Why Saionji?

Why did I create this shrine? Do I really think that arrogant, cruel, pompous Saionji is worth worshipping? Yes, I do! I think that some of the things that he does in the series are absolutely reprehensible, that he has an attitude problem, and that he treats women as objects. I do not like him as a person. As a character however, I think that he is fascinating and well-developed. He shows so many different facets of his personality, and I am sick of people simply writing him off as "the mean duelist" or "the brute." Thus, I have created this shrine to a character who deserves the attention and respect that he is often denied.

10. He's dramatically and psychologically complex. Like other characters in Utena, he has a tangled past and impossible goals. He has so much bottled up rage!

9. He has an inferiority complex. I think that a lot of people can relate to that, me included. There's someone in his life whom it seems like he can never surpass, no matter how much he tries. He also knows that this is because of his own shortcomings.

8. He has a very repressed soft side. This is one of the things that originally interested me in him - the good is there, but it's so hidden. It makes me feel sorry for him.

7. The voice actors, in both the dub and the original, are very talented. These are very different takes on the character, but I like them both.

6. He reminds me of Nephrite from Bishojo Senshi Sailormoon, in both the looks and the role he plays in the story.

5. Speaking of which .. the role he plays in the anime. He is the catalyst in many cases. The reason that Utena becomes involved in the duels, first of the final apocalyptic set of duels, and the reason that Wakaba gets her Black Rose ring.

4. His rivalry with Chu Chu is hilarious (this is brought out much more in the manga than in the anime).

3. He's a kendoist, and kendo rocks. He seems to be the most in-tune with the Japanese background that the series stems from. He uses a Kendo sword, while the others use European style swords. And his Kendo outfit is very sexy.

2. I've gone this far without mentioning his looks? He's gorgeous! Those waving green locks, those violet eyes that can portray dozens of emotions in a single episode . . .

1. He wants something eternal. Enough said.