Let's talk about Kenji Tomochika. If you’re playing Persona 3 Reload, he’s likely the first real friend you make outside of the SEES dorm. He represents the Magician Arcana, and honestly, he’s kind of a lot. He’s that guy in high school who is convinced he’s way more mature than he actually is because he has a "thing" for older women. Specifically, teachers.
It’s easy to write him off. Most players do. But the Persona 3 Reload Magician social link is actually a pretty fascinating look at teenage delusion and the painful process of growing up. Plus, if you want to fuse the most powerful fire-based Persona in the game, you literally have no choice but to deal with his ramen obsession.
How to Get Started with Kenji
Unlocking Kenji is basically impossible to miss. On April 22nd, he’ll pretty much corner you and invite you to get ramen. This kicks off Rank 1 automatically.
He’s usually hanging out in Classroom 2-F. You can find him there on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Just a heads-up: like most school-based social links, he disappears during the week before exams and throughout school breaks. If you're trying to max everyone out, you need to prioritize him early so he doesn't take up valuable slots when the heavy hitters like Mitsuru or Aigis become available later in the year.
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Making the Right Choices (and Avoiding the Cringe)
To rank up Kenji fast, you need to carry a Magician Arcana Persona (like Nekomata or Jack Frost). It gives you a massive multiplier on the points you earn during dialogue. If you don't have one, you're just wasting days.
Kenji wants an enabler. He doesn’t want a voice of reason—at least not at first. To get the most points, you usually have to lean into his weird fantasies about Ms. Kanou.
Rank 2 to Rank 5: The "Older Woman" Phase
- Rank 2: When he asks about your type, tell him "I'm into older women, too." It’s a lie? Probably. But it gets you those sweet musical notes. Also, tell him "That's a secret" when he asks about Yukari.
- Rank 3: He’ll ask what you're sick of. Say "What, of life?" for a huge +3 boost. When he says he's going to get a girlfriend, tell him "Good luck."
- Rank 4: This is where it gets awkward. He’s going to ask out Ms. Kanou. Tell him "Good luck!" * Rank 5: He’s convinced it worked. Just say "Okay...." or "Is that so?" to keep the momentum going.
Rank 6 to Rank 10: The Reality Check
Eventually, the wheels fall off.
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- Rank 6: He starts blowing you off to "date" the teacher. Tell him "I’ve got plans already" to show him you aren't just waiting around for him.
- Rank 8: Things get dark. He finds out Ms. Kanou is getting married and moving. Don't be a jerk here. Say "Are you in trouble?" and later, "You two should talk it out." * Rank 10: By the end, he realizes he was being a complete idiot. He gives you the Handmade Choker. This is the key item that lets you fuse Surt.
Why Surt is the Real Prize
Maxing out the Persona 3 Reload Magician social link isn't just about helping a classmate through a mid-teen crisis. It’s about Surt.
In the original game, Surt was famous for having the skill Ragnarok, the strongest single-target Fire spell. In Reload, he’s still an absolute beast. If you're heading into the mid-to-late blocks of Tartarus, having a Surt with Fire Amp and Fire Boost makes most encounters a joke. He’s the ultimate reward for sitting through hours of ramen shop talk.
Don't Forget the Gourmet King
One detail people often overlook is that Kenji is the "gatekeeper" for another social link. Once you hit Rank 3 with the Magician, Kenji will mention a "Gourmet King" hanging out at the Iwatodai Strip Mall. This is Nozomi Suemitsu (The Moon Arcana). You literally cannot start the Moon link until Kenji gives you the tip-off.
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Is Kenji Actually a Good Character?
Look, Kenji is polarizing. Some fans hate him because he’s "the creepy teacher guy." Others find him relatable because, honestly, who wasn't a little bit delusional at fifteen?
What makes the Reload version better is the voice acting and the updated visuals. You can really see the "Magician" archetype at play—he has all the potential and energy in the world, but he’s directing it toward something completely unrealistic. Watching him realize that he should just be a kid and hang out with his friends is one of the more grounded arcs in the game.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Playthrough
- Check your stock: Before talking to Kenji, go to the Velvet Room and make sure you have a Magician Persona.
- Timing is everything: Finish Kenji before the end of the summer if possible. The second semester gets crowded with better social links.
- The Nozomi Hook: As soon as you hit Rank 3, go find the Gourmet King at the mall so you can start working on the Moon Arcana during your off-days.
- Prepare for Surt: Start looking at fusion recipes for Surt (usually involves higher-level Magician or Fortune Personas) so you can utilize that Ragnarok damage as soon as you hit the level requirement.