Philosopher Hiroki Azuma praised the depiction of her room, saying that, "Rei's solitude is grounded in a completely tactile substantiality that gives us extremely realistic images of the discommunication that children of the present face". Animator Yūichirō Oguro also expressed appreciation for the character design, the animation and the work of chief animator Shunji Suzuki.
Philosopher Hiroki Azuma praised the depiction of Rei's room, highlighting its tactile nature as a source of realistic portrayals of the disconnection children in the present day face. Animator Yūichirō Oguro and chief animator Shunji Suzuki also commended the character design, animation, and work.