Kazushi Miyamoto is basically the first real friend you make at Gekkoukan High. Right after the game throws you into the deep end with Shadows and the Dark Hour, you're suddenly standing on a track field, and there he is—sweaty, intense, and hyper-focused. The Persona 3 Kazushi social link represents the Chariot Arcana, and while newer fans might find his "shout-and-run" energy a bit much, his story is actually one of the most grounded, painful, and human arcs in the entire game.
It isn't just about running fast. It’s about the crushing weight of expectations and the terrifying realization that your body has limits. If you’re playing Persona 3 Reload or even the classic FES and Portable versions, Kazushi is likely your introduction to how social links actually function.
How to Get the Chariot Social Link Running
Honestly, unlocking Kazushi is simple, but missing him early can throw off your schedule. You can start the Chariot Social Link as early as April 23. You just need to join the track team. Walk down to the first floor of the school, head to the sports clubs area, and talk to the guys there.
Once you're in, Kazushi is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. He hangs out in your classroom or at the practice field. One thing you've gotta remember: he won't be around during exams or most school holidays. If you're trying to max out everyone, you need to prioritize him early because school-based links are the first to get "locked out" during long breaks.
Do You Need a Matching Persona?
Yes. Absolutely. Don't even think about hanging out with him without a Chariot Arcana Persona (like Ara Mitama or Chimera) in your inventory. It gives you a roughly 1.5x multiplier on the points you earn. Without it, you'll end up wasting days "spending time" without ranking up, and in a game where every single day counts, that’s a disaster.
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The Best Dialogue Choices for Kazushi
Kazushi is a "yes man" type of character. He doesn't want to hear that he's being reckless; he wants someone to match his intensity. This is where a lot of players get annoyed. To rank up fast, you often have to encourage his worst impulses. It feels wrong, but that's the "mask" (the Persona) your character wears to build these bonds.
Early Ranks (2-4)
- Rank 2: When he mentions his routine, tell him to "Toughen up!" and call it a "Very special routine." He eats that stuff up.
- Rank 3: He starts complaining about his "anemia" (spoiler: it's not anemia). Ask, "Are you going to be okay?" and "Will it heal?" * Rank 4: This is where the plot thickens. He’s been ditching. When he explains why, just say, "That really sucks."
Mid-to-Late Ranks (5-9)
- Rank 5: He’s struggling to walk. Choosing "Take my shoulder!" is the big winner here. It shows you’re literally supporting his bad decisions.
- Rank 6: He talks about a promise to his nephew. Tell him to "Show some guts, man!" * Rank 7: He’s in denial. Say, "You have to get tougher!" even though his knee is basically a ticking time bomb at this point.
- Rank 8: He asks if you know what's going on. Just stay silent or say you don't know.
- Rank 9: He’s finally being somewhat honest. Tell him, "I don't mind at all" when he talks about being "dead weight."
Why People Hate (and Love) Kazushi’s Story
If you look at Reddit threads or old GameFAQs boards, people have a love-mating relationship with the Persona 3 Kazushi social link. Why? Because it forces you to be a bad friend.
In real life, if your buddy's knee was failing and he was trying to run a national-level race, you'd tell him to go to the hospital. In Persona 3, if you tell Kazushi to go to the hospital, you get zero points. He’ll blow you off. It’s a classic example of the early Persona writing style where "Social Link" sometimes means "enabling" rather than "mentoring."
However, there’s a thematic reason for this. Persona 3 is obsessed with the idea of memento mori—remembering that you will die. Kazushi’s arc is a micro-version of that. He is facing the "death" of his dream. His knee is ruined. He can either go out in a blaze of glory or admit defeat. By the time you reach Rank 10, he finally comes to terms with reality, but the journey there is uncomfortable. It's supposed to be.
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The Nephew Subplot
A lot of people forget about Mamoru, Kazushi's nephew. Kazushi isn't just being a "gym bro" for the sake of it. He promised his nephew, who is also injured and struggling, that he’d win to show him that "you can always make a comeback." It adds a layer of self-sacrifice that makes his stubbornness a little more sympathetic. Sorta.
Unlocking the Strength Social Link
One of the biggest reasons to blast through Kazushi's ranks is to meet Yuko Nishiwaki, the team manager. She is the Strength Social Link, and honestly, her story is often cited as being much better than Kaz's.
To unlock her, you have to walk home with her after track practice. This happens during the Chariot events at Ranks 2 and 3. If you don't ask her to walk home, you can't start her link. Simple as that. Many players treat Kazushi as a "gatekeeper" social link—someone you have to deal with to get to the "good" stuff.
Rewards for Maxing the Chariot
Once you hit Rank 10, Kazushi gives you a Sports Tape. This is a Key Item that allows you to fuse Thor, the ultimate Persona of the Chariot Arcana.
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Thor is a beast. He’s usually one of the best Electric-type Personas in the mid-to-late game, and having him in your roster makes the middle blocks of Tartarus significantly easier. Plus, finishing the link gives you a massive XP boost whenever you fuse any Chariot Persona.
Pro-Tips for Efficient Ranking
If you find yourself stuck and unable to rank up, don't just waste a day hanging out. Use the Shrine at Naganaki Shrine to draw a fortune. This gives you relationship points without spending an afternoon with him.
In the Reload version, you can also use Dating Site Notes from the Shady Dealer in Club Escapade starting in November. This lets you gain points at night so you can save your afternoons for other school friends.
Schedule Management
- Prioritize Yuko first: Since Yuko is only available two days a week, if both she and Kazushi are available, pick her.
- School Holidays: Kazushi disappears during summer break and winter break. If you’re at Rank 9 in July, you’re going to be stuck there for a long time. Finish him early.
- Walks with Koromaru: Occasionally, you can take the dog for a walk and run into Kazushi. This is a great way to get "free" points without using a time slot.
Final Thoughts on the Chariot Arc
Kazushi Miyamoto isn't the deepest character in Persona 3, but his story hits on a very specific type of high school anxiety. The fear that one mistake—one injury—can end everything you’ve worked for. It’s a bit melodramatic, sure, but so is being seventeen.
If you want to wrap this up efficiently, make sure you've got your Chariot Persona ready, agree with his reckless training, and get to Rank 10 before the summer heat hits. Once you’ve got that Sports Tape, you can focus on the more complex characters like Akinari or Aigis.
Your Next Steps:
- Check your inventory for a Chariot Persona (Ara Mitama is the easiest to fuse early).
- Head to the Track Field on a Monday or Tuesday to trigger the next rank.
- If you haven't started Yuko's Link yet, make sure to choose the "Walk home" option during your next session with Kazushi.