Atlus is mainly known for one thing: great JRPGs. And for all the success it’s found in its main Megami Tensei series, as well as other endeavors such as Catherine and Dragon’s Crown, nothing epitomizes Atlus’ style quite like the Persona series. Originally a Megami Tensei spin-off, it quickly developed a passionate fanbase all its own.
Much of what made the series different from other Megami Tensei entries was the social link feature, allowing players to find out more about each character and develop a unique bond with each one, making each player’s experience feel tailor-made.
Persona 5 continues this tradition, making its Social Links (now called Confidants) some of the most interesting and compelling parts of the game. The best part: you can choose any of 9 female confidants to be your in-game waifu. And if cute anime ladies are your thing, this guide might just help you find the right one for you.
9. Chihaya Mifune
The spiritual, sensual Chihaya
Bio: If you’re into the mysterious type, this might be your girl. She’s mysterious, blessed with great power, and her aesthetic is very unique when compared to your other romance options. Throughout your time knowing her, you can learn a bit about how she became a fortune teller, and how that corelates to her somehow tragic belief in fate.
Girlfriend Material?: I’m afraid not. Your bond with Chihaya starts off with her scamming you out of ¥100,000 so there’s that. After that you get to witness how her belief in an unchangeable fate has negatively affected not just herself, but others as well. This belief forces her customers to give up hope is something she’s undoubtably done countless times and that just can’t be forgiven. And to top it all off, she just seems weak and totally dependent on you in order to retain any sense of hope or ambition.
Waifu Score: 37/100
8. Haru Okumura
The wild, wonderful Haru
Bio: The next head of Okumura Foods is not to be taken lightly. She shows immense courage as soon as she’s introduced and never lets up in her tenure as a Phantom Thief. You’d hardly know that in reality, she’s a shy high schooler who has a lot of trouble standing up to authority. Haru doesn’t have a bad bone in her body, making her the purest, most kind-hearted character you’ll be introduced to in the whole story. On top of all that, her little poodle mane never fails to charm, especially when coupled with her Wild West-inspired attire.
Girlfriend Material: Depends on how you feel about repetition. Some people might like knowing what to expect out of their significant other, taking comfort in the fact that upon returning home a pleasant ritual will always be repeated. That ain’t my cup of tea though, so Haru gets kind of a low spot on my list. Despite her Phantom Thief alter ego being one of the most compelling, the real Haru is just too insecure and unassertive to warrant any real admiration. Every conversation just feels like she’s fishing for compliments and other forms of outside approval. She’s a sweet girl and a great friend, but spending some alone time with her just doesn’t sound very rewarding.
Waifu Score: 48/100
7. Ichiko Ohya
The bold, booze-busting Ohya
Bio: Ohya is a mischievous, sharp, and insistent journalist you meet fairly early in the game. She has a strong, assertive personality which most likely comes from the hands-on approach she takes when it comes to investigating for the sake of her profession. She may also have a bit of an alcohol problem...
Girlfriend Material?: One of the biggest compliments one can give Persona 5 is that all its characters have interesting stories that make you genuinely care about them. Well...most of them, at least. Now don’t get me wrong, Ohya fans (all two of you); that’s not to say there’s no redeeming factors to her personality. She’s got brains, she’s dedicated, and you do end up learning that she’s an honorable reporter who is truly passionate about what she does. And unlike Chihaya, she’s incredibly strong and independent. However, her low self-esteem, lack of any kind of arc, and the general grossness of her drinking habits make her a bit forgettable despite her caring soul. I don’t hate Ohya, I just don’t have a special place in my heart for her.
Waifu Score: 50/100
6. Sadayo Kawakami
The darling, dependable Kawakami
Bio: One of the first faces you see when first entering Shujin Academy, Kawakami gives an immediate impression that she has more in store for you than is first let on. She’s one of the first people in your new school that actually treats you like you’re human. This is actually one of her defining traits: her dedication to her students and the constant need to help others. She’s also a hard worker, a gentle soul, and a dependable friend.
Girlfriend Material?: This is where things really start to get good. From this point on, each and every girl mention is an absolute pleasure to be around. Kawakami shows a bit of a dark side as soon as you unlock her confidant with her. She’s also clearly been through a lot, which would explain her reluctance to accept help from others. But more importantly, she shows that she has a heart of gold. As you learn more about her, you can’t help but admire all that Kawakami has done at the expense of her own well-being. On top of all that, she’s also a maid and a teacher, checking off two common fantasies in one fell swoop.
Waifu Score: 81/100
5: Hifumi Togo
The brilliant, beautiful Hifumi
Bio: A strategic genius, master shogi player, and big dreamer. Hifumi Togo has gained fame as a Shogi prodigy, but that’s taken her toll on her as well. Those instantly captivating looks play a role in her character development as well, as she struggles to keep the public from making her out to be some sort of teen idol instead of a passionate student of the game. Hifumi is a very layered character, letting slivers of her excitement and confidence slip through her shy demeanor while doing what she loves. Hifumi is a total package that has managed to stay pleasantly down-to-earth.
Girlfriend Material?: Had Hifumi’s story been a little less straightforward she would definitely be higher on the list. But nonetheless, Ms. Togo stands out as a character who is instantly likeable and remains that way through and through. Each quirk or event that seems just a bit out of character at first eventually makes perfect sense in the grand scheme of Hifumi Togo’s secretly intense personality. That willingness to let her true self show around you truly makes it feel like you both share a special bond.
Waifu Score: 83/100
4. Futaba Sakura
The awkward yet attractive Futaba
Bio: Futaba is the embodiment of modern intelligence. A bit on the mad scientist side of things, Futaba is introduced as a total hermit whose loneliness has led to an overdeveloped intellect as well as hilariously undeveloped social skills. She has a strong sense of justice right from the get-go and just needs your help to feel confident using it. Futaba has been through more than any young girl should, and her resilience in using these events as fuel to thrust herself forward indicates a maturity that beautifully contrasts her more child-like tendencies.
Girlfriend Material?: Most definitely. As you level up your Confidant Rank with Futaba, you get to learn more about the origins of her shyness. You also help her overcome her social ineptitude as she strives for greater things, eventually breaking through her anxiety to help an old friend and go back to school. Everything about Futaba is really quite charming, and her story is engaging and meaningful, especially in the way you see her progress slowly to where she envisioned herself being. I place Futaba below my next three picks only because I personally get a strong little sister vibe from her and don’t much feel that great about romancing her. But for those of you who don’t feel the same way...she’s a catch!
Waifu Score: 85/100
3. Tae Takemi
The strange, sexy Takemi
Bio: Tae Takemi is your neighborhood doctor, one of the main people you’ll be visiting throughout your time as a Phantom Thief. Her personality is hinted at through her looks: she’s always cool and collected, with an enticing dark side to boot. But don’t let that mislead you. Tae Takemi is one who almost single-mindedly works towards the well-being of others. This doesn’t always come across as she refuses to take credit for her actions, and she’d much rather just make a joke or act like she doesn’t really care. As you get to know her, though, you see these actions come from a place of humility and concern for others. She’d rather let her reputation take a hit than have people depend on her when she herself thinks she’s not trustworthy. You’ll find a lot to love when it comes to Tae Takemi.
Girlfriend Material?: I’m sure at this point you saw this coming but...yes! Absolutely! Takemi is definitely one of the most physically attractive characters in the game. She owns her sexuality and is confident enough to show it in a way that may even be menacing to some others. Inside, though, lies one of the most complex, intelligent, forward thinking, and beautiful fictional women you will ever get to meet. Her sexy doctor/”goth GF” aesthetic is just the cherry on top.
Waifu Score: 91/100
2. Ann Takamaki
The flirty, fun Ann
Bio: Even for those of us who don’t usually like blondes, Ann is something special. She’s introduced very early in the game and becomes one of the founding members of the Phantom Thieves. Ann has quite possibly the most powerful sexuality in the game, playing a part in every bit of her character. Be it her job as a model in the real world, her costume while in the meta-verse, or even her Persona, every bit of Ann is surrounded by a hypnotic feminine aura. But that’s not to say that’s all she has going for her. Ann also proves to be one of the most loyal and fun-loving friends you will ever meet. She’s full of quirks and awkward personality traits that make her feel more human despite an appearance that could tell you otherwise. Her dreams don’t simply consist of being attractive and moving up the ladder that way. She wants to find the strength to be confident in all aspects of herself, be they internal or external. Ann is unarguably beautiful both inside and out.
Girlfriend Material?: Spending time with Ann just never gets old. Despite her looks, as well as an unfounded reputation as an airhead, there is much more to her than meets the eye. Ann is funny, ambitious, independent, and a little bit crazy. The best part is that none of these traits really feel tacked on or generic. Every interaction with Ann feels genuinely human and meaningful, and that sensation doesn’t fade as you level up your confidant. She changes right before your very eyes; having the confidence she’s gained as a Phantom Thief find its way does take a little while, but that just makes the result of your collective efforts that much more satisfying. When it comes to Ann, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more fitting partner for your protagonist.
Waifu Score: 96/100
1. Makoto Niijima
The winning waifu, Makoto
Bio: The head of the student council definitely earns your respect. Makoto’s defining trait is, without a doubt, her strong sense of justice. Very early on she finds the will to stand up for herself and never stops using it throughout your journey. Physically, Makoto is actually more regular-looking than the other girls, which is exactly what makes her so charming. She doesn’t have a unique hairstyle, plump lips, or an insanely curvy body. She’s a real girl who wins you over with her heart, brains, and determination. That comes through in how she’s presented, too. Her red eyes let you know there’s a burning passion with which she approaches the obstacles laid before her, her stance is always straight and open which hints at a willingness to tackle things head on, and her short hair indicates a refined confidence in herself that no one can possibly take away from her. Put that all together and it’s pretty hard to look away.
Girlfriend Material?: Nah dude, enough of that, Makoto is bonafide waifu material! There is a sense with all other girls on this list that they are there for you to help grow into stronger women. This isn’t the case with Makoto. With her, it feels more like she’s already grown into the woman she desires to be. Where your unity with the other girls sees the two of you become whole, your unity with Makoto sees both of you become more. Makoto’s story also presents a situation that differs from all others in that she doesn’t need saving from special circumstances, she just wants your help saving someone else. So despite Makoto’s insanely cute looks, brains, and dependability, nothing quite sets her apart like the fact that she’s ready to face the world on her own. If you’re lucky enough, though, you might face it together.
Waifu Score: 100/100
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