Persona 5 Royal, developed by Atlus, is a critically acclaimed Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) that explores themes of justice, societal corruption, inequality, and the struggle for personal and collective freedom. The game is set in Tokyo and follows a group of high school students, the Phantom Thieves, who use supernatural powers to alter the hearts of corrupt individuals. These individuals, known as “Palace Rulers,” are often figures of authority or influence who exploit their positions for personal gain. While Persona 5 Royal is set in Japan, its exploration of societal issues resonates with similar problems in the United States, particularly in relation to corruption, inequality, and the mental health challenges faced by marginalized groups.
This article will examine the key social issues addressed in Persona 5 Royal and compare them to those facing contemporary society in the United States. We will discuss the themes of corruption, class inequality, political influence, mental health struggles, and the societal pressure to conform, all of which are central to both the game’s narrative and the ongoing debates in the U.S.
1. Corruption and Abuse of Power
One of the central themes in Persona 5 Royal is the abuse of power by individuals in positions of authority. The game’s protagonists, the Phantom Thieves, confront corrupt figures in society who misuse their power for personal gain, often at the expense of vulnerable people. These corrupt figures, known as “Palace Rulers,” each control a “Palace,” a distorted version of their desires. The Phantom Thieves enter these Palaces to change the hearts of these rulers, forcing them to confront their actions and atone for their misdeeds.
One of the earliest and most glaring examples of corruption is Kamoshida, a teacher at Shujin Academy, whose Palace is based on his distorted sense of self-importance and dominance over others. Kamoshida abuses his students physically, emotionally, and sexually, using his position as a teacher to manipulate and control those around him. His abuse of power leads to the suicide attempt of Shiho, a student who is pushed to her breaking point by his actions. Kamoshida’s abuse of power is not only a personal issue but also a larger commentary on how institutions—be it schools or workplaces—can harbor corruption that damages those they are meant to protect.
In the United States, the issue of power abuse, particularly in institutions like schools, law enforcement, and politics, is a persistent problem. The #MeToo movement, which uncovered widespread sexual harassment in industries such as entertainment, politics, and the corporate world, illustrates how powerful individuals have used their positions to exploit vulnerable people. Additionally, systemic issues in law enforcement, such as police brutality and racial profiling, reflect the abuse of power in American society, especially within marginalized communities. The parallels between Kamoshida’s exploitation of his students and real-world cases of abuse of power in the U.S. underscore the importance of holding authority figures accountable.
Similarly, the character of Okumura, a businessman who runs a fast-food empire, represents another form of corruption. Okumura exploits his workers, treating them as disposable commodities to maximize profit. His distorted views on business and labor echo criticisms of modern capitalism, where corporations prioritize profits over people’s well-being. This is a direct commentary on the growing issue of income inequality and the exploitation of workers in the United States, especially in industries like fast food, retail, and manufacturing, where workers are often underpaid and overworked. Persona 5 Royal critiques a system that rewards greed while disregarding the basic rights and dignity of workers, a reality that mirrors the growing divide between corporate executives and low-wage workers in the U.S.
2. Social Inequality and Class Struggle
The issue of social inequality is another prominent theme in Persona 5 Royal. The game explores how society is divided into different classes, and how the wealthy and powerful often exploit the less fortunate. Throughout the game, the Phantom Thieves confront figures who embody this systemic inequality, particularly through characters like Madarame, a corrupt artist who steals from his students, and Okumura, whose corporation treats employees poorly. These characters represent the societal elite who accumulate wealth and power at the expense of others.
In the U.S., the issue of wealth inequality has reached alarming levels in recent decades. According to the U.S. Federal Reserve, the top 1% of Americans control nearly 40% of the nation’s wealth, while the bottom 90% hold less than a quarter of the total wealth. This economic divide has led to significant social and political tensions, as many Americans feel disenfranchised and powerless in the face of a system that benefits the wealthy elite. The growing wealth gap is often exacerbated by the political influence of corporations and the wealthy, who can manipulate policy to protect their interests, further entrenching the power of the rich while leaving the working class behind.
In Persona 5 Royal, the Phantom Thieves aims to address this inequality by challenging the system that allows such corruption to persist. The game’s portrayal of the social divide is especially evident in the contrast between the rich, such as the corrupt businessmen and politicians, and the poor, represented by characters like Futaba, a socially isolated genius living in poverty. Futaba’s story highlights how individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds can be trapped by their circumstances, struggling to break free from societal expectations and economic constraints. This is a reflection of the struggles many Americans face when attempting to climb the social ladder in an increasingly stratified society.
The game also critiques the idea of “fake justice,” as embodied by characters like Shido, a politician who manipulates the public for personal gain. Shido’s Palace represents the ultimate form of political corruption, where power is wielded solely to serve the interests of the elite and the needs of the public are ignored. This mirrors concerns in the U.S. about the influence of money in politics, particularly after the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision in 2010, which allowed for unlimited political donations from corporations and unions. This ruling has led to an era of political lobbying and corporate influence, where the voices of ordinary citizens are drowned out by the financial power of the wealthy.
3. Political Corruption and Corporate Influence
Political corruption and corporate influence are key issues in Persona 5 Royal, and the game portrays these problems in exaggerated but realistic terms. One of the most prominent figures representing this corruption is Shido, a politician whose Palace reveals his insatiable thirst for power and control. Shido’s manipulation of public opinion, his framing of innocent people, and his corrupt dealings highlight the dangers of unchecked political power. His Palace symbolizes a distorted political system where truth is irrelevant, and power is maintained through deceit and manipulation.
The parallels between Shido’s corruption and real-world political scandals in the U.S. are striking. From the manipulation of electoral processes to the role of lobbying and corporate donations in shaping policy, Persona 5 Royal critiques a political system that prioritizes the interests of the powerful over the needs of the people. For example, the influence of corporate money in U.S. elections, through Super PACs and lobbying groups, has led to concerns about the integrity of democratic processes. Political corruption scandals, such as those involving figures like former President Richard Nixon and, more recently, figures involved in the 2016 election interference investigation, have eroded public trust in political institutions.
Additionally, the game highlights how corporate power intersects with political influence. The character of Okumura, who owns a fast-food empire, symbolizes the dangers of unchecked corporate greed. His Palace reflects the exploitation of workers and the manipulation of the public for profit. This theme resonates with concerns in the U.S. about the growing influence of corporations in politics and society. Corporations wield significant power over legislation, particularly in areas like healthcare, labor rights, and environmental regulation. The revolving door between government positions and corporate lobbying further blurs the line between political and corporate power.
4. Mental Health and Societal Expectations
Persona 5 Royal also delves into the impact of societal pressure on mental health, particularly through its portrayal of characters who are struggling with various forms of psychological distress. Futaba, for example, experiences severe social anxiety and depression as a result of the trauma she endured after her mother’s death. Her isolation and the societal pressures to conform to expectations weigh heavily on her, making it difficult for her to trust others and function in a typical social setting.
Futaba’s story is a poignant reflection of the mental health struggles that many individuals face in society, particularly in the United States. The stigma surrounding mental health, coupled with the pressure to succeed academically, professionally, and socially, can be overwhelming for many young people. The increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders, particularly among teenagers and young adults, underscore the need for greater awareness and support for mental health in the U.S. In 2020, the American Psychological Association reported a rise in mental health issues among teenagers, exacerbated by the pressures of social media, academic expectations, and the uncertainty caused by events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, Persona 5 Royal critiques the societal pressures that force individuals to conform to rigid standards of success and behavior. Characters like Ann Takamaki, who struggles with her identity as a “pretty face,” and Ryuji Sakamoto, who is constantly judged for his troubled past, illustrate how societal expectations can stifle personal growth and self-expression. These themes resonate with the struggles faced by marginalized communities in the U.S., where systemic racism, sexism, and classism create additional layers of pressure and discrimination.
Persona 5 Royal offers a complex and multifaceted exploration of social issues, many of which are strikingly relevant to contemporary society in the United States. Through its portrayal of corruption, social inequality, political manipulation, mental health struggles, and the pressure to conform, the game encourages players to question the systems that govern their lives and the impact these systems have on their well-being. The game’s critique of societal corruption, both at the individual and systemic levels, serves as a powerful reminder of the need for change in a world where the voices of the marginalized are often ignored or silenced.
The parallels between the issues addressed in Persona 5 Royal and real-world problems in the U.S. are clear, and the game provides a valuable lens through which to examine the ongoing struggles for justice, equality, and mental health awareness. As the Phantom Thieves fight for a better world, their journey serves as an invitation for players to reflect on their own world and the actions they can take to confront the injustices that persist in their society.
Sources:
- Persona 5 Royal (Atlus, 2020).
- U.S. Federal Reserve, “Distribution of Wealth in the U.S.” 2021.
- American Psychological Association, “Stress in America: The State of Our Nation,” 2020.
- “Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission,” Supreme Court Case, 2010.