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“She covered her face with a silencer late at night.” Hajime Isayama shared what inspired him to design Mikasa from Attack on Titan

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Films and TV series
October 30, 2024, 06:42



Attack on Titan creator Hajime Isayama explained in an interview what inspired him to create one of the best female anime characters.

Source: Attack on Titan, Hajime Isayama, Wit Studio

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The characters in Attack on Titan are particularly unique, although they share certain familiar characteristics and occasional clichés that are difficult to escape. In an interview, Attack on Titan Creator Hajime Isayama shared insight into what inspired him to create one of the series' most iconic characters: Mikasa Ackerman, who plays an important role throughout the story. Interestingly, the mangaka revealed who (or what) inspired Mikasa's design.



What inspired Isayama to create Mikasa?

WARNING: There are some major spoilers below Attack on Titan manga and anime.


A while ago we talked about why Isayama avoids open love topics Attack on Titan. This time, however We'll focus on the inspiration behind Mikasa's character design. But first, let's look at Mikasa herself. We know that her parents were killed by kidnappers who targeted her and her mother because of their race – a theme that becomes more important later in the story. From the first chapter, it is clear that Mikasa comes from a country similar to Japan.


After her parents died, she moved in with Eren's family and lived there until the “fateful day”. During her time with the Yeagers, Mikasa became known for her protectiveness towards Eren. Later, during the training arc, we learn that she is incredibly tough (also due to her blood) and proves to be one of the best soldiers. Overall, she embodies a strong person who cares deeply for her loved ones.

In the interview, Isayama shared that while working at an internet cafe, he often encountered drunks, which also inspired his portrayal of Titans. One day he noticed a woman covering her face with a scarf, and it was this image that sparked the idea for Mikasa's character design. As the mangaka himself put it:

I had this fear because of the uncomfortable feeling of not knowing her [drunkards] eventually became a major influence in SNK history. At this time I also met one of my clients [by chance] became Mikasa's role model. Late at night she covered her face with a scarf and I found her look enchanting [cute]. As she walked into the store, I sensed something and quickly began drawing on the notepad I was holding. The sketch at the time was Mikasa's original drawing.


But why call it Mikasa?

In the same interview, Isayama also shared what inspired him to choose the name Mikasa. At first the choice was not obvious as he wanted to follow a trend found in iconic classics such as… Neon Genesis Evangelion And The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.


I got Mikasa's name from the battleship “Mikasa” of the old Japanese Navy. I have followed the legend that if you name the female character with one of the battleship names, your work will become famous. For example, Ayanami Rei from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Yuki Nagato from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.

Isayama also admitted that there is a lot of Casca, the heroine from the cult classic Berserker, in Mikasa – which somewhat confirms the fan theories. According to the Attack on Titan The creator Mikasa showed incredible courage both physically and mentally. especially when you have to make some of the most difficult decisions in all of history.

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