Character from Neon Genesis Evangelion by Hideaki Anno / Gainax
Gehirn bioengineer and Shinji's mother — absorbed into Eva Unit-01 during a contact experiment, she became eternal proof of humanity's existence and the ghost in the machine that keeps saving her son.
Yui Ikari is rarely seen and yet drives everything. She was a brilliant bioengineer at Gehirn, the daughter of a prominent SEELE member, and married Gendo Rokubungi despite — or because of — his rough edges. She saw warmth in him that no one else could find. Her absorption into Unit-01 during a contact experiment in 2004 was not an accident — evidence suggests she chose it, intending to exist eternally within the Eva as proof that humanity lived. This act shattered Gendo so completely that he devoted his life to reaching her again, and created Rei from her genetic material combined with Lilith. Every time Unit-01 goes berserk to protect Shinji, that is Yui. Her philosophy — that anyone alive can find their own heaven — is the moral center of the entire series, even though she delivers it from inside a war machine.
Seen only in flashbacks and visions. Brown hair, kind face, gentle eyes. Lab coat over modest clothing. Bears a striking resemblance to Rei Ayanami — or rather, Rei was made to resemble her. Radiates warmth even in memory.
Also known as: Yui, Dr. Ikari, Dr. Yui Ikari