You’ve just started your second week at Gekkoukan High. You're trying to figure out where the faculty office is, and then there’s this guy. Kenji Tomochika. He’s loud, he’s obsessed with ramen, and he’s convinced that "older women" are the pinnacle of human existence. Most players treat the Kenji Tomochika social link as a tutorial—a necessary hurdle to unlock the Magician Arcana fusions and then move on to cooler characters like Akihiko or Mitsuru. But there’s a lot more going on with Kenji than just a cringey crush on a teacher.
Honestly, he’s one of the most polarizing characters in the Persona franchise. Some people find his delusion hilarious; others find it painful to sit through. If you’re playing Persona 3 Reload, you basically can't miss him. He’s your first real bond. But if you want to max him out without wasting precious after-school days, you’ve gotta know how to handle his ego.
The Magician Arcana: Why Kenji is Your First Priority
Kenji represents the Magician. In tarot, that’s all about initiative, potential, and sometimes, a lack of experience. That fits Kenji perfectly. He’s a guy who thinks he’s a master of romance while actually having zero clue what he’s doing.
Unlocking him is automatic. On April 22, he’ll basically corner you and drag you to Hagakure Ramen. That’s your Rank 1. From there, he’s usually available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. He hangs out in Classroom 2-F. If it's a week before exams, though? Forget it. He’s "studying," or at least pretending to.
The main reason you want to finish this link early is Surt. Maxing Kenji gives you the "Handmade Choker" item. This is the only way to fuse Surt, the ultimate Magician Persona. In Reload, Surt is a magical powerhouse with some of the best fire-based skills in the game. If you’re planning on taking down the tougher bosses in Tartarus, you need that fire damage.
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How to Rank Up Fast (Without Being a Jerk)
You want to bring a Magician Persona. Seriously. Don't show up empty-handed. Having one in your inventory (like Nekomata or Jack-o'-Lantern) gives you a point multiplier that can save you three or four extra hangouts over the course of the game.
Kenji’s dialogue choices are... specific. He doesn't want a "yes man," but he definitely wants someone who supports his delusions.
Rank-by-Rank Cheat Sheet
- Rank 2: When he asks about his preference for older women, go with "I'm into older women, too" or "I like them all!" He loves the validation.
- Rank 3: He’ll complain about life. Pick "What, of life?" and then "Good luck!" * Rank 4: This is where he decides to ask out Ms. Kanou. Just tell him "Good luck!" Don't try to be the voice of reason. It won't work.
- Rank 5: He’s convinced she’s into him because she’s giving him "private lessons." Just say "Okay..." or "I agree." * Rank 6: He passes on hanging out to "study." Choose "I've got plans already."
- Rank 7: Things get weird. He thinks he’s getting married. Pick "What happened?" and then "Congrats!" even though you know it’s a train wreck.
- Rank 8: He’s acting suspicious. Ask "Are you in trouble?" and then suggest "You should talk to her."
- Rank 9: The breakup. Or rather, the realization that there was never a relationship. Tell him "Let me handle this!" to show you've got his back.
- Rank 10: He realizes he was an idiot. Pick "You've got this!" or "Want me to find you a girl?" to finish the bond.
Is Kenji Actually "Delusional"?
There's a massive debate in the Persona community about whether Ms. Kanou was actually leading him on. If you listen to the dialogue in the latter half of the Kenji Tomochika social link, it’s heavily implied he just completely misread the situation. He took "remedial lessons" as "secret dates."
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Some fans argue that Ms. Kanou was being predatory, but the game generally frames it as Kenji’s overactive imagination. In the Persona 3 Portable female protagonist route, the Magician link is Junpei, and the vibe is totally different. Kenji is unique to the male lead, and his story is essentially a "coming of age" tale about a kid who realizes he’s not as mature as he thinks he is.
Avoid the "Reverse" Trap
In the original Persona 3 and FES, Social Links could "Reverse" or even "Break" if you ignored them for too long or picked the wrong dialogue. Persona 3 Reload is much more forgiving. You won't break your bond with Kenji just for being busy, but you can still stall your progress.
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If you see Kenji is "Ready to rank up," go. If he’s not, you might need to spend a "nothing" day with him or use the Dating Site Note at the shared computer in the dorm (available later in the year). This generates points without taking up an afternoon.
Maximizing Your Time
Don't spend every day on Kenji. You've got 21 other links to worry about.
- Prioritize School Links: Characters like Kenji, Mitsuru, and Fuuka are only available when school is in session.
- Save the "Out of School" Links for Holidays: Characters like the Old Couple (Hierophant) or Maiko (Hanged Man) can be done during summer break. Kenji cannot.
- Check the Map: If you see a blue exclamation mark over 2-F, he’s ready. If not, go do something else.
By the time you hit Rank 10, Kenji actually grows up a little. He stops obsessing over teachers and realizes that having a genuine friend (you) is actually more important than a fake romance. Plus, you get Surt. It’s a win-win.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your Persona stock: Ensure you have a Magician Arcana Persona before your next talk with Kenji.
- Focus on the early game: Try to get Kenji to at least Rank 5 before the first set of exams in May to clear room for the Chariot and Strength links.
- Visit the Nurse: If you need Courage to unlock other links, visit Mr. Edogawa in the nurse's office after a Tartarus run for a free boost that doesn't cost time.