IkariShipping (Japanese: シンヒカ ShinHika) is the name given to the Dawn and Paul coupling supported by a number fans of the Pokémon anime. Since its conception, it has become one of the more popular Ships around the fandom, despite being without any solid evidence for a romantic relationship between the two characters.
The name is derived from the name of the main character of another anime, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Shinji Ikari, since the two characters are namedShinji and Hikari. After the fact, the name can also be taken from the Japanese 怒り (ikari), meaning "rage" or "anger", much like the way HeiseiShippingwas named.
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Personality clash
The fact that Dawn is optimistic and upbeat while Paul is cold-hearted and apathetic makes most fans think this Ship is even less likely to actually happen. However, some IkariShippers believe that their polar opposite personalities make it more likely that Dawn and Paul will eventually get together; the fact being the popular saying: "Opposites attract."
Evidence
The following list is a summary of points in the Pokémon Anime that the majority of IkariShippers and other people believe points to possible romantic feelings between Paul and Dawn. Unlike PokéShipping or ContestShipping, these points have not yet been debated extensively, and the following summaries can at this point only be considered to be showing how IkariShippers interpret events, not as being a conclusive interpretation agreed upon by all.
Dawn's hints
Most other Shippers don't agree that Dawn's feelings towards Paul are important. In fact, out of all main and secondary characters, she is the only one who really shows any interest in Paul, or even in his skills.
- Dawn admired Paul when he easily captured an Ursaring, although he didn't return her sentiments.
- When Paul stared at Dawn after she stopped the argument, she worriedly asked what's wrong.
- Dawn tried to stop the argument between Paul and Ash. However, she became very furious about the fact that Paul didn't remember her at all.
- When Paul stands up to leave during Ash's battle Dawn is the first to notice it.
- When Paul leaves the town with Gliscor, Dawn just slightly smiles after him.
- Dawn steps in while Ash and Paul are arguing, continuing in Ash's place.
- As the episode closes, Dawn is seen standing separately from the rest of the group, gazing after Paul as he leaves; in some IkariShippers' opinions, this is a slightly infatuated look in her eyes.
- Dawn comments several times on Paul's actions showing that she isn't indifferent to him. She also seems annoyed by his cold attitute towards her and her friends as she says "Man, what's his problem?" and "What's wrong with you Paul?" when he leaves ignoring them.
- When Zoey points her finger menacingly at Paul, Dawn holds her back to stop the upcoming argument. As Paul leaves, Zoey says she hopes Candice will defeat him with Dawn having a very worried look on her face.
- When Paul is talking to his brother, Dawn is seen eavesdropping. When Paul discovers her, she follows him outside and they start talking. Paul appears to be opening up to Dawn and tells her why he doesn't like Ash. Later when Ash and the others appear, Dawn stands quietly beside Paul, but then quickly runs over to Ash's side and gives Paul a smile and slightly blushes. It seems like she understands Paul now, and later she says she doesn't know who to cheer for.
Paul's hints
- Ash and Brock demand to watch him battle, Paul answers in an aggravated tone. However, when Dawn admits that she wants to watch him battle, Paul glances over her while saying: "I couldn't care less." IkariShippers believe that he doesn't mind if she's around.
- Paul met Dawn when she was separated from her friends. He seemed annoyed when he saw her, as Ash and Brock were not far behind. He talked to her calmly as if he didn't very much mind she was there, though he seemed mad about Ash and Brock looking for Dawn and the others (some IkariShippers interpret the look as jealously). Also, when Brock asked him where Dawn and Ash were, Paul said he hasn't seen them. However, he had seen Dawn the moment Brock appeared.
- In this episode, Paul and Ash argue a lot about Paul's Chimchar. When Dawn makes a point, Paul responds calmly. He smirks slightly at her before talking.
- He states, while looking intensely at Dawn; "When two people meet, something is born." This is likely a reference to the poem found at the bottom of the Solaceon Ruins, or, as some IkariShippers believe, a hint.
- When Chimchar is too scared to attack Ursaring, Ash and his Pokémon are yelling to do its best. When Dawn does the same thing, Paul looks irritated; some IkariShippers again interpret the expression as jealousy.
- When Paul discovers Dawn eavesdropping, he doesn't seem to be annoyed about it. She follows him outside and they start talking. Paul opens up to Dawn a bit more by confessing about his main problem with Ash.
Similarities
- Their hometowns are located near a lake: Twinleaf Town to Lake Verity and Veilstone City to Lake Valor.
- Coincidently, Lake Verity's Japanese name is Shinji.
- Both of them acquired their starter Pokémon in Sinnoh, yet it is unknown if Paul got his starter from Professor Rowan like Dawn did. This is because in When Pokémon Worlds Collide!, Professor Rowan did not recognize Paul.
Alternate names
Despite the fact that the most people call the relationship between Paul and Dawn IkariShipping, it's known by a variety of names. A few are detailed below.
- ShinHika (alternatively SinHika) - The original (Japanese) term for the ship, using the standard Japanese naming method of combining parts from each characters name, starting with the dominant character.
- PADL - Standing for Paul And Dawn Love.
- Pawn - A combination of the English names Paul and Dawn.
