>Anno: In regards to the characters, I especially emotionally identify with Shinji, Misato, and Asuka. Kaworu-kun is my shadow. Rei is the innermost, unconcious part of me. If possible, I wanted to prevent putting parts of me [in the show] as much as possible, but it couldn't be avoided.庵野: とくにシンジ、ミサト、アスカには、自分に近いものを感じますね。で、シャドーとしてカヲル君。レイは僕の一番コアな、深層の部分でつくってます。できるだけ自分は無干渉にして、にじみ出るところだけで形にしていますね。
http://homepage3.nifty.com/mana/ecom4.htm>Rei is the innermost, unconcious part of me 