Toji Suzuhara
The Fifth Child (in the manga) whose friendship with Shinji ends in tragedy.
Toji Suzuhara is the Fourth Child in the anime, but in the manga he is the Fifth Child; Kaworu Nagisa is the Fourth Child in the manga. He dislikes Shinji for being indirectly responsible for his sister getting injured, but eventually comes to respect him, and the two become friends. He is more verbally abusive toward Asuka, calling her "bitch" multiple times. In the manga, he is crippled (losing a leg) during volume 6 rather than killed. Additionally, Shinji is not aware that Toji is the pilot of Unit 03 before the battle against Bardiel; he learns this only during or after the battle, adding to the tragedy.
- Role
- Student / Potential EVA Pilot
- Pilot Candidate
- Evangelion Unit-03
Lore & Background
Toji Suzuhara is introduced as a student who initially resents Shinji Ikari because Shinji was indirectly responsible for his sister's injury. Over time, Toji comes to respect Shinji and the two become friends. In the manga, Toji is more verbally abusive toward Asuka Langley Soryu, calling her "bitch" multiple times. His English-translated dialogue is heavily accented, reflecting his origin from Osaka. Toji's fate diverges significantly from the anime: he is crippled (loses a leg) during volume 6 of the manga series, rather than killed. Shinji is not aware that Toji is the pilot of Unit 03 before the battle against Bardiel; he learns this only during or after the battle, adding to the emotional weight of the confrontation.
In Their Own Story
Toji Suzuhara's story in the manga begins with his anger toward Shinji for his sister's injury, but evolves into a genuine friendship. His selection as the Fourth Child and pilot of Evangelion Unit 03 leads to his death during volume 6, when the unit is infested by the Angel Bardiel. Unlike the anime, where Toji is crippled, the manga kills him outright. Shinji knows Toji is the pilot before the battle, making the fight even more harrowing. Toji's death serves as a brutal reminder of the cost of piloting an Evangelion.
Reader's Guide
Toji Suzuhara is the Fourth Child and pilot of Evangelion Unit 03. He begins as a rival to Shinji, blaming him for his sister's injury, but eventually becomes a friend. In the manga, Toji is more verbally aggressive toward Asuka, calling her "bitch" multiple times. His English dialogue is heavily accented, and his hair color differs from the anime. Toji is killed during volume 6 of the manga, rather than being crippled as in the anime. Shinji is aware that Toji is the pilot of Unit 03 before the battle against Bardiel, which adds to the tragedy of the event.
Did You Know?
- Toji is the Fifth Child in the manga; Kaworu Nagisa is the Fourth Child.
- He calls Asuka a 'bitch' multiple times in the manga.
- Toji is crippled (loses a leg) during volume 6 of the manga, not killed as in some versions.
- Shinji does not know Toji is the pilot of Unit 03 before the battle against Bardiel; he learns the truth during or after the fight.
- Toji's English-translated dialogue is heavily accented because he is from Osaka.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Toji Suzuhara?
Toji Suzuhara is a transfer student at Tokyo-3 Junior High who initially acts as an arrogant rival to the protagonist, Shinji Ikari. He represents the ordinary teenager thrust into the extraordinary conflict against Angels.
What Evangelion unit was he assigned to pilot?
NERV selects him as a pilot candidate for Evangelion Unit-03 because of his high synchronization potential and athletic prowess. This assignment demonstrates that piloting skills are not exclusive to the chosen children like Shinji or Rei.
How does Toji die in the TV series?
He is killed when the Angel Shamshel takes control of Evangelion Unit-03 during its activation test in Saitama. Commander Gendo orders Asuka Langley Soryu to destroy the possessed unit to stop the threat, resulting in Toji's death.
Why is his death significant for Shinji Ikari?
His demise shatters Shinji’s illusion that piloting is a heroic duty and forces him to confront the brutal mortality of their mission. This trauma significantly contributes to Shinji’s growing reluctance and depression throughout the series.
What defines Toji's personality and background?
He is characterized as a confident, sporty everyman who struggles with his father's absence and academic performance compared to his athletic success. Despite his tough demeanor, he develops a genuine bond with Shinji before his tragic end.