Appearance
Rin is a short, beautiful young woman with a slim build, medium-length black hair dyed cyan at the ends that reaches her neck, and bangs framing the left side of her face. She has large cyan eyes and sharp eyebrows, usually wearing a serious, unfazed expression. Before her promotion to Platoon Leader, her hair was entirely black. In combat, she wears the standard Defense Force uniform.
Personality
Rin is a serious and calm woman who follows Captain Gen Narumi’s orders without question, though she occasionally lets her guard down. She respects bravery and correctness, often finding enjoyment in her duties, but her rigid and courageous demeanor sometimes masks deep emotions of joy and excitement. Rin takes great pride in her appearance, believing herself very beautiful, and this self-assurance fuels her confidence. She harbors a strong admiration for Gen Narumi’s strength, a feeling that has driven her to become both stronger and more impressive over the years, cherishing the memory of her promotion to Platoon Leader while continually striving to prove her worth and follow his example. Despite her professionalism, Rin has a rivalry with Third Division Platoon Leader Tae Nakanoshima, and her hidden loyalty and closeness to her division push her to fight with her life on the line to fulfill her duty.
Plot
Kaiju Weapon Arc
Rin took action with the rest of the First Division in Shinagawa when an Ant-type kaiju emerged from the ground. Following Captain Narumi's orders to support Kikoru Shinomiya, Rin was twice saved by Kikoru due to her own distraction. Irritated by Kikoru’s skills, Rin approached her and declared that they would “get along just fine.” After the mission, Rin was present at Director General Isao Shinomiya’s funeral. Following these events, she continued training with Kikoru to help her surpass Rin and further improve her skills.
Cataclysms Arc
During the new No. 9-induced cataclysms, Rin and the rest of the First Division were deployed to respond. Her platoon was sent to Oizumi, where they faced six Supergiant-class Kaiju. Kafka Hibino requested permission to engage the giant monsters, but Rin refused, concerned that Kaiju No. 9 might target Kafka following his transformation. She and Kafka then witnessed Third Division Captain Mina Ashiro eliminate two Daikaiju while firing her new Anti-Giant-Class Kaiju Rail Gun from Tachikawa.
The Second Wave Arc
After Kaiju No. 13 appeared in Oizumi, Rin and Tachibana engaged it. Despite their efforts, Rin watched helplessly as No. 13 overpowered most of the First Division and lifted Tachibana by the throat. In a final attempt, she ordered Tachibana to fire rapidly while she attacked with her machine gun, but the kaiju’s immense resistance rendered their efforts ineffective, and Rin was struck, destroying her weapon. Undeterred, she continued fighting using a freezing bomb and rifle, hoping Narumi would arrive, only for No. 13 to strike her down again. Accepting that her goal was simply to follow Narumi’s path, she was about to be finished when Kafka Hibino intervened, transforming to face No. 13. As the kaiju powered up, reaching a Fortitude level of 9.2, Rin urged Kafka to escape, witnessing firsthand the overwhelming might of Kaiju No. 8 as he sent No. 13 flying with a single punch.
Trivia
Rin enjoys shopping, extremely spicy gourmet food, and challenges, and she is drawn to unafraid and strong individuals like Kikoru, as people often find her intimidating. Like other Platoon Leaders in the First Division, she dyed her hair as a sign of respect for Captain Gen Narumi's strength.
Images
Character Images
Anime
Manga
Equipment
Combat Suit
Rin wears the standard Defense Force combat suit on the battlefield.
Respirator Mask
She uses a respirator mask in combat.
Rifle
After her machine gun was destroyed, Rin switches to a standard rifle, which she also used as an officer.
Gas Mask (formerly)
As a regular officer, Rin wore a full-face gas mask, which she discarded upon promotion.
Machine Gun (formerly)
Rin previously carried a large machine gun capable of defeating multiple kaiju, but it was destroyed by Kaiju No. 13.
Battles
Fighters
Opponents
Name Origin
Rin's first name contains the hiragana for 'phosphorus,' while her surname, Shinonome, literally means 'daybreak' or 'dawn.'