For every amazingly well-written and tear-jerking Social Link you get to experience in the Persona series, there is one that falls through the cracks. Whether because the Link lacked an interesting story, the character design was too boring, or even the character themselves left an awful first impression, there are several Social Links and Confidants that you probably never engaged with after the initial meeting. But, that doesn’t mean they should be entirely forgotten.
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Even if their tales weren’t as impactful as some of your teammates, these stories shouldn’t be overlooked in your next playthrough. So, blow the dust off your game discs and boot up New Game Plus, because here are ten Persona Social Links that you probably forgot.
10 Chihaya Mifune
In Persona 5, you’ll find yourself suspicious of many of your Confidants at first, as is the case with Chihaya Mifune, the Fortune Arcana.
When you initially meet her, her fortune-telling skills are a bit strange, and she also scams you a whopping 100,000 yen. And, when confronted about it, she doesn’t return the money, even going so far as to charge you an additional 5,000 yen just to use her services.
This alone would make anyone avoid Shinjuku at all costs. But, if you stick with it, you’ll find that Chihaya is a kind person who wishes for people to rely on their own strength rather than their assumed fortunes.
Oh, and she eventually refunds your money too.
9 Ichiko Ohya
Ichiko Ohya is another character who you would most likely ignore after your first meeting. The Devil Arcana in Persona 5, Ohya is a journalist who is always on the lookout for the latest scoop, but her actions make her look more like a nosy, drunk paparazzo than a qualified journalist.
Ohya is an uncomfortable person to talk to at the start of her Social Link, but once you get to know her, you’ll discover that she’s been through a lot and that her only outlet for her frustrated emotions is drinking.
Ohya’s been knocked down in life but is thanks to the Phantom Thieves that she’s able to get back up and rediscover her passion for uncovering the truth.
8 Hidetoshi Odagiri
In Persona 4 and Persona 5, the Emperor Arcanas were your two teammates Kanji Tatsumi and Yusuke Kitagawa. In Persona 3, this regal role is given to Hidetoshi Odagiri, a strict, rule-abiding student whose part of the Disciplinary Committee.
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Initially, Hidetoshi comes off as overbearing and annoying as he searches for the school’s cigarette user. But as the investigation continues, you get to see Hidetoshi’s growth from a power-hungry authority figure to a more truthful and empathetic person.
By the end of his Social Link, he not only catches the culprit but is able to do so by building trust between himself and the student body.
7 Toranosuke Yoshida
Toranosuke Yoshida is the Sun Arcana from Persona 5 who, like many other Confidants, starts off at a low point in his life. Yoshida was once a powerful politician but had a fall from grace thanks to his lackluster attitude towards his job and an accusation that he embezzled money.
Despite this, Yoshida is unperturbed and wishes to re-enter politics. With the protagonist’s help, Yoshida is able to embrace his past failures and proves to others that he deserves a second chance.
Even after all his mistakes, Yoshida remains optimistic for not only his future but the future of Japan as well.
6 Rio Iwasaki
In the female protagonist’s version of Persona 3 Portable, you’ll find that several of the male protagonist's Social Links have been changed and that the Link's characters have been replaced. This is the case with Rio Iwasaki, the Chariot Arcana for the female's route, and the captain of either the tennis or the volleyball team.
Rio is a hardworking and headstrong player but unfortunately, is seen as overbearing to her classmates. Though Rio’s tale is relatively simple compared to the doom and gloom of the game’s overarching plot, it does serve as a reminder of what the Persona series is: a coming-of-age story.
And by the end of her Social Link, Rio not only becomes a better leader, but a more thoughtful person as well.
5 Ayane Matsunaga
If you’re wondering who this short student is, this is Persona 4’s Sun Arcana. “But wait,” you might ask, “wasn’t the Sun Arcana that tall girl from the theater club?” Well, technically you’re right.
In Persona 4, there are two Sun Arcanas, one being the theater club’s Yumi Ozawa and the other being the Band's trombone player, Ayane Matsunaga. Unfortunately, high school bands are often forgotten about. But Ayane shouldn't be!
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Ayane wants to become a famous musician when she grows up. However, she is often compared to and outshone by another trombone player in the band.
It’s only after getting to know the protagonist that she decides to no longer let her chances to perform slip by. Ayane's story is a reminder that putting yourself first isn’t bad, it’s how you can grow.
4 Naoki Konishi
Saki Konishi is a character from Persona 4 who tragically passes away very early in the game. Although little is known about Saki, her death is what leads to the Investigation Team’s creation, which is why it comes as a surprise when Naoki Konishi, Saki’s younger brother, and the Hanged Man Arcana, is introduced in the month of June.
Initially, Naoki comes across as hostile to the protagonist, but as you get to know him, you’ll find that he’s a confused teenager who is unsure of how to move on or even mourn his sister’s death. But thanks to the protagonist, Naoki is able to properly grieve the loss of Saki.
Naoki’s story is a sad and realistic tale about confronting your feelings after a loved one passes. It's too bad that many players skip his heart-wrenching story.
3 Hisano Kuroda
Death approaches. No, not that death, but the Death Arcana from Persona 4, Hisano Kuroda.
To meet this mysterious old lady, you’ll have to befriend Sayoko Uehara, which can be difficult to do, as Sayoko’s flirty nature can be a bit overwhelming. Then, after you start the Death Social Link, it is difficult to continue meeting Hisano, as her tale of how she met and lost her husband can be a touch too depressing at times.
Yet despite the sadness, there is still the sweetness of life and living in Hisano's story. And after conversing and reflecting with the protagonist, Hisano finds herself ready to move forward and live her life once again.
2 Eri Minami
Does anyone remember Eri Minami, the Temperance Arcana from Persona 4? With all the mystery and murder surrounding the quiet town of Inaba, it’s easy to overlook this Social Link about a stepmother and her stepson.
Eri begins her Social Link lost in a new town and unsure of her life as a new mom. Worse, the rumors and television lies that she's been told prevents her from properly communicating with her new son.
Yet over the course of her Social Link, she is able to bond and reach an understanding with her child. Her story might seem mundane, but it's a reminder of another core element of the series: the importance of building connections.
1 Keisuke Hiraga
Keisuke Hiraga is the Fortune Arcana in Persona 3 and is easily one of the most forgettable faces in the series. Depending on which club the male protagonist decides to join, Keisuke can either be part of the Music Club, the Photography Club, or the Art Club.
Regardless of his after-school activities, Keisuke’s troubles stem from his overbearing father who wants him to become a doctor. Yet when Keisuke tries to forge his own path in the art world, his dad still finds a way to insert himself into Keisuke's life rudely.
Keisuke’s confusion over his wants versus his family’s wants causes him to question himself. It's with the protagonist’s help that Keisuke realizes that he does want to become a doctor, not because of his father but because he genuinely wishes to save people.
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