ref>{{cite AV media|trans-title=終曲の続き|first=Hideaki|last=Anno|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: Addition|date=December 12, 1996|medium=audio|publisher=King Records|language=ja}}</ref> In the movie ''Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death and Rebirth'' (1997) there are sequences in which four children from the third middle school of the city of Tokyo-2, with their respective instruments, practice a string quartet in the school's auditorium. Among them is a violinist who looks like Kaworu; according to what is indicated by the superimposed writings, however, the event would take place eighteen months before his appearance in Tokyo-3. From the script, it is clear that, despite the similarity with the protagonists of the series, the four children should still be interpreted as actors in an imaginary sequence.<ref>{{cite book|publisher=Dynit Italia|chapter=Neon Genesis Evangelion: Versione integrale cinematografica|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Feature Film – DTS Collector's Edition|page=6|date=2009|language=it}}</ref>

He appears in video games dedicated to ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' and is available as a romantic option in ''Neon Genesis Evangelion: Girlfriend of Steel 2nd'',<ref name=":6">{{cite web|url=http://www.gainax.co.jp/soft/koutetsu2/contents.html|title=鋼鉄のガールフレンド 2nd|language=ja|access-date=2 February 2021|publisher=Gainax|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203021257/http://www.gainax.co.jp/soft/koutetsu2/contents.html|archive-date=3 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=新世紀エヴァンゲリオン鋼鉄のガールフレンド２ｎｄ公式ビジュアルブック|date=February 2005|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|pages=53, 82|isbn=4-04-707175-7|language=ja}}</ref> ''Neon Genesis Evangelion 2'',<ref>{{cite book|chapter=カヲルの対人評価|title=新世紀エヴァンゲリオン2 ザ・コンプリートガイド (電撃プレイステーション)|publisher=Media Works|date=March 2004|language=ja|isbn=978-4-8402-2642-4}}</ref> and ''Neon Genesis Evangelion: Shinji Ikari Raising Project''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gainax.co.jp/soft/shinji/chara.html|title=碇シンジ育成計画|language=ja|access-date=2 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121235634/http://www.gainax.co.jp/soft/shinji/chara.html|archive-date=21 November 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gainax.co.jp/soft/shinji/game.html|title=碇シンジ育成計画 -Game|language=ja|access-date=2 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008212431/http://www.gainax.co.jp/soft/shinji/game.html|archive-date=8 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gainax.co.jp/soft/shinji/game01.html|title=碇シンジ育成計画 – Story|language=ja|access-date=2 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008212049/http://www.gainax.co.jp/soft/shinji/game01.html|archive-date=8 October 2007}}</ref> He's also present in ''Raising Project'' manga adaptation as an agent sent by Seele<ref>{{Cite book|last=Takahashi|first=Osamu|url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/14-733/Neon-Genesis-Evangelion-The-Shinji-Ikari-Raising-Project-Volume-2-TPB|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion : The Shinji Ikari Raising Project|publisher=Dark Horse Manga|others=Michael Gombos, Carl Gustav Horn, GAINAX|year=2009|isbn=978-1-59582-321-2|edition=1st|volume=2|location=Milwaukie, OR|oclc=428684625|access-date=2021-02-21|archive-date=2017-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812203445/http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/14-733/Neon-Genesis-Evangelion-The-Shinji-Ikari-Raising-Project-Volume-2-TPB|url-status=live}}</ref> at Ritsuko's behest.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Takahashi|first=Osamu|url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/15-951/Neon-Genesis-Evangelion-The-Shinji-Ikari-Raising-Project-Volume-3-TPB|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion : The Shinji Ikari Raising Project|publisher=Dark Horse Manga|others=Michael Gombos, Carl Gustav Horn, GAINAX|year=2009|isbn=978-1-59582-321-2|edition=1st|volume=3|location=Milwaukie, OR|oclc=428684625|access-date=2021-02-21|archive-date=2017-08-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831030107/http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/15-951/Neon-Genesis-Evangelion-The-Shinji-Ikari-Raising-Project-Volume-3-TPB|url-status=live}}</ref> In the manga ''Neon Genesis Evangelion: Angelic Days'' he knows Shinji's father, Gendo, years before the main events without having changed his appearance.<ref>{{cite web|language=ja|access-date=30 April 2021|url=https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/115|title=角川書店 あすかコミックス「新世紀エヴァンゲリオン 鋼鉄のガールフレンド 2nd」 5巻（林ふみの著）|website=Evastore.jp|publisher=Evangelion Store|archive-date=1 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201022843/https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/115|url-status=live}}</ref> In the ''chibi'' parody series ''Petit Eva: Evangelion@School'' Kaworu is president of the school student council particularly popular among the students at his school who tends to protect Shinji, whom he loves.<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion Chronicle|publisher=Sony Magazines|volume=37|pages=15–16|language=ja}}</ref> In the manga ''Evangelion – Detective Shinji Ikari'', written by Takumi Yoshimura, Ryōji Kaji and Kaworu are portrayed as two private investigators to whom Shinji is forced to turn.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-09-30/dark-horse-adds-trigun-anthology-evangelion-detective-manga|title=Dark Horse Adds Trigun Anthology, Evangelion Detective Manga|publisher=Anime News Network|date=30 September 2012|access-date=2 February 2021|archive-date=5 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605185824/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-09-30/dark-horse-adds-trigun-anthology-evangelion-detective-manga|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://asuka-web.jp/work/eva.html|title=新世紀エヴァンゲリオン 碇シンジ探偵日記|language=ja|access-date=2 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303233725/http://asuka-web.jp/work/eva.html|archive-date=3 March 2010}}</ref> In ''Neon Genesis Evangelion: Campus Apocalypse'', his personality is similar to that of the original series.<ref>{{cite web|date=15 September 2010|first=Lissa|last=Pattillo|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/neon-genesis-evangelion/campus-apocalypse/gn-1|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Campus Apocalypse Review|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=27 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327134105/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/neon-genesis-evangelion/campus-apocalypse/gn-1|url-status=live}}</ref> At the beginning of the manga, Kaworu is seen by Shinji near a vending machine running away from the scene of an explosion with Rei Ayanami, with whom he has an unspecified bond. Like the original series, he immediately shows great interest in Shinji, making him uncomfortable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/83/phenomenon-neon-genesis-evangelion-jemiah-jefferso|title=That phenomenon that is Neon Genesis Evangelion|date=25 August 2010|publisher=Dark Horse|access-date=2 February 2021|archive-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702094117/http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/83/phenomenon-neon-genesis-evangelion-jemiah-jefferso|url-status=live}}</ref> He is also present in ''Neon Genesis Evangelion: Legend of the Piko Piko Middle School Students.''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: Legend of the Piko Piko Middle School Students Volume 1 TPB :: Profile :: Dark Horse Comics|url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/29-778/Neon-Genesis-Evangelion-Legend-of-the-Piko-Piko-Middle-School-Students-Volume-1-TPB|access-date=21 February 2021|website=www.darkhorse.com|archive-date=26 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226042626/http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/29-778/Neon-Genesis-Evangelion-Legend-of-the-Piko-Piko-Middle-School-Students-Volume-1-TPB|url-status=live}}</ref> Kaworu is one of the main characters of a ''pachinko'' entitled {{nihongo|''CR Shinseiki Evangelion: Saigo no shisha''|ＣＲ新世紀エヴァンゲリオン ～最後のシ者～|"CR Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Last Messenger"}}, released in Japan in April 2009.<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=31 |page=21 |publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref> During the game, Nagisa intervenes during Operation Yashima against Ramiel with his Eva-04.<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=31 |page=24 |publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref>

In addition to video games based on the original animated series, Kaworu has also appeared in media not related to the ''Evangelion'' franchise, such as ''Million Arthur'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://app.famitsu.com/20160517_722391/|title=【乖離性MA】『エヴァ』コラボで騎士と使徒が合体！？ドロップカード7枚を評価|language=ja|date=17 May 2016|access-date=6 February 2021|archive-date=4 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204175754/https://app.famitsu.com/20160517_722391/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Hortensia Saga'',<ref>{{cite web|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-10-22/hortensia-saga-smartphone-game-collaborates-with-evangelion/.122996|date=22 October 2017|title=Hortensia Saga Smartphone Game Collaborates With Evangelion|archive-date=25 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125031217/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-10-22/hortensia-saga-smartphone-game-collaborates-with-evangelion/.122996|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Keri hime sweets'', ''Summons Board'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamedeets.com/archives/205937|title=『ケリ姫スイーツ』と『エヴァンゲリオン』コラボが復活！「第13号機 疑似シン化」などの新キャラクターが登場|language=ja|date=25 November 2016|access-date=6 February 2021|archive-date=9 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209152349/https://gamedeets.com/archives/205937|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://app.famitsu.com/20161019_866892/|title=『サモンズボード』に使徒、再び！『エヴァンゲリオン』コラボ情報まとめ|date=19 October 2016|language=ja|access-date=6 February 2021|archive-date=9 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209161049/https://app.famitsu.com/20161019_866892/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Divine Gate'',<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gpara.com/infos/view/39101|title=『ディバインゲート』 アニメ「エヴァンゲリオン」とのコラボイベントを復活して実施。コラボエリアに新たなボス登場|newspaper=ジーパラドットコム｜『ディバインゲート』 アニメ「エヴァンゲリオン」とのコラボイベントを復活して実施。コラボエリアに新たなボス登場 |language=ja|date=11 November 2016|access-date=6 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115144449/http://www.gpara.com/infos/view/39101|archive-date=15 November 2016}}</ref> ''Monster Strike'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://g123.jp/gnews/post-12687|title=【モンスト】「エヴァンゲリオン」コラボ第3弾が開催！限定ガチャや「葛城ミサト」も新登場|date=5 October 2017|access-date=6 February 2021|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141751/https://g123.jp/gnews/post-12687|archive-date=12 June 2018}}</ref> ''Final Gear'',<ref>{{cite web|language=zh|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://gnn.gamer.com.tw/detail.php?sn=200119|title=《重裝戰姬》x《新世紀福音戰士》第二彈卡池開跑 聯動機師「真理」、「薰」登場|date=16 July 2020|archive-date=7 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807035543/https://gnn.gamer.com.tw/detail.php?sn=200119|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Puzzle & Dragons'',<ref>{{cite web|access-date=6 February 2021|first=Matt|last=Martin|url=https://www.vg247.com/2014/02/20/evangelion-characters-and-dungeons-to-feature-in-puzzle-dragons-update/|title=Evangelion characters and dungeons to feature in Puzzle & Dragons update|date=20 February 2014|archive-date=26 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726191330/https://www.vg247.com/2014/02/20/evangelion-characters-and-dungeons-to-feature-in-puzzle-dragons-update/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Puyopuyo!! Quest''.,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamebiz.jp/?p=217563|title=セガゲームス、『ぷよぷよ!!クエスト』で「エヴァンゲリオン」コラボを開始！ 「葛城ミサト」役・三石琴乃さんナレーションのテレビCMも放映中|language=ja|access-date=6 February 2021|date=10 August 2018|archive-date=11 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911222435/https://gamebiz.jp/?p=217563|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''The Battle Cats''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=May 1, 2021|title=Evangelion Returns to The Battle Cats With All-new Content|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2021-03-01/evangelion-returns-to-the-battle-cats-with-all-new-content/.170118|access-date=July 31, 2023|publisher=Anime News Network|language=en|archive-date=2 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802085506/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2021-03-01/evangelion-returns-to-the-battle-cats-with-all-new-content/.170118|url-status=live}}</ref> Kaworu briefly assists Shinji in ''Neon Genesis Evangelion: Anima'', also featuring a "Dark Kaworu" who hates humans and music;<ref>{{Cite book|last=Yamashita|first=Ikuto|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion : Anima|volume=4|date=2020|isbn=978-1-64505-770-3|publisher=Seven Seas Entertainment|location=Los Angeles|oclc=1222778755}}</ref> he is also present in the crossover franchise ''Super Robot Wars''.<ref>{{cite web|language=ja|date=17 December 2020|url=https://www.gamer.ne.jp/news/202012170076/|title=「スーパーロボット大戦X-Ω」進撃イベント「想いを翔ける翼」が開催！イベント支援フェスにはアッカナナジンとオウカオーが参戦|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=20 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220125556/https://www.gamer.ne.jp/news/202012170076/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Characterization and themes == {{quote box|quote=I wanted to make Kaworu someone that could be loved by anyone, an incredibly good person. Almost as though, by the time Shinji saw him, there was nothing he could do but get a complex.|source=—Hideaki Anno<ref name=June/>|width=30%}}

Kaworu is an erudite boy with an easy-going, straightforward and honest personality,{{sfn|Porori|2010|pp=18–19}} particularly with Shinji Ikari.<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=9|language=ja|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|page=63|quote=Nagisa constantly has her hands thrust into her pockets. Psychologically, people who do this want to hide their feelings. So you have to pay more attention to the hands kept in view when she converses with Shinji.}}</ref> From the beginning, he shows great interest in Shinji, who is the first person he meets after arriving in Tokyo-3.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gainax.co.jp/anime/eva/story.html|title=Story|language=ja|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918030628/http://www.gainax.co.jp/anime/eva/story.html|archive-date=September 18, 2015}}</ref> Following the death, departure, or alienation of all his peers, Shinji is isolated until he meets Kaworu. However, Kaworu's esoteric way of communicating confounds Shinji.<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=11|page=6|publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref> Kaworu also shows great interest in humanity, describing their music, particularly the "Ode to Joy", as the highest achievement of their culture, and often reflects on their fragility and nature. He is very direct in his interactions and seemingly does not know of or is interested in social conventions. He shows sympathy for Rei, who shares his hybrid nature.{{sfn|Porori|2010|pp=18–19}} Kaworu seeks active contact with Shinji as a friend.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=Glossary/> Talking with Shinji, Kaworu says he thinks was "born to meet him".<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=11 |pages=8 |publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref> Although Shinji emotionally distances himself from others, Kaworu helps him to open up and express his feelings.<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=28|pages=13 |publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref> Kaworu shows he feels spontaneous sympathy and affection towards Shinji despite his goals as the seventeenth Angel.{{sfn|Porori|2010|pp=18–19}} After they meet, Shinji accepts the friendly and unreserved nature of his actions and lets him approach.{{sfn|Porori|2010|pp=18–19}} He captivates Shinji with his charm.<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Film Book|volume=9|language=ja|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|page=4}}</ref> Despite the short time they spend together, Kaworu and Shinji became interested in each other and build a relationship based upon mutual appreciation.{{sfn|Porori|2010|pp=80–81}} Kaworu is the first person to tell Shinji he loves him and the first person that Shinji opens his heart to.<ref name="Children">{{cite book|chapter=死に至る病|title=Death & Rebirth Program Book|date=1997|editor=Gainax|language=ja|edition=Special}}</ref> When Kaworu takes over Eva-02, Shinji expresses disbelief in him not revealing his nature as an Angel before and says that Kaworu has betrayed him, "just like my father". Shortly before dying, Kaworu maintains his feelings of affection for Shinji, saying that meeting him made him happy.<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |publisher=Sony Magazines |volume=28 |pages=16 |language=ja}}</ref> After being forced to kill Kaworu, Shinji falls back into a state of profound affliction.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=最後の使徒が、死んだ|title=Death & Rebirth Program Book|date=1997|editor=Gainax|language=ja}}</ref>{{sfn|Porori|2010|p=88}} As he is grieving, Misato fails to console Shinji.<ref>{{cite book | date = 1997 | editor = Gainax |title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Newtype 100% Collection|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|isbn=4-04-852700-2|language=ja|page=84}}</ref>

{{multiple image | footer = Misato and Rei's voice actresses described Kaworu as Shinji's Orihime, a mythological weaver, lover of cowherd Hikoboshi. Critics also compared him to Jesus Christ, since he sacrifices himself for humanity's sake. | image1 = Kitano Tsunetomi 2.jpg | align = left | alt1 = Painting of a Japanese woman in traditional dress | caption1 = | width1 = 175 | image2 = Cristo crucificado.jpg | alt2 = Painting entitled ''Cristo crucificado'' | caption2 = | width2 = 160 }}

Over time, controversies have arisen over the nature of Shinji and Kaworu's relationship, as has the nature of Kaworu's character.{{sfn|Drazen|2014|p=98}} Their relationship is depicted in an ambiguously worded manner, as Kaworu uses the word {{Nihongo3||好き|suki}} to express his feelings for Shinji, which can indicate various forms of intimacy from friendship to love, and has been variously translated as such in the show's officially licensed translations.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-07-02|title=Some thoughts on Netflix's Evangelion anime translation controversy, like, and love|url=https://soranews24.com/2019/07/02/some-thoughts-on-netflixs-evangelion-anime-translation-controversy-like-love-and-eating-ds/|access-date=2021-02-09|website=SoraNews24 -Japan News-|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212234433/https://soranews24.com/2019/07/02/some-thoughts-on-netflixs-evangelion-anime-translation-controversy-like-love-and-eating-ds/|url-status=live}}</ref> He also states that Shinji deserves {{Nihongo3|sympathy|好意|koui}}.<ref>{{cite episode|title=The Beginning and the End, or 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door'|series=Neon Genesis Evangelion|series-link=Neon Genesis Evangelion|date=13 March 1996|number=24|language=ja}}</ref> In his book ''Anime Explosion!'', writer Patrick Drazen expresses the view that Kaworu's offer of apparent love for Shinji is a tactic that he uses as the last Angel to disarm Shinji. Drazen reports that some believe that whether Kaworu as an Angel has any concept of sexuality is unclear because of the way he is presented in the series.{{sfn|Drazen|2014|p=300}}

Lynzee Loveridge of Anime News Network interpreted Kaworu as a negative figure, saying that "Kaworu's kindness has a nefarious side", seeing him as an Angel who deceives and uses Shinji for his own purposes.<ref>{{cite web|first=Lynzee|last=Loveridge|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-list/2016-10-08/.107279|title=7 Devilish Angels|access-date=January 30, 2021|date=8 October 2016|publisher=Anime News Network|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122001606/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-list/2016-10-08/.107279|url-status=live}}</ref> For Mike Crandol he "is representative of blind, total and unconditional love and acceptance, but like those things Kaoru turns out to not be real at all".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2002-06-11|title=Understanding Evangelion|first=Mike|last=Crandol|date=11 June 2002|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=30 January 2021|archive-date=18 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518114503/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2002-06-11|url-status=live}}</ref> Their colleague Zac Bertschy has a mixed opinion in his review of ''Rebuild 3.0''. While not interpreting him as an antagonist or a negative figure, according to Bertschy, his presence demonstrates Shinji's emotional fragility and the difficulty of his long path to self-acceptance. He describes Kaworu as a loving, considerate partner who cares deeply for Shinji's happiness, refuses to leave him behind, and even takes Shinji's terrible burden as his own; he notes: "Shinji has misinterpreted Kaworu's love not as evidence that he himself is worth loving and thus his motivation can be entirely his own, but that Kaworu's love itself makes him worthwhile [...] But he's still just fooling himself. He's still making catastrophic decisions motivated by self-hatred – Kaworu's love doesn't make him a complete person."<ref name="Zac">{{cite web|first=Zac|last=Bertschy|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/evangelion-3.33/you-can-redo/blu-ray/.98252|title=Evangelion 3.33: You Can (Not) Redo|date=February 2, 2016|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=September 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929201019/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/evangelion-3.33/you-can-redo/blu-ray/.98252|url-status=live}}</ref>

Kentaro Takekuma, the editor of a book of interviews with ''Evangelion'' staff named ''Parano Evangelion'', believes that for Shinji, Kaworu turns out to be the first friend he can trust and a homosexual romantic interest.<ref>{{cite book|title=庵野秀明パラノ・エヴァンゲリオン|editor=Kentaro Takekuma|publisher=Ōta Shuppan|date=March 1997|isbn=4-87233-316-0|page=107|language=ja}}</ref> Japanese scholar and writer Yūya Satō compared his role to that of the male characters of the ''yaoi'', as well as that of the characters of the ''shōjo'' genre; for Sato, the appearance of Kaworu is more important on a thematic than narrative level, and would have the purpose of deepening the psychological aspects of Shinji. She compares his role to ''shōjo'' manga, where the process and the relational dynamics of the protagonists have more weight than the conclusion or the fights.<ref>{{cite book | date = 1997 | editor = Kaichiro Morikawa | title=The Evangelion Style|publisher=Daisan Shokan|language=ja|pages=84–85|isbn=4-8074-9718-9}}</ref> ''Japanator'' writer Elliot Gay described Kaworu as a positive figure, as for Shinji he "represents hope; the hope that maybe he can redo things".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.japanator.com/review-evangelion-3-0-you-can-not-redo-27282.phtml|title=Review: Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo|first=Elliot |last=Gay|date=19 November 2012|newspaper=Japanator|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607091733/http://www.japanator.com/review-evangelion-3-0-you-can-not-redo-27282.phtml|archive-date=June 7, 2013}}</ref> For Kunihiko Ikuhara, director of ''Sailor Moon'' and a friend of Hideaki Anno: "Shinji is bullied by his father, slapped by Ayanami, called stupid by Asuka and Misato yells at him to behave like a man; he doesn't receive much compassion from others, and I believe that in this situation the only one to tell him that it's okay as it is, is Kaworu."<ref name="Ikuhara">{{cite book|title=ALL ABOUT 渚カヲル A CHILD OF THE EVANGELION|date=2008|publisher=Kadokawa Group Publishing|pages=54–55|language=ja}}</ref> Kotono Mitsuishi and Megumi Hayashibara, Japanese voice actresses of Misato Katsuragi and Rei Ayanami, compared the two to Orihime and Hikoboshi, two legendary lovers of the Japanese ''tanabata'' myth.<ref>''Evangelion Symphony'' (エヴァンゲリオン交響楽映像版), VHS, April 3, 1998, KIVA-339.</ref> Megumi Ogata, Shinji's voice actress, rejected the notion of Kaworu as his lover, or that he is someone he can depend on, but instead sees him as a friend that is his equal.<ref>{{Cite web|date=September 12, 2021|title=『エヴァンゲリオン』 緒方恵美×田中刑事 スペシャル対談 序|url=https://www.s-ss-s.com/c/ogatatanaka3|url-status=live|access-date=April 18, 2021|website=季刊エス・SS公式サイト|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418031856/https://www.s-ss-s.com/c/ogatatanaka3}}</ref> She pointed out that Shinji is more clingy in the original series, while in the ''Rebuild'' saga he has a more active role and his relationship with Kaworu is consequently different: "I feel like, this time, it's more than his attraction to Kaworu or what he learns from him – they're depicted more as friends gradually closing the distance between each other."<ref>{{cite book|script-title=ja:ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版:Q 記録集|language=ja|date=November 17, 2012|pages=42–46}}</ref>

In Apollonius of Tyana's ''Nuctemeron'', Tabris is the Angel of free will and freedom.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ocn.ne.jp/theater/flets/list/pickup/feat_eva/p04.html|title=これを読めば、エヴァが百倍楽しくなる！ 新世紀エヴァンゲリオン|language=ja|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108164234/http://www.ocn.ne.jp/theater/flets/list/pickup/feat_eva/p04.html|archive-date=January 8, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=30 |pages=22–23 |publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref> In ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'', connecting to the Judeo-Christian tradition, Tabris chooses to be killed by Shinji, finding absolute freedom in death.<ref>{{cite book |title=Evangelion Chronicle |volume=17 |pages=23 |publisher=Sony Magazines |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Will|last= Raus|url=http://thingsanime.thingsasian.com/2007/02/27/neon-genesis-evangelion-an-angelic-vision/|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion – An Angelic Vision|date=February 27, 2007|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825190643/http://thingsanime.thingsasian.com/2007/02/27/neon-genesis-evangelion-an-angelic-vision/|archive-date=August 25, 2014}}</ref> Apollonius' ''Nuctemeron'' also mentions a demon named Cahor, spelled in Japanese as {{nihongo|Kahoru|カホル}}, referred to as the Angel of lies and deceit, a detail that guidebook ''Evangelion Chronicle'' relates to his deceptive anthropomorphic features.<ref name="Tabris2" /> Writer Aaron Ploof compared Kaworu to Jesus Christ for his compassionate character and his sacrifice.<ref name="Ploof" /> Conversely, Carl Horn, editor of the ''Evangelion'' manga in English, compared his comic version to the character Satan in Mark Twain's novella ''The Mysterious Stranger'', for acting with indifference to human morality,<ref name="Horn" /> while French website Du9 likened the image of Kaworu killed by Eva-01 to Francisco Goya's ''Saturn Devouring His Son''.<ref>{{cite web|language=fr|access-date=17 February 2022|url=https://www.du9.org/dossier/linfluence-de-lart-occidental-dans-les-mangas-i/|title=L'influence de l'art occidental dans les mangas|publisher=Du9|archive-date=12 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512023342/https://www.du9.org/dossier/linfluence-de-lart-occidental-dans-les-mangas-i/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Wired'' also speculated that Kaworu is inspired by Satan, also known as Ryo Asuka, the main antagonist of Gō Nagai's ''Devilman''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wired.it/play/televisione/2019/06/21/opere-ispirato-neon-genesis-evangelion/|title=5 opere che hanno ispirato Neon Genesis Evangelion|date=June 21, 2019|publisher=Wired|language=it|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=January 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210102233638/https://www.wired.it/play/televisione/2019/06/21/opere-ispirato-neon-genesis-evangelion/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Yūichirō Oguro, who curated contents of the home video editions of ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'', he presents affinities with Lalah Sune, a female character from the ''Mobile Suit Gundam'' franchise. For Oguro, their relationship with the story's male protagonist traces an analogy between the characters: both appear in the last episodes of the series and seem to be able to understand the feelings of the male main character, dying by his own hand.<ref name="Oguro">{{cite web|url=http://www.style.fm/as/05_column/animesama57.shtml|title=第57回 エヴァ雑記「第弐拾四話 最後のシ者」|last=Oguro|first=Yūichirō|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901151057/http://www.style.fm/as/05_column/animesama57.shtml|archive-date=September 1, 2013|access-date=January 30, 2021}}</ref>

Reviewer Toji Aida compared Kaworu to a ghost of the Noh theatre who disrupt the events of the story in the tripartite ''Jo-ha-kyū'' structure of the ''Rebuild'' series.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aida|first=Toji|date=January 29, 2021|title=【考察】『ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版：Q』──答えを出すのではなく、問いつづけること。（QJWeb クイック・ジャパン ウェブ）|url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/c7ef120c5ca778ecb1dde519946c71ed0d2ac9e9|url-status=live|access-date=May 1, 2021|website=Yahoo! Japan|language=ja|archive-date=1 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501073530/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/c7ef120c5ca778ecb1dde519946c71ed0d2ac9e9}}</ref> ''Los Angeles Times''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Inkoo Kang also saw in his dialogues with Shinji, in which he tells him that all sins can be expiated, a reference to Christianity.<ref name=Inkoo/> Furthermore, in the ''Rebuild'' saga, Kaworu claims that his name is written on the {{nihongo|Book of Life|生命の書| seimei no sho}}, which would allow him to die and be reborn forever; he subsequently added to his name the name of Shinji, thus managing to meet him several times. According to critic Mario Pasqualini, the Book of Life cited by Kaworu is a reference to a concept of the same name in Christianity, according to which it is a text in which God would have listed in his hand the people destined to go to Heaven on the Last Judgment. The reviewer also compared the ''Rebuild'' to the science fiction movie ''Summer Vacation 1999'' (1988). The film introduces a character named Kaoru, a new student at a boys' boarding school who has a love affair with fellow student Kazuhiko. Kaoru turns out to be the reincarnation of Yū, a boy who died by suicide shortly before, who was resurrected to try to win Kazuhiko over, change the story, and give him a new ending.<ref>{{cite web|first=Mario|last= Pasqualini|url=http://www.dimensionefumetto.it/cinemanga01/|title=Cinemanga – 1999 nen no natsu yasumi|date=5 September 2016|publisher=Dimensione Fumetto|access-date=23 October 2021|archive-date=28 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428145908/http://www.dimensionefumetto.it/cinemanga01/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Mario|last= Pasqualini|url=http://www.dimensionefumetto.it/la-lingua-di-evangelion/|title=La visione di Evangelion da vicino – La lingua di Evangelion: parole, numeri, simboli e il "Libro della vita"|date=12 August 2021|publisher=Dimensione Fumetto|access-date=23 October 2021|archive-date=12 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812150216/http://www.dimensionefumetto.it/la-lingua-di-evangelion/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Cultural impact == === Popularity === Despite his one-episode appearance, Kaworu became popular among the series' fans, and is just as popular as the female protagonists of ''Neon Genesis Evangelion,'' Rei Ayanami and Asuka Langley Soryu.<ref name=Oguro/> He ranked high in popularity polls about the best anime male characters,<ref>{{cite magazine|date=October 2010|title=Ranking|magazine=Newtype|language=ja|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|language=ja|date=July 2007|title=Animedia|chapter=歴代人気作品BEST26|publisher=Gakken}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|language=ja|date=July 2012|title=Animedia|chapter=歴代人気作品BEST31|publisher=Gakken}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|language=ja|date=July 2013|title=Animedia|chapter=歴代人気作品BEST32|publisher=Gakken}}</ref> the strongest anime pilots,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-list/2016-10-01/.88388|date=1 October 2016|title=7 Female Anime Directors Worth Checking Out|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-date=6 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506001315/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-list/2016-10-01/.88388|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Eric|last=Stimson|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2016-09-23/anime-fans-choose-the-strongest-robot-pilots/.106526|date=23 September 2016|title=Anime Fans Choose the Strongest Robot Pilots|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722212732/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2016-09-23/anime-fans-choose-the-strongest-robot-pilots/.106526|url-status=live}}</ref> most memorable anime deaths<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-12-11/10000-anime-fans-pick-which-character-death-left-the-biggest-impact/.82056|title=10,000 Anime Fans Pick Which Character's Death Left the Biggest Impact|publisher=Anime News Network|date=11 December 2014|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-date=22 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222052409/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-12-11/10000-anime-fans-pick-which-character-death-left-the-biggest-impact/.82056|url-status=live}}</ref> and best Angels in ''Evangelion''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/ranking/category/026/vote_888/|title=エヴァンゲリオンで一番カッコ良い使徒ランキング|date=22 December 2016|language=ja|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-date=10 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710091840/https://ranking.goo.ne.jp/ranking/category/026/vote_888/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/12522305/|title=エヴァンゲリオンで一番カッコ良い使徒といえば？ 2位「ラミエル」|date=11 January 2017|language=ja|access-date=4 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114093519/http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/12522305/|archive-date=14 January 2017}}</ref> In 1997 and 1998, Kaworu took second and sixth place among the most popular male characters of the moment in two polls conducted by ''Animage'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_1997.html |title=第19回アニメグランプリ［1997年6月号］ |publisher=Tokuma Shoten |archive-date=19 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101019174636/http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_1997.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_1998.html |title=第20回アニメグランプリ［1998年6月号］ |publisher=Tokuma Shoten |archive-date=19 October 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101019175145/http://animage.jp/old/gp/gp_1998.html}}</ref> He also appeared in the monthly surveys of the magazine, remaining in the top twenty in 1997 polls.<ref>{{cite book|title=Animage|publisher=Tokuma Shoten|date=March 1997|page=233|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Animage|publisher=Tokuma Shoten|date=April 1997|title=BEST 10|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Animage|publisher=Tokuma Shoten|date=August 1997|title=BEST 10|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Animage|publisher=Tokuma Shoten|date=September 1997|title=BEST 10|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Animage|publisher=Tokuma Shoten|date=November 1997|title=BEST 10|language=ja}}</ref> In 1998 ''Animage'' ranked him twenty-third among the most popular anime characters of the moment,<ref>{{cite journal|title=あけましてベスト100!|journal=Animage|date=February 1998|language=ja|publisher=Tokuma Shoten}}</ref> and 43rd in 1999.<ref>{{cite journal|title=あけましてベスト100!|journal=Animage|date=February 1999|language=ja|publisher=Tokuma Shoten}}</ref>

In August and September 2009, after the release of the ''Evangelion 2.0'' movie, he emerged in sixth and third place among the most popular characters of ''Newtype'' magazine;<ref>{{cite magazine|title=MONTHLY LINE UP|magazine=Newtype|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|date=August 2009|page=172|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=MONTHLY LINE UP|magazine=Newtype|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|date=September 2009|page=148|language=ja}}</ref> in October he ranked fourth.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=MONTHLY LINE UP|magazine=Newtype|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|date=October 2009|page=136|language=ja}}</ref> In March of the following year, ''Newtype'' included him among the most popular male characters of the 1990s, giving him second place after Shinji.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Newtype|title=新世紀エヴァンゲリオン|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten|date=March 2010|pages=24–25|language=ja}}</ref> In February 2015, nearly twenty years after the series first aired, he emerged seventh on ''Newtype'' charts.<ref>{{cite news|access-date=January 28, 2021|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/en-gb/anime-news/2015/01/12/rei-ayanami-kills-fatestay-night-servants-in-latest-newtype-character-rankings|title=Rei Ayanami Kills "Fate/stay night" Servants in Latest "Newtype" Character Rankings|newspaper=Crunchyroll |date=January 12, 2015|archive-date=19 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719115054/https://www.crunchyroll.com/en-gb/anime-news/2015/01/12/rei-ayanami-kills-fatestay-night-servants-in-latest-newtype-character-rankings|url-status=live}}</ref> He also ranked in ''Evangelion'' popularity polls, usually in the top three.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=SoraNews24|access-date=4 February 2021|first=Shannon|last=McNaught|url=https://soranews24.com/2019/02/13/evangelion-store-popularity-contest-reveals-surprising-results/|title=Evangelion Store popularity contest reveals surprising results for a former fan favorite|date=13 February 2019|archive-date=24 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224144236/https://soranews24.com/2019/02/13/evangelion-store-popularity-contest-reveals-surprising-results/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=July 24, 2019|language=ja|access-date=30 September 2019|url=https://news.merumo.ne.jp/article/genre/8853263|title=女子が好きな『新世紀エヴァンゲリオン』キャラクターTOP3/ 1位はなんとあの脇役！|newspaper=ニュース&エンタメ情報『めるも』 |archive-date=30 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930154146/https://news.merumo.ne.jp/article/genre/8853263|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|language=ja|access-date=13 September 2020|url=https://www.nhk.or.jp/anime/eva-all/ranking/|title=Ranking|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804001612/https://www.nhk.or.jp/anime/eva-all/ranking/|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2021, after the ''3.0+1.01'' re-release of the final ''Rebuild'' film, he finished second most popular male character in another ''Newtype'' poll.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=July 2021|title=Ranking|magazine=Newtype|language=ja|page=114|publisher=Kadokawa Shoten}}</ref>

=== Critical reception === {{quote box|quote=The only one who tells [Shinji] that he's fine just the way he is, is Kaworu. "You don't have to try to so hard." Perhaps because of that, after Kaworu appeared, the girls who had been watching ''Eva'' and who found it interesting but didn't feel the kind of enthusiasm that the boys felt about it were able to finally connect emotionally with Shinji. Perhaps because of that everyone loves Kaworu.|source=—Kunihiko Ikuhara<ref name="Ikuhara"/>|width=30%|align=left}}

Criticism of Kaworu's character and his relationship with Shinji in the original series has been positive. According to the website Otaquest, detractors have labeled him as a "yaoi fuel", "while others see him as a vital piece of the ''Evangelion'' puzzle".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.otaquest.com/8-minutes-32-seconds-the-emotional-impact-of-kaworu-nagisa/|title=8 Minutes, 32 Seconds: The Emotional Impact of Kaworu Nagisa|date=29 January 2021|author=Carley Garcia|newspaper=Otaquest|access-date=11 December 2021|archive-date=11 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211211215640/https://www.otaquest.com/8-minutes-32-seconds-the-emotional-impact-of-kaworu-nagisa/|url-status=live}}</ref> For Caleb Bailey of Comic Book Resources the hot spring scene "blazed the trail" on homosexual relationships in Japanese animation, being "ahead of its time".<ref>{{cite web|first=Caleb|last=Bailey|publisher=Comic Book Resources|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.cbr.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-anime-ahead-of-time-criticism/|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: 5 Ways The Anime Was Ahead Of Its Time (& 5 Ways It Wasn't)|date=18 November 2019|archive-date=11 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111094222/https://www.cbr.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-anime-ahead-of-time-criticism/|url-status=live}}</ref> Anthony Gramuglia cited Shinji and Kaworu among the best queer representations in Japanese animation, but criticized Kaworu's degrading role in some spin-offs.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Comic Book Resources|access-date=26 July 2020|first=Anthony|last=Gramuglia|url=https://www.cbr.com/best-worst-anime-queer-guys-evangelion-yuri-gravitation/|title=The Best (and Worst) Anime Starring Queer Guys|date=6 June 2020|archive-date=27 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127131234/https://www.cbr.com/best-worst-anime-queer-guys-evangelion-yuri-gravitation/|url-status=live}}</ref>

LGBT-oriented portal Pride.com praised Kaworu and his relationship with Shinji, "especially during a time where LGBTQ representation was almost nonexistent in many forms of media".<ref>{{cite web|access-date=26 July 2020|url=https://www.pride.com/geek/2020/5/27/8-lgbtq-anime-worth-binging-and-where-watch-them#media-gallery-media-5|title=It's always a good time for LGBTQ+ anime!|date=27 May 2020|publisher=Pride.com|archive-date=26 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726222717/https://www.pride.com/geek/2020/5/27/8-lgbtq-anime-worth-binging-and-where-watch-them#media-gallery-media-5|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Pride.com|access-date=26 July 2020|url=https://www.pride.com/geek/2019/6/26/queer-fans-arent-happy-netflixs-neon-genesis-evangelion-dub|title=Queer Fans Aren't Happy With Netflix's Neon Genesis Evangelion Dub|date=26 June 2019|first=Raffy|last=Ermac|archive-date=30 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200730172600/https://www.pride.com/geek/2019/6/26/queer-fans-arent-happy-netflixs-neon-genesis-evangelion-dub|url-status=live}}</ref> Lynzee Loveridge of Anime News Network praised its development, finding it "refreshing".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-list/2012-10-27|title=8 Alternative Couples Sure to Touch Your Heart|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=4 April 2017|first=Lynzee|last=Loveridge|date=27 October 2012|archive-date=5 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405084848/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-list/2012-10-27|url-status=live}}</ref> Her colleague Kenneth Lee criticized Kaworu as "an enigmatic figure that further adds fuel to the fire of confusion, but he just manages to raise even more questions that remain unanswered".<ref name=Lee/> Lee considers their relationship to be "disturbing, gratuitous, and unnecessary".<ref name=Lee/> According to Lee, the openness Shinji shows towards Kaworu is implausible and "irrational": "Ultimately, the homosexuality issue seems nothing more than cheap shock value tactics to stun Generation X".<ref name=Lee>{{cite web|first=Kenneth|last=Lee|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/editorial/1998-09-09|title=The Thin Veneer Known as "Evangelion"|publisher=Anime News Network|date=8 September 1998|access-date=6 February 2021|archive-date=24 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724103237/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/editorial/1998-09-09|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Screen Rant''<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Screen Rant|first=Chris|last=Shaddock|date=19 January 2021|url=https://screenrant.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-best-worst-characters/|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: Best & Worst Characters, Ranked|access-date=28 January 2021|archive-date=1 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201125522/https://screenrant.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-best-worst-characters/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Screen Rant|first=Ritwik|last=Mitra|date=16 January 2021|url=https://screenrant.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-characters-worst-best-character-arc/|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Main Characters, Ranked From Worst To Best By Character Arc|access-date=28 January 2021|archive-date=7 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207134125/https://screenrant.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-characters-worst-best-character-arc/|url-status=live}}</ref> and Comic Book Resources<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Comic Book Resources|author=Ajay Aravind|date=2 December 2020|url=https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-character-likability/|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: Every Main Character, Ranked By Likability|access-date=28 January 2021|archive-date=21 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121000410/https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-character-likability/|url-status=live}}</ref> listed him among the best characters in the series. The twenty-fourth episode is considered one of the best of the series,<ref>{{cite web|access-date=24 March 2021|url=https://filmschoolrejects.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-ranked/4/|title=Every Episode of 'Neon Genesis Evangelion' Ranked|first=Max|last=Covill|date=17 June 2019|publisher=Film School Rejects|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108222022/https://filmschoolrejects.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-ranked/4/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=24 March 2021|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/06/the-best-neon-genesis-evangelion-episodes/|title=The Best Neon Genesis: Evangelion Episodes|first=Alex|last=Walker|date=19 June 2019|publisher=Kotaku|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108222054/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2019/06/the-best-neon-genesis-evangelion-episodes/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and his fight with Shinji was also received positively by critics.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=24 March 2021|url=https://filmschoolrejects.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-perfect-shots/4/|title=The Perfect Shots of 'Neon Genesis Evangelion'|first=Max|last=Covill|date=19 June 2019|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108222427/https://filmschoolrejects.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-perfect-shots/4/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|access-date=24 March 2021|url=https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-shinji-sympathetic-not/|title=Evangelion: 5 Times We Sympathized With Shinji (& 5 When We Didn't)|first=Eduardo|last=Luquin|date=17 November 2019|archive-date=8 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108222048/https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-shinji-sympathetic-not/|url-status=live}}</ref> For Comic Book Resources' Reuben Baron, in particular, his defeat is "the most dramatic example" of the narrative seriousness of ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' later episodes.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Comic Book Resources|access-date=26 July 2020|first=Reuben|last=Baron|url=https://www.cbr.com/why-watch-neon-genesis-evangelion-anime/|title=10 Reasons Everyone Must Watch Evangelion (And 10 Aspects That Don't Quite Hold Up)|date=2 December 2018|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112021353/https://www.cbr.com/why-watch-neon-genesis-evangelion-anime/|url-status=live}}</ref> Screen Rant's Jack Cameron feels his confrontation with Shinji is, "Perhaps the most heartbreaking of fights in the whole series".<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Comic Book Resources|access-date=6 February 2021|first=Jack|last=Cameron|url=https://screenrant.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-battles-ranked/|title=Every Battle in Neon Genesis Evangelion Ranked|date=7 July 2019|archive-date=17 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117215451/https://screenrant.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-battles-ranked/|url-status=live}}</ref> Kaworu's last scenes were also appreciated by anime critic Chris Beveridge.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Mania.com|access-date=6 February 2021|first=Chris|last= Beveridge|url=http://www.mania.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-collection-08_article_73312.html|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion Collection 0:8|date=24 January 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110112220739/http://www.mania.com/neon-genesis-evangelion-collection-08_article_73312.html|archive-date=12 January 2011}}</ref> According to the Asiascape site, his last scene, in which he's trapped in the hands of Shinji's Eva-01 and marked by a long sixty-second freeze-frame, represents one of the more prominent uses of creative visual motifs in the series.<ref>{{cite journal|date=April 2013|url=http://www.asiascape.org/resources/publications/asiascape-ops6.pdf|journal=Asiascape Ops|first1=Carl|last1= Li|first2=Mari |last2=Nakamura|first3=Martin |last3=Roth|title=Japanese Science Fiction in Converging Media: Alienation and Neon Genesis Evangelion|volume=6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020192644/http://www.asiascape.org/resources/publications/asiascape-ops6.pdf|archive-date=20 October 2014}}</ref>

Carlo Santos of Anime News Network appreciated the character of Kaworu and the role he played in Sadamoto's manga; he wrote, "the tension between the two boys soon becomes one of the most intriguing subplots".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/neon-genesis-evangelion-omnibus/gn-3|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion [Omnibus]|first=Carlo|last=Santos|publisher=Anime News Network|date=28 June 2013|access-date=6 February 2021|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126142923/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/neon-genesis-evangelion-omnibus/gn-3|url-status=live}}</ref> Zac Bertschy, reviewing ''Evangelion 3.0'', praised the development of their relationship, describing it as the film's highlight.<ref name=Zac/> ''Anime Reign'' magazine expressed a similar opinion, considering it one of the few merits of characterization in the movie.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion 3.0|journal=Anime Reign Magazine|page=32|publisher=World Anime Club|volume=1|issue=2|date=2013}}</ref> Nicole MacLean of THEM Anime Reviews found Kaworu's personality and relationship with Shinji in ''3.0'' effective, but wordy and rushed,<ref>{{Cite web|last=MacLean|first=Nicole|date=March 2016|title=THEM Anime Reviews 4.0 – Evangelion 3.0: You Can (Not) Redo|url=https://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=1838|url-status=live|access-date=9 February 2021|website=www.themanime.org|archive-date=7 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307200951/http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=1838}}</ref> while ''Los Angeles Times''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Inkoo Kang considered Kaworu's interactions with Shinji melodramatic.<ref name=Inkoo>{{Cite web|last=Kang|first=Inkoo|date=2014-01-09|title=Review: 'Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo' a sleek anime mess|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-xpm-2014-jan-09-la-et-mn-evangelion-review-story.html|url-status=live|access-date=9 February 2021|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US|archive-date=12 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212232000/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-xpm-2014-jan-09-la-et-mn-evangelion-review-story.html}}</ref>

=== Legacy === Kaworu Nagisa has been used for advertising campaigns<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-09-10/evangelion-kaworu-promotes-beauty-salon-perfect-skin-campaign/.92721|date=10 September 2015|title=Evangelion's Kaworu Promotes Beauty Salon's Perfect Skin Campaign|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126055423/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-09-10/evangelion-kaworu-promotes-beauty-salon-perfect-skin-campaign/.92721|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=6 February 2021|date=12 May 2015|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-05-12/gendo-gets-a-clean-shave-with-schick-new-evangelion-campaign/.88087|title=Gendo Gets A Clean Shave With Schick's New Evangelion Campaign|archive-date=14 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214005609/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-05-12/gendo-gets-a-clean-shave-with-schick-new-evangelion-campaign/.88087|url-status=live}}</ref> and a wide range of merchandise, including action figures,<ref>{{cite book|title=Evangelion: The Essential Evangelion Chronicle: Side A|publisher= Glénat Editions|date=2009|language=fr|isbn=978-2-7234-7120-6|page=119}}</ref>{{sfn|Porori|2010|pp=103, 105}} nendoroids,<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Manga News|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/actus/2019/12/27/Une-Nendoroid-pour-Kaworu-Nagisa|title=Une Nendoroid pour Kaworu Nagisa|language=fr|date=27 December 2019|archive-date=24 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124005054/https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/actus/2019/12/27/Une-Nendoroid-pour-Kaworu-Nagisa|url-status=live}}</ref> backpacks,<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2016-07-15/supergroupies-evangelion-lingerie-collection-gets-shinji-kaworu-themed-sets/.104319|date=15 July 2016|title=SuperGroupies' Evangelion Lingerie Collection Gets Shinji, Kaworu-Themed Sets|archive-date=8 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008061257/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2016-07-15/supergroupies-evangelion-lingerie-collection-gets-shinji-kaworu-themed-sets/.104319|url-status=live}}</ref> perfumes,<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-10-21/30-evangelion-branded-things-that-have-no-reason-to-be-evangelion-branded|title=30 Evangelion-Branded Things That Have No Reason to Be Evangelion-Branded|date=21 October 2013|archive-date=5 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205103212/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2013-10-21/30-evangelion-branded-things-that-have-no-reason-to-be-evangelion-branded|url-status=live}}</ref> sweets,<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-09-03/next-round-of-evangelion-cakes-previewed|date=3 September 2012|title=Next Round of Evangelion Cakes Previewed|archive-date=30 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130090045/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-09-03/next-round-of-evangelion-cakes-previewed|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Hype Beast|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://hypebeast.com/2020/6/evangelion-themed-bikkuri-man-packages-are-set-to-release|title=Evangelion Themed Bikkuri Man Packages Are Set to Release|first=Nicolaus|last=Li|date=17 June 2020|archive-date=30 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030143830/https://hypebeast.com/2020/6/evangelion-themed-bikkuri-man-packages-are-set-to-release|url-status=live}}</ref> cosmetics,<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-10-12/treat-yourself-with-an-evangelion-kaworu-face-mask/.79794|date=12 October 2014|title=Treat Yourself With An Evangelion|archive-date=7 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207101612/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-10-12/treat-yourself-with-an-evangelion-kaworu-face-mask/.79794|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Geek Culture|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://geekculture.co/sante-fx-wants-to-awaken-humanity-with-its-evangelion-eye-drops/|title=Sante FX Wants To Awaken Humanity With Its Evangelion Eye Drops|date=4 June 2020|first=Germaine|last=Wong|archive-date=13 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213170620/https://geekculture.co/sante-fx-wants-to-awaken-humanity-with-its-evangelion-eye-drops/|url-status=live}}</ref> clothing,<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-06-15/evangelion-characters-get-their-own-clothing-lines/.75554|date=15 June 2014|title=Evangelion Characters Get Their Own Clothing Lines|archive-date=14 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214003314/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-06-15/evangelion-characters-get-their-own-clothing-lines/.75554|url-status=live}}</ref> toys,<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Crunchyroll|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-news/2015/02/14-1/eva-micro-macro-merchandise-line-includes-plush-dolls|title="Eva Micro Macro" Merchandise Line Includes Plush Dolls|date=14 February 2015|first=Brittany|last=Vincent|archive-date=24 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324214821/https://www.crunchyroll.com/it/anime-news/2015/02/14-1/eva-micro-macro-merchandise-line-includes-plush-dolls|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|publisher=Eva Store|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/13358|title=エヴァンゲリオンよりぬいミニ／渚カヲル 制服ver(ムービック)|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225065427/https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/13358|url-status=live}}</ref> key rings,<ref>{{cite web|language=ja|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/14075|title=エヴァンゲリオン つままれ(付属パーツ付)/カヲル(COSPA)[お届け予定：2020年9月中旬]|archive-date=18 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118174202/https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/14075|url-status=live}}</ref> watches<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Sora News 24|access-date=6 February 2021|date=13 December 2015|url=https://soranews24.com/2015/12/13/this-evangelion-watch-is-on-your-wrist-all-is-right-with-the-world/|title=With an Evangelion watch on your wrist, "all is right with the world."|archive-date=18 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218215020/https://soranews24.com/2015/12/13/this-evangelion-watch-is-on-your-wrist-all-is-right-with-the-world/|url-status=live}}</ref> and jewelry.<ref>{{cite web|language=ja|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/7325|title=【エヴァ×THE KISSコラボ】第13号機 クロッシングシルバーリング Ver.カヲル|archive-date=17 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217143334/https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/7325|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|language=ja|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/7235|title=【エヴァ×THE KISSコラボ】第13号機 ダブルクロス シルバーネックレス Ver.カヲル 40cm|archive-date=29 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929083325/https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/7235|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 22 May 1997, Kadokawa Shoten published a book dedicated to him entitled {{nihongo|''Kaworu – Evangelion Photograph''|ＫＡＷＯＲＵ－カヲル－ 新世紀エヴァンゲリオン文庫写真集}}.<ref>{{cite web|language=ja|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/199999341404/|title=ＫＡＷＯＲＵ－カヲル－ 新世紀エヴァンゲリオン文庫写真集|archive-date=27 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727003256/https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/199999341404/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August of the same year, Japanese yaoi magazine ''June'' published a volume entitled {{nihongo|''Zankoku na tenshi no yō ni''|残酷な天使のように||lit. "Like a cruel angel"}}, dedicated to Shinji and Kaworu. The book, whose title is taken from the first verse of the show's theme song, contains two long interviews with Hideaki Anno, the discarded drafts for the twenty-fourth episode, and ''dojinshi'' by mangaka from the ''shonen ai'' scene, such as Reku Fuyanagi (''Gundam Wing: Ground Zero'') and Takamure Tamotsu (''Umi ni nita sora no iro'').<ref>{{cite book|first=Carl Gustav |last=Horn|chapter=Eight books from Evangelion|publisher=Viz Media|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion|volume=8|isbn=978-1-59116-415-9|date=2004}}</ref> In 2005, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the series release, mangaka Mine Yoshizaki designed an action figure of a female version of Angel Tabris named ''Tabris-XX''.{{sfn|Porori|2010|p=105}} As a promotion for its 10th Anniversary Special Edition of ''Evangelion'', ADV Films published a humorous bumper sticker which reads ''"Kaworu died for your sins".''<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion – 10th Anniversary Set|date=22 October 2006|last=|first=|type=DVD/R1|language=English|publisher=ADV Films|year=}}</ref> Kaworu's popularity is also parodied in a spin-off manga entitled {{Nihongo|''It's A Miraculous Win''|奇跡の勝ちは|Kiseki no kachi wa}}, released in fourteen volumes from 2006 to 2015, in which a parody of him works in a ''pachinko'' parkour and dates an obsessive ''Evangelion'' female fan named Sakura Mogami.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Kiseki no kachi wa : Mogami sakura no dedama hokan keikaku. Kibohen.|date=2015|publisher=Sogo tosho|author=Kome Yoshida/吉田, 小梅 |isbn=978-4-86298-165-3|location=Tokyo|oclc=930362334}}</ref>

In 2008 Kadokawa published a fanbook entitled ''All About Nagisa Kaworu: A Child of the Evangelion'', a collection of fan letters, poems, reprinted manga pages, erotic ''dōjinshi'', and interviews with gravure idols.<ref>{{Cite web|language=ja|access-date=2 May 2021|url=https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/200805000010/|title=ＡＬＬ ＡＢＯＵＴ 渚カヲル Ａ ＣＨＩＬＤ ＯＦ ＴＨＥ ＥＶＡＮＧＥＬＩＯＮ|publisher=Kadokawa|website=Kadokawa.it|archive-date=2 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502210716/https://www.kadokawa.co.jp/product/200805000010/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015 Kadokawa published a third book dedicated to him, entitled {{nihongo|''Kaworu 2015: Nagisa Kaworu shashin-shū''|KAWORU 2015 －渚カヲル写真集－}}, containing unpublished illustrations, information and interviews with staff.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Otaku Mode|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://otakumode.com/news/54ec35a92f51e5c64aee342d/An-Art-Book-of-That-Good-Looking-Character-is-Coming-Out!!|title=An Art Book of That Good-Looking Character is Coming Out!!|date=26 February 2015|archive-date=9 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209044452/https://otakumode.com/news/54ec35a92f51e5c64aee342d/An-Art-Book-of-That-Good-Looking-Character-is-Coming-Out!!|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|language=ja|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/7421|title=角川書店 「KAWORU 2015 －渚カヲル写真集－」|archive-date=3 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203143232/https://www.evastore.jp/products/detail/7421|url-status=live}}</ref> In the same year the 7-Eleven chain put on the market a {{convert|166|cm}} life-size statue of the character, auctioned and sold for over 1,728,000 Japanese yen.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=6 February 2021|date=21 October 2015|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-10-21/sharp-officially-unveils-evangelion-phone/.94452|title=Sharp Officially Unveils Evangelion Phone|archive-date=25 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125021213/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-10-21/sharp-officially-unveils-evangelion-phone/.94452|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017 the official ''Evangelion Store'' inaugurated a summer festival dedicated to Kaworu, offering unreleased merchandising.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-07-12/kaworu-summer-fair-means-more-angelic-goodies/.118649|date=12 July 2017|title=Kaworu Summer Fair Means More Angelic Goodies|archive-date=14 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214013441/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-07-12/kaworu-summer-fair-means-more-angelic-goodies/.118649|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018 it was used for features of the 500 ''Type Eva'', a high-speed train dedicated to ''Evangelion''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.geek.com/culture/the-evangelion-bullet-train-will-pull-into-the-station-one-final-time-this-may-1730168/|title=The Evangelion Bullet Train Will Pull Into The Station One Final Time This May|first=Brittany|last=Vincent|publisher=Anime News Network|date=6 February 2018|access-date=6 February 2021|archive-date=25 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925003206/https://www.geek.com/culture/the-evangelion-bullet-train-will-pull-into-the-station-one-final-time-this-may-1730168/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019 Bandai announced a card game dedicated to ''Evangelion'' titled ''Evangelion Card Game''; one of the two sets of the game, called Ev02, is dedicated to the characters of Kaworu and Asuka.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=6 February 2021|url=https://www.tomshw.it/culturapop/evangelion-il-gioco-di-carte-annunciato-da-bandai/|title=Evangelion il gioco di carte annunciato da Bandai|date=9 November 2019|archive-date=1 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201114037/https://www.tomshw.it/culturapop/evangelion-il-gioco-di-carte-annunciato-da-bandai/|url-status=live|language=it}}</ref>

Tony Takezaki paid homage to him in his comic ''Tony Takezaki's Evangelion'', in which he is parodied by Keroro, the protagonist of ''Keroro Gunso''.<ref>{{cite book|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: the Shinji Ikari Raising Project|volume=15|isbn=9781616556075|publisher=Dark Horse Comics|chapter=Misato's Fan Service Center|first=Osamu |last=Takahashi|date=6 January 2015}}</ref> References and homages to the character of Kaworu are present in ''Spider-Verse'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/spiderman-neon-genesis-evangelion-spiderverse-marvel-comics/|title=Spider-Man Made Neon Genesis Evangelion Marvel Comics Canon|website=Screen Rant|date=22 September 2021|access-date=6 February 2021|archive-date=23 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923173421/https://screenrant.com/spiderman-neon-genesis-evangelion-spiderverse-marvel-comics/|url-status=live}}</ref> and in the ''dorama'' ''The Full-Time Wife Escapist''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/1635740|title=新垣結衣の"元彼"「シンジくん」の前は「カヲルくん」 再びのエヴァネタが話題に|language=ja|access-date=6 February 2021|date=15 November 2016|archive-date=12 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112060912/https://mdpr.jp/news/detail/1635740|url-status=live}}</ref> Japanese singer and voice actress Chiaki Kuriyama stated that she developed interest in voice acting after Kaworu and Rei Ayanami.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.mynavi.jp/news/2017/04/02/062/|title=栗山千明、漫画好きでも「絵がすごいヘタなんです」- 小学生で才能に見切り|date=2 April 2017|language=ja|access-date=6 February 2021|archive-date=15 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115221138/http://news.mynavi.jp/news/2017/04/02/062/|url-status=live}}</ref> Comic Book Resources's Kristen Lopez also compared Albedo from ''Genshin Impact'' to Kaworu, speculating that the latter character may have been an influence for the former.<ref>{{cite web|author=Kristen Lopez|url=https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-kaworu-genshin-impact-albedo/|title=Did Neon Genesis Evangelion's Kaworu Inspire Genshin Impact's Albedo?|publisher=Comic Book Resources|date=27 November 2021|access-date=2 November 2021|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128141831/https://www.cbr.com/evangelion-kaworu-genshin-impact-albedo/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist}}

== Further reading == * {{cite book|last1=Fujie|first1=Kazuhisa|last2=Foster|first2=Martin|title=Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Unofficial Guide|year=2004|publisher=DH Publishing, Inc.|location=United States|isbn=0-9745961-4-0}} * {{cite book |first= Syunsou|last= Porori|title=The Essential Evangelion Chronicle: Side B|language=fr |publisher=Glénat Editions |year=2010|isbn=978-2-7234-7121-3}} * {{cite book| first = Patrick | last = Drazen|title=Anime Explosion!: The What? Why? and Wow! of Japanese Animation|year=2014|publisher=Stone Bridge Press|isbn=978-1-61172-013-6| edition = Revised & Updated}}

{{Neon Genesis Evangelion}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nagisa, Kaworu}}

Category:Neon Genesis Evangelion characters Category:Anime and manga characters introduced in 1996 Category:Fictional clones Category:Fictional human hybrids Category:Fictional mecha pilots Category:Male characters in anime and manga Category:Teenage characters in anime and manga