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At the "The Tenth Mosaic" event on September 22, 2026, director Katsura Hashino, character designer Shigenori Soejima, and composer Shoji Meguro discussed the development of Persona 3, 4, and 5. Hashino revealed that Persona 3 began under extreme pressure, as Atlus faced financial struggles and viewed the project as a potential final attempt to save the series.

To revitalize the brand, the team focused on "death and rebirth" for Persona 3, utilizing a calendar system to simulate the limited nature of youth. Soejima emphasized stylish UI design to appeal to modern sensibilities, while Meguro introduced a "future pop" sound. For Persona 4, released in 2008, the team shifted to a theme of finding "truth" amidst information overload, set within a rural environment.

Persona 5 explored themes of rebellion and independence. Hashino aimed to depict characters breaking free from societal control, while Meguro utilized acid jazz to evoke a sense of sophisticated "pretension" fitting for teenage thieves. The creators noted that Persona's identity is defined by its chaotic, evolving nature rather than rigid adherence to past formulas.

Hashino concluded that the goal of their long-form RPGs is to provide experiences that persist beyond the screen, offering players lasting meaning. He remains committed to refining this approach, ensuring that the time players invest translates into something that supports their real-world lives.

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