The voice actor behind Neon Genesis Evangelion says the series creator was the only person who fully understood what the role cost her. Megumi Ogata, who voiced main character Shinji Ikari, reflected on her experience in a recent interview translated by Automaton.
Ogata said the role shaped her career and placed heavy pressure on her personal life. Shinji’s fear and self doubt became central to the series, and her performance helped define its tone. Fans and critics have long credited her voice work for giving the character emotional weight.
During the interview, Ogata said she felt trapped by industry expectations. She believed she had to keep playing teenage boys to survive as a voice actor. She said she carried those emotions for years because she thought no one would understand her struggle.
“For a long time, I thought I would become worthless unless I kept bearing those feelings,” Ogata said. She added that she feared losing her place in the industry if she stopped taking those roles.
Ogata said creator Hideaki Anno stood apart from others she worked with. She said he recognized what she was carrying and told her that her work helped make the series possible.
Anno thanked her for holding onto the feelings of a 14 year old, according to the interview. He said the series could not have been made without that commitment.
Ogata said Anno was the only person who truly recognized her struggles. She said his words helped her see value in her long career. The comments highlight the emotional toll behind one of anime’s most influential series. Analysts say the pressure faced by voice actors remains a quiet issue in the industry.
***
Ali Rizvi
I once won a beauty contest in Monopoly and I occasionally go to the gym. Pakistani author and Urdu poet who aspires to be an Indian film producer and businessman
English (US) · 