Makoto, the male protagonist of Persona 3, is known by several distinct names depending on the specific adaptation, with Makoto Yuki being his most widely recognized and canonical name across many appearances.
The Persona 3 protagonist, often referred to as Makoto, does not have a single, universal "real name" that applies across all media. Instead, creators have assigned him different names in various adaptations to suit the particular story or medium.
Here's a breakdown of the names attributed to Makoto in different Persona 3 adaptations:
| Name | Media Adaptation |
|---|---|
| Makoto Yuki | Films and most other official appearances |
| Minato Arisato | Manga adaptation |
| Sakuya Shiomi | The Weird Masquerade (stage play adaptation) |
Makoto Yuki: The Canonical Name
The name Makoto Yuki is widely considered the canonical name for the male protagonist of Persona 3. This is the name he is given in the official animated films and is used in a majority of the game's spin-off appearances and related media. This consistent usage has established Makoto Yuki as the primary identity for the character among fans and in official lore outside the original game, where the protagonist is typically nameless and controlled by the player.
Minato Arisato: The Manga Identity
In the manga adaptation of Persona 3, the protagonist is named Minato Arisato. This distinct name was chosen for the manga series to differentiate the character within that specific narrative context. Manga adaptations often take liberties with character names or backstories to fit the pacing and style of the comic medium.
Sakuya Shiomi: The Stage Play's Persona
For The Weird Masquerade, the stage play adaptation of Persona 3, the male protagonist is given yet another unique name: Sakuya Shiomi. Stage productions often require specific character identities to fully embody the roles for live performances, and this name serves that purpose within the theatrical context. It's worth noting that the female protagonist in Persona 3 Portable and The Weird Masquerade is canonically known as Kotone Shiomi, which shares the surname with Sakuya Shiomi, linking them as siblings in that specific adaptation.
Ultimately, while the original Persona 3 game allows players to choose their own name for the protagonist, the various official adaptations have solidified these specific names for him, with Makoto Yuki being the most prevalent.
