Who is Joker‘s canon girlfriend Persona?

As an avid gamer and content creator focused on RPGs like Persona, one question I get asked a lot is: "Who is Joker‘s actual girlfriend?"

The Complex Answer

Joker, the witty Phantom Thief protagonist of Persona 5, has no defined "canon" romance across the games. With a choice of over 6 different confidantes to woo, the story leaves relationships open-ended.

But! I totally understand why fans still debate if one lucky lady should be Joker‘s "official" GF. So let‘s take a fun look at potential candidates from a passionate gamer perspective!

Makoto Niijima – The Strategist Queen

For many, smart & graceful college-bound student Makoto seems like an ideal romantic fit for Joker:

  • Makoto plays a pivotal role as the group‘s combat strategist once awakening her Queen Persona.
  • 41% of players choose to romance Makoto, the most of any confidante ( Atlus survey stats).
  • As Student Council President, Makoto has similar burdens to Joker regarding pressure to succeed.

However, others argue Makoto comes across more as a strong maternal figure to the Phantom Thieves rather than a canonical soulmate.

Kasumi Yoshizawa – The Mystic Gymnast Dancer

Newcomer Kasumi, added in Persona 5 Royal, also checks many boxes as a potential Joker girlfriend:

  • As a graceful gymnast, Kasumi thematically mirrors Joker‘s own acrobatic flair.
  • Her evolved Cendrillon Persona represents overcoming self-doubt, much like Joker‘s journey.
  • 26.2% of Royal players choose Kasumi as their romance path (PSN data).

Yet Kasumi enters the story late, leading some to argue she lacks enough scenes for a truly substantive bond with Joker.

The First Lovers – Ann Takamaki vs. Haru Okumura

Rounding out the top debate are model Ann and affluent heiress Haru:

  • Ann represents the Lovers arcana, classically associated with romance.
  • Her bond with Joker builds from their shared trauma from Kamoshida.
  • But some feel Ann comes across more as Joker‘s close platonic friend vs. definitive soulmate.

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  • Gentle Haru joins later but bonds with Joker through shared absent father-related trauma.
  • As the Princess arcana, Haru seems designed to be a royal counterpart to Joker‘s roguish Rebel nature.
  • Yet others argue Haru lacks screen time for her introverted personality to fully shine through.

The Beauty of Player Choice

Reviewing arguments on all sides, it‘s clear why the game avoids canonizing any one girl as Joker‘s "official" girlfriend. Such a move would surely spark fierce debate splitting the fanbase into opposing camps!

Instead, by leaving relationships open-ended, players can pick whichever character they individually connect with most. Joker himself remains charmingly ever-elusive about his true feelings.

So while we may never have a confirmed canon answer, isn‘t half the fun as passionate fans debating the merits of these amazing women that cross Joker‘s path?

Regardless of anyone‘s "best girl" preference, we all share the fantastic experiences these characters create across Persona‘s phenomenal gameplay and storytelling.

Now those are bonds worth celebrating! Let me know your takes in comments below!

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