The lights are on
We often meet people who change our lives in some profound way. Perhaps they teach us something we didn't know about ourselves, force us to become a better version of ourselves, or maybe they show us what it means to put someone else first. Either way, once these people enter our lives, we're never the same. This is the essence of Junpei and Chidori's relationship in Persona 3, and why it stands as one of the more powerful interactions I've seen in a video game. The moment where this all comes together is Chidori's selfless act, which defines what the relationship truly meant.
Note: Spoilers ahead
The whole relationship is a testament to great pacing. When we first meet Chidori, she's sketching in her artbook when Junpei blocks her view. Without paying him much mind, she tells him to get out of the way. At this point, Junpei is an especially self-centered character. He can't handle anybody taking the spotlight from him and is extremely jealous of others. He often puts up a front like he's a cool guy who has it all together, which couldn't be further from the truth. But something about his interactions with Chidori feel more genuine, like the façade is gone, and we're finally seeing the real Junpei. After a few encounters, the talks turn deeper, despite Chidori's indifference.
One of the turning points is when Chidori asks Junpei what he does to make himself feel alive. Of course, Junpei loves the thrill of his dark-hour heroics and confides in her about his Persona. Little does he know that Chidori is actually working for Strega, a group out to stop Junpei's group SEES. Working for opposing forces would tear most people apart, but Junpei still sticks by Chidori even after she betrays him. When he visits her in the hospital, he brings her a new sketch book and doesn't leave her side. This is the first time we see Junpei show concern and put someone else before himself.
But as in most Persona tales, the journey is never without misfortune, and Chidori's allegiance to Strega pits her against SEES once again. In this moment, Chidori finally breaks down and shares her true feelings for Junpei, feelings she was trying to deny because she didn't want to need someone. The Strega group is displeased and shoots Junpei as he vows to protect her. Without hesitation, Chidori uses her Persona to revive him, but using her power comes with a cost: her life.
Chidori's final words are heartbreaking as she discusses how Junpei opened her up to all these feelings that come with love and attachment. Watching a character like Chidori finally show vulnerability and say her last words to Junpei still sends a chill down my spine. Chidori gave Junpei her life - the ultimate sacrifice- and he acknowledges it by saying, "It's not just my life anymore." She lives on through him and now he needs to make sure her sacrifice isn't in vain.
Chidori's and Junpei's relationship was about more than simply romance, it was about something raw and real: finding somebody worth opening up to, who can understand the pain and joy of life. The way this relationship transforms Junpei is astounding, maturing him into a stand-up man. Junpei's journey with Chidori says so much about the human condition; sometimes it just takes one person to change the way we see the world. For the better.
Check out the scene below with Chidori’s final words to Junpei. Special thanks to Youtube user Zerokoolpsx for capturing it.
Email the author Kimberley Wallace, or follow on Twitter, and Game Informer.
This iteration was my introduction to Persona! Stands to be one of the best gaming narratives I've ever experienced! This was one of the many scenes that took me by surprise. Come on Kim! These articles make me too nostalgic! It's about time to revisit Tartarus...
Okay, that almost made me tear up a little. Almost...
I put about a hundred hours into the main game, not counting the Answer epilogue. I have to say, Junpei is a vastly under appreciated character. Over the course of the game, his character develops in a meaningful way, and I think him lacking a Social Link for the male protagonist is a lost opportunity.
For the first half of the game I didn't like Junpei, but I have to say I liked him a lot more after watching the interactions between him and Chidori. Definitely some of my favorite moments in the game.
On a different note, what's with the spike that looks like it's going right through Chidori's head? I've always wondered about that.
I love the way the Persona worked into the relationship. The moment I learned Chidori's Persona was Medea, I had a feeling the relationship would end badly. Also, it really is a testament to their love that it's what led Junpei to gain his Ultimate Persona.
And on that note, his ultimate Persona, Trismegistus, is a fusion of Hermes (Junpei's inital persona) and Thoth. Which makes me think Trismegistus is a fusion of Hermes and Medea, the context certainly supports that theory. Also, Chidori's Persona heals her when she cuts herself, Trismegistus comes with the skill 'Spring of Life,' which automatically regains HP and is never forgotten. And it's implied in FES if you resurrect her that she lost the ability to use her Persona, further backing up my theory.
This suddenly makes the fact that Trismegistus makes Junpei one of the best party members heartwarming.
Chidori still creeps the hell out of me.
This is one of several moments in the Persona games that has had an emotional impact on me. I have no shame in admitting that a few manly tears were shed.
How funny I started up my P3P ng+ yesterday lol
am also playing P4G but I decided to stop playing for a bit. Don't want to rush through P4G >.>
Great article as always, Kim. You never fail to impress
Another wonderful moment. Great feature Kim! The makes me want to go back and replay Persona 3.
Thanks for reminding me I need to finish that game.
LoL! I just finished the game on wednesday.
I loved alien vs Predator. My local pizza shop had this in the 90s. Spent a lot of money back then. Its like the old school micro transaction system lol.
You know...I normally didn't care too much for Junpei up until the moment when Chidori came into the picture. Pretty much his personality changed to where it came to the lame "Love at First Sight" deal. Yet moving on through the story and looking back. I have to admit....I didn't give Junpei enough credit for how cool he was...if anything some of us could fit in his shoes of being the nerdy loser that tries hard to be cool. I mean really that was what Junpei was. But he never gave up, and he hand friends that did at least stick up for him long with giving him a hard time. heh.