Ask John: Why is there Christian Symbolism in Anime?

Question:
Since Japan is a country which is only 10% Christian, how do the Japanese feel about Evangelion and its portrayal of a “foreign” religion? Why did Gainax choose to create a series based on Christianity? Furthermore, I was curious if you could explain if there is any significance to the appearance of “angel wings” on characters in anime.

Answer:
As far as I know, the reason behind the Christian symbolism that appears commonly in anime is due to the fact that Japan is predominantly non-Christian. The Asian religions, Bhuddism, Taoism and Shinto all are very minimalistic religions. Asian religions, largely, simply don’t have the pageantry and regalia of Christianity: none of the ornate decorations, costumes or rituals. Because of this, the Japanese find Christianity to be a fascinating spectacle. Religion and myth have always been a part of anime, from the myth-inspired Horus: Prince of the Sun, to the Norse inspired Ah! My Goddess, Shinto influenced Blue Seed, Greek mythology based Arion, and Christian themed Evangelion, Angel’s Egg and Tenshi ni Narumon, just to name a few examples. In all of these shows, religion isn’t used as a background to anime in order to convert viewers. Religious background is used in anime almost exclusively in order to provide depth and story. Religion isn’t used to prove some point; it’s used because it makes a show or story more interesting. The appearance of angels in anime, or girls with angel wings, ranging from Rinoa in Final Fantasy 8 to to male “angels” of Earthian and Escaflowne are intended to express a degree of angelic innocence and pureness. Given the limitations of animation, it’s much easier to present visual cues of character traits like “goodness” than it is to show subtle facial expressions or constantly use music or lighting effects.