Shout-outs found in Higher Learning:
- Kaoru's surname came from Hayao Miyazaki.
- Kaoru, Shinji and Asuka loved the Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind movie.
- Before the finale battle Asuka has no will to fight. Shinji tries to encourage her but nothing works. Exasperated, he tells her that if she is not willing to fight for her life then they should follow the example of Romeo and Juliet.
