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“ | I don't care./Who cares?/Personal space, please. | „ |
~ Makoto's catchphrase. |
“ | Don't cry now... | „ |
~ Makoto's last words before his death. |
“ | Ten years ago, ever since that accident, I don't think I was really alive. But after coming to this city, and spending time with my friends... That's how, for the first time... I think I was able to start living. | „ |
~ Makoto in Persona 3 The Movie: No. 4, Winter of Rebirth. |
Makoto Yuki is the main protagonist of the 2006 video game Persona 3 (as well as its film tetralogy adaptations, its update re-release Persona 3 FES, and its 2024 remake Persona 3 Reload) and one of the two possible main protagonists (alongside Kotone Shiomi) of the PSP adaptation Persona 3 Portable.
He is a member and field commander of the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (S.E.E.S for short), an organization dedicated to destroying Shadows. He wields the initial persona of Orpheus.
He is voiced by Akira Ishida in the Japanese version and Yuri Lowenthal in the original version and Aleks Le in Reload in the English version.
History[]
Makoto Yuki was born in 1992 & his parents died in 1999.
Appearance[]
Makoto has dark blue hair and a light build. He is shown often with his hands in his pockets (except when holding weapons), leaning slightly back. At school and in Tartarus, he wears the school uniform of Gekkoukan High, accented with a loose black bow tie, a neck-strap mp3 player (NW-S20x series), and clip-on earphones (model ATH-EM700). On weekends off he is shown wearing a light grey double-breasted jacket, dark pants, and a khaki turtleneck sweater, along with his earphones. On summer days off he is shown wearing a blue-and-white t-shirt and jeans. He is never seen without his earphones except when he goes to the beach during summer vacation.
In 10 years before Persona 3 when he was a young boy, he has slightly short dark blue bangs hanging just above his right eye, he wears a navy blue elementary school uniform, a red tie, short black pants, white socks, and navy blue shoes.
In Persona 3 Reload, Makoto now sports a new battlesuit that consists of a clack tactical jacket with grey accents and gold zippers, black gloves, a modified SEES armband with the number 3, and a new belt that not only holds his Evoker, but also ammo called; Thurgy Charges.
Personality[]
Persona 3/Persona 3 Reload[]
As the protagonist of Persona 3, Makoto is a silent protagonist aside from technically speaking in battle in certain instances. While being a silent protagonist, he is very stoic, reserved, and calm gathered by the fact that he remains unmoved when guns are pointed at him. He's shown to be distant as he only observes the conversations of his party members and only speaks when someone directly asks him for his opinion on a matter.
Although silent and distant, he's shown to still cherish others, regardless of the player's choices as he willingly became the Great Seal in order to seal away Nyx and save everyone. He even manages to stay alive for one month after the fight against Nyx through sheer willpower in order to fullfill his promise of meeting with his friends on Graduation Day, and is shown to be smiling peacefully for the first time after having accomplished this goal. Overall, the majority of his personality is based on the player's actions and decisions.
Persona 3 Manga[]
In the manga adaptation, Makoto, (named Arisato Minato), is not too different from his video game counterpart; here he's portrayed as a fairly calm and passive young man who speaks up only when addressed and cherishes his bonds with others. He's also characterized as being drowsy and tired along with having a comically large appetite.
Persona 3 Movie Tetralogy[]
In the Persona 3 films, Makoto is known to be much darker, and sadder compared to his personality from the video games and the manga. Unlike in the games, he suffers from PTSD, for 10 years, he chose to isolate himself and prevents making new friends and connections so he wouldn't have to experience losing loved ones again after the loss of his parents. Not to mention, his responses towards others are really cold.
His line in experiencing The Dark Hour for the first time with someone else: "I don't really care. Is dying really that scary to you?" goes to show how Makoto is calmly, but severely suicidal, and does not seem to be interested in living nor cares about being forgotten. He later regains his happiness after befriending SEES, but unfortunately, after the deaths of Shinjiro Aragaki and Mr. Kirijo, Makoto's worst fears of losing ones that are dear to him are coming back to him.
He hugs Aigis and admits he does not want to do anything with SEES anymore.
The Journey[]
Makoto is first seen departing for the Dorm in Port Island. During that time, he experiences the Dark Hour, and is confused upon the sudden change of the surroundings and the sudden halt of his earphones functioning, though he takes the hour in stride, seemingly unaffected. Upon reaching the dorm, he encounters a child, who promptly gives him a signing contract, giving players the opportunity to name him. The Protagonist transfers to Gekkoukan High School on the next day, and befriends Junpei Iori. His invitation to study as a transfer student is later revealed that due to his capability to adapt to the Dark Hour, he was moved to the co-ed dorm so his potential can be monitored.
During a full moon, one of the Shadows attacks, causing Makoto to awaken his initial Persona, Orpheus. The summoning sequence, however, was halted as Thanatos bursts forth from Orpheus' head, tearing apart Orpheus and slaying the Shadows. After dispatching the remaining Shadows, Makoto fainted and was taken to the Hospital. While unconscious, he awakens in the Velvet Room, where he learns about his abilities. Makoto later learns about the nature of the Shadows and the existence of SEES, and eventually joins SEES. Out of all characters to appear in Persona 3, Makoto is the only character with access to the Wild Card ability.
His past is later revealed after Aigis' memories are restored. In the year 1999, when Death escaped the Kirijo group, Aigis was dispatched and was in hot pursuit of the Shadow. It is during Aigis' confrontation with Death, during the Dark Hour, that Makoto's parents died. Presumably, he survives due to his potential allowing him to be active during the Dark Hour. Aegis, knowing that she cannot defeat Death, seals a portion of Death inside Makoto, thus amplifying his capabilities of summoning multiple Personae.
In SEES' final confrontation with Nyx, the bonds he has forged with SEES and his other friends give him power to fight the sorrow, depression, and apathy of humankind, which were what drew Nyx to Earth, by letting him create The Universe Arcana with the help of Igor. With the power of the The Universe, and the cheering on of his comrades he ascends to Nyx' true body, the moon, to combat Nyx itself in a one-on-one battle. He reaches his full potential and uses the final arcana, The Universe, to perform the Great Seal, creating the miracle of sealing Nyx, but sacrificing his life in the process. .
Makoto clings to life for one month after fighting Nyx, and he, unlike the others, retains his memories regarding the Dark Hour and Nyx, in order to keep the promise he made to meet his friends on Graduation Day. Once his oath is fulfilled, he falls asleep in Aegis' lap, smiling.
The Answer[]
In the playable epilogue of Persona 3:FES, titled "The Answer," it is revealed that Makoto died the day after his sleep, leading to the members of SEES confusion regarding his cause of death, as the doctor cannot find any unusual symptoms before his death.
After the defeat of Nyx and the death of Makoto Yuki, Aigis was the one who kept his Evoker, upon witnessing the Abyss of Time, the remaining members of SEES encounter a recurring silhouette resembling Makoto. However, whenever they come into contact, the silhouette flees.
It is not until venturing to the deepest area of the Abyss of Time, that the silhouette is revealed to be a shadow resembling Makoto. It manifests through the negative emotion and urge of seeing him one more time deep within the members of SEES. Making its entrance, the shadow challenges SEES and copying their personae, retaining the Wild Card ability, and several attacks of the protagonist.
The "real" Makoto is later seen in the past, where he seals Nyx. In order to seal Nyx, he sacrificed his life to become the Great Seal. He was, however, capable of retaining his consciousness long enough to fulfill his oath between the members of SEES to meet again on Graduation Day. Makoto is shown as a statue, crucified and bound to the door between Nyx and humanity. It is later revealed that Makoto's goal was not to seal Nyx, but an attempt of sealing Erebus, a grand being manifested from humanity's grief and negative emotions, from contacting Nyx to bring the Fall. Realizing his purpose, the remaining members of SEES swore to help him bear the burden by making the most out of their own lives. Makoto is briefly mentioned in Persona 4 in a conversation between Yu Narukami and Margaret. Margaret states that her sister, Elizabeth, left her position as Igor's assistant to find a way to free "The Blue-Haired" boy from the seal.
Quotes[]
Persona 3 Manga
“ | Her gun... A gun's better than a knife.. | „ |
~ Arisato Minato pnders about using Yukari's fallen Evoker during the fight against Arcana Magician before Pharos guides him in how to properly use it. |
“ | I will not allow you to kill me. I am not the one who will die here today... You are. | „ |
~ Arisato Minato's thoughts as Thanatos butchered Arcana Magician. |
“ | I just guessed. | „ |
~ Minato regarding how he managed to stop the train which moved out of control due to Arcana Priestess' influence. |
“ | The tide will be coming in soon. | „ |
~ Minato attempts to get Aigis' attention during their first meeting in years at Yakushima beach. |
“ | Regardless of everything, you should continue to believe in him. | „ |
~ Minato assures Yukari that she should continue believe in her father when she learned more about the incident where he was killed. |
Persona 3 Movies
“ | I don't care.../Who cares?/Personal space, please. | „ |
~ Makoto's cold remarks |
“ | Friendly student: Hey there, transfer student! Makoto: Who are you? Friendly student: Come on, don't be like that! I'm Junpei Iori! Nice to meet ya! Makoto: Personal space. Junpei: I transferred here when I was in the eight grade. I know how tough it is being the new kid. So I wanted to say, "Hey." Ain't I nice? Makoto: (becoming more annoyed) Personal space. |
„ |
~ Makoto meeting Junpei for the first time. |
“ | Thug: Hey, speak up. Makoto: That's impressive. You chained your nose to your face so you wouldn't lose it. |
„ |
~ Makoto insulting a thug. |
“ | Aigis: (malfunctioning) Makoto-san! Makoto: Aigis? Didn't you come back to the lab? Aigis: I felt a bad premonition. Where are you going to go now, Makoto-san? Makoto: Does it matter? Aigis: I'll go with you! (malfunctions) I'll go with you. Makoto: Aigis... Aigis: What's most important to me is to be by your side. Makoto: But you'll vanish someday too. I'm sure you will, Aigis. Aigis: (malfunctions, then trips) Makoto: (starts to help her, but then gets stopped by Aigis) Aigis: I will not vanish. Makoto: (gasps) Aigis: I will not leave you by yourself. I'm sure that is the reason I was granted this eternity of time. Makoto: (hugs Aigis) |
„ |
~ Makoto to Aigis about not wanting to do with SEES anymore. |
“ | Pharos: At the end of the day, we're all alone in the world. Makoto: That's not true. Pharos: Why bother getting close to others? It only means you'll be hurt when you lose them. Makoto: That's not true! Pharos: No matter how much you cherish something, once it's gone, that's the end of it. So it's better to not have anything at all. Makoto: No, it's not! Pharos: You don't need anything. Makoto: I do! Pharos: You don't want anything. Makoto: I really do. I'm... TIRED OF RUNNING FROM GETTING CLOSE TO OTHERS!!! |
„ |
~ Makoto proving Pharos wrong that his friends are the most important to him. |
“ | Let's see those cherry blossoms together, okay? | „ |
~ Makoto to Aigis. |
“ | Live. | „ |
~ Makoto's last words before sealing Nyx. |
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- While Makoto never speaks for the most part, only occasionally mentioning the name of the equipped Persona when gearing up for a powerful attack. Arming him with a bow will have him shouting "Come forth!" or "Persona!" when summoning. Even though this variation does not occur in the JP version, equipping him with other weapon types will make him intone differently.
- The music played on Makoto's MP3 player appears to be a remixed version of Burn My Dread. The same remix is also used again as background music in the very last battle of the game.
- In the beginning of the scene Awakening (first Persona summon) one can carefully see that Makoto is wearing the S.E.E.S. armband even though he didn't join S.E.E.S. yet, of course in later parts of the scene the armband doesn't show.
- During the credits roll, for both The Journey and The Answer, Messiah appears behind Makoto's silhouette, indicating Messiah is his ultimate Persona. His actions in the game seem to support this what with becoming a seal for humanity's self-destructive thoughts, (whereas Jesus died for humanity's sins) and his representation in the seal appearing to be crucified. His Christ-like role and use of the Messiah Persona based off of Christ's sacrifice has him dubbed "Emo-Jesus" by the fans, especially as a "true Messiah" against the "Revolver Jesus" false messiah that is Sakaki.
- Makoto holds a distinct honor of being the only protagonist to be capable of wielding multiple weapons (although his default weapon is a One-Handed Sword). However, this was changed for Persona 3 Portable, in which he is only able to wield One-Handed Swords.
- He is also the only character in the series able to use Fusion Raids without another character to assist him. In P3P however, Fusion Raids are now expendable items, and do not require that the specific Persona be around when they are used.
- The headphones are Makoto's trademark and are made by Audio-Technica, model: ATH-EM700 SV.
- His portable music player is modeled after Sony's NW-S20x series of cylindrical Walkman MP3 players.
- Ironically, despite the fact that knives are one of the few weapons he can't wield in the game, a knife is the first weapon Makoto is given to fight with in the manga. He would keep the knife until he finally uses it to deliver a finishing move against Nyx Avatar.
- He is the only character known to use the "The Universe Arcana".
- The Shirt of Chivalry, a type of costume for males in FES and P3P, is noted for the Kanji symbols on their backs that symbolizes the character. The Protagonist's kanji means "honorable man" (漢), being the field leader of SEES and being able to strengthen bonds through Social Links.
- There are some audio files hidden in the DVD disc of Persona 3 FES that contains voices of Makoto and Aigis shouting the names of the other S.E.E.S. members Personas.
- When Makoto hears Jika Net Tanaka, he describes it as an annoying song unlike Yu Narukami, who describes it as a cheery song. This implies that, despite the player's choices, he and Yu have some semblance of a personality. The anime adaptations of both games revealed that Makoto is meant to be stoic and withdrawn as opposed to Yu, who is a more extroverted and charismatic hero.
- In the end of Persona 4 The Animation -the factor of hope- movie, Makoto appeared holding a gun, assumed to be an Evoker. His appearance revealed that Persona 3 will get a movie adaptation, with 4 total movies produced.
- The way Shadow Makoto formed by the regret of SEES members alludes to the Metal Trio from Persona 2: Eternal Punishment manifested in Torifune out of Tatsuya Suou's guilt for breaking the promise with his former friends. While The Metal Trio in P2EP uses the golden version of their own ultimate Personas, in P3FES, Shadow Makoto uses the golden version of the SEES members' ultimate personas.
- He is also mentioned in Persona 4 Arena by Mitsuru Kirijo in her Story Mode as someone who saves the world during the battle with Yu Narukami, by thinking that his battle stance is similar to Makoto's.
- Unlike in original and Reloaded version of the game, Makoto Yuki lasted much longer in manga adaptation as its last panels showed him standing up to greet his friends.
External Links[]
- Makoto Yuki on the Near Pure Good Wiki
- Makoto Yuki on the Megami Tensei Wiki
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Heroes | ||
Shin Megami Tensei: Persona Persona 2 Eternal Punishment Persona 3 Persona 3 Social Links Persona 4 Persona 4 Social Links Persona 4 Arena Persona 4: Dancing All Night Persona 5 Persona 5 Scramble/Strikers Persona 5 Tactica Persona 5 Confidants Persona 5: The Phantom X Velvet Room Attendants Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth |