A handwritten letter sent to Hideaki Anno from a Japanese middle school student. This message was featured during the tail end of End of Evangelion, among a quick series of communications that can only be read after slowing the movie down frame by frame. It reads:
I decided to send this letter because I am in awe after watching Evangelion. I’m a middle school student just like Shinji. I feel like I truly understand myself now, all because of Eva. I want to thank you helping me with that. Why do I say this? Explaining everything would take too long, but long story short, Shinji and I are very alike. We’re both depressed, helpless, and introverted. I remember watching Eva and seeing Shinji feel worry and anxiety and feeling the same. In Eva, they say over and over again how Shinji can’t run away from his pain or the unpleasant feelings that come attached. I feel that way too. In the beginning of the show, I really enjoyed the light feeling this anime gave me. But eventually, Ms. Ogata [FRAME CUTS LETTER OFF]
In the last scene, Shinji accepts everyone and they all congratulate him. That was a very nice ending and I felt very happy. Another friend [FRAME CUTS LETTER OFF]
This year I graduate from middle school. Now my focus is on being a high school student, and I’m going to put my best effort into doing well. I’m going to see the new Eva movie when it comes out, but I’m worried about what will happen to Shinji because I really enjoyed the last scene of the TV series. And thanks to Eva, I’ve started like myself more, and that has made me very happy. [FRAME CUTS LETTER OFF]
Mr. Anno, please keep working on Eva more. Thank you so much for everything!!