Makoto Niijima

Lore & Background

Makoto was designed by Shigenori Soejima, with director Katsura Hashino describing her as a "juvenile academic" who initially had "no place where they belong in society." Her Personas, Johanna and Anat, are based on Pope Joan and the Semitic goddess Anat. In-game, she is tasked by her principal to uncover the Phantom Thieves' identities in exchange for a university recommendation. When she discovers their true selves—Joker, Ryuji, Ann, and Yusuke—she offers silence in exchange for changing the heart of mafia boss Junya Kaneshiro. After being blackmailed by Kaneshiro, she infiltrates his Palace, defeats his Shadow, and joins the group. Later, her sister Sae is forced to have her heart stolen after Makoto reveals she knew about Sae's Palace but hoped to change it through other means.

In Their Own Story

Makoto's journey shifts from adversary to ally during the Kaneshiro arc. After infiltrating his Palace and forcing a confession, she lies to her principal that the Phantom Thieves were students, rejecting the promised recommendation. The narrative deepens when Goro Akechi blackmails her into stealing her sister Sae's heart. Makoto reveals she knew about Sae's Palace but wanted to change her without violence; instead, she defeats her Shadow, convincing Sae to abandon her view of trials as games to win by any means. Together with the team, they expose Akechi's setup, defeat him and politician Masayoshi Shido, and confront Yaldabaoth. Under Yaldabaoth's influence, Makoto and the group disappear from public consciousness until Joker saves them.

Reader's Guide

Makoto Niijima serves as the strategist for the Phantom Thieves of Hearts within the Metaverse. She joins after infiltrating Junya Kaneshiro's Palace and later aids in confronting her sister Sae's corrupted desires. Her combat style relies on magic, utilizing her Persona Johanna (based on Pope Joan) which evolves to reflect her growth. Voice actress Cherami Leigh describes Makoto as "unconventional," navigating moral grey areas regarding the protagonists. Key plot points include her initial investigation of the Thieves, joining them after Kaneshiro's defeat, and helping trick Akechi to save Shido. She also appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a background character on the Mementos stage, alongside Phantasy Star Online 2 costumes and Call of Duty: Mobile guest appearances.

Did You Know?

• Makoto's Persona, Johanna, is based on the legendary figure Pope Joan.
• She was the second most popular Persona 5 character among fans, trailing only the lead protagonist.
• Director Katsura Hashino described her as a "juvenile academic" who finds belonging through the game's events.
• A prototype Amakuni figurine of Makoto riding Johanna was revealed at Wonder Festival 2017.
• RPGFan named her their favorite supporting character of 2017, praising her balance between being a "motorcycle-riding badass" and a "fastidious student council president."