The Psychology of Futaba Sakura (Persona 5 Royal Post-Palace)

As a Master's level counseling student I wanted to analyze Futaba Sakura and her headspace after her palace was destroyed in Persona 5 Royal. Futaba is an incredibly interesting character however I feel as though people tend to only discuss her mental health after the Phantom Thieves stole her cognitions, but now one tends to follow up and look at her mental health afterwards? I'm going to discuss how she's changed since her cognitions were stolen in Persona 5 Royal and struggles she still must as she moves forward in her life. The topics discussed will contain several aspects regarding mental health and it was important to me to do this justice in an informative, sensitive, and entertaining fashion so I hope I accomplished this successfully. This is my very first video in a new series which I'm going to be taking a deep dive into the mindset of characters from gaming and anime.
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[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

If you enjoyed this video and would like to see me analyze another character from Persona 5 Royal or any other games for another character case study I'd love to hear your thoughts! :)

[@fiona1109]

Yeah! A lot of the confidants could be interesting to look at since all of them have some kind of flaw/ past challenges that they have to conquer in their life. Though akechi and kasumi could be intersting.

[@BigTalon256]

I'd love to hear you analyze Ryuji. He seems like he'd be interesting to delve into

[@tahirallita]

Oh could you do Adachi from Persona 4?

[@clarkmilstead9927]

I want to know about Akechi after going through all of the 3rd semester and his big shift.

[@vivi_valkyrie]

Please do Goro! Especially with how much Royal built upon him as well as his relationship with Akira and pushed further with romantic subtext between them.

[@EXstormDragon]

i believe, "Being OK without Joker around" is a long term goal. For someone who gets anxiety attacks when they're out in crowds and up to a certain point was a total shut in, being ok without a key figure by their side in social situations would be an incredible step forward.

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

I can agree with that! :)

[@tombmie]

I did her confidant without romancing and in the final link she actually explores without joker around and for some reason it made me really happy that she was able to take that massive step forward

[@GraveEnd]

@@ThoughtBubbleYT I have anxiety and i tend to overreact and think everyone is judging me

[@kurocomics]

@@tombmie She still does if you romance her

[@lordanimorph]

One I'd really love to see is your analysis of Ryiuji Sakamato as in my oppinion he went through some of the greatest abuse in the game having been not only severely physically abused (Kamoshida broke his freaking leg) but then was socially abused as he was isolated and had his future and his support system ripped out from under him. I really dislike how Atlas keep treating his character like a joke and I'd really like to be sure that my boy is ok.

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

Now that you say it, it would be insanely interesting to get into the head of Ryuji. Hmmmmm. Noted. :)

[@Lunas2525]

I donno Ann is pretty messed up too. I mean before you come along kamoshida is trying to force her to have sex with him. And basically she is at the end of her rope when you lend her an ear she is sitting at a choice break and probably become his toy or resist she resists because you talk it out and lend her just enough to last 1 more day this results in yet another rape session for her friend who was also at the end of her rope and chose to attempt suicide. From his palace we can presume from Shihos injuries he is violent with both sexes i also fully believe he committed full on sexual acts on Shiho. Injury to her knee and black eye and arm injuries.

[@WailingGita]

@@ThoughtBubbleYT I'd honestly be thrilled to see you psychoanalyze every character from Persona 2 to 5. I'm a Music person at heart but Psychology is my behind the scenes love. And this isn't a knock on Futaba or anybody that has it but wouldn't it be an accurate analysis to say that Futaba has aspergers as well? She had a really unique personality even post palace. Keep it up!

[@Lunas2525]

@@ThoughtBubbleYT i donno ryuji seems like he wouldn't be that interesting. Basically he was reliant on his track scholarship and kamoshida broke his knee to the point it would never be the same.

[@josueravena3464]

I agree, people always give him the cold shoulder just because he is the butt of the joke, not to mention how they treated him badly, like the morgana sexual tension in the 5th palace, many people blamed ryuji because of his mouth. I mean his actions saved the thieves from dying in the shido palace only ended up being beaten up, (A sick humor if you ask me)

[@a.z.pantera5577]

I recall, in an interview on Anime Impulse I believe, Erica Lindbeck, Futaba's English VA, mentioned that she was really fascinated with Futaba and approached voicing the character as if she were someone who was on the spectrum. I guess when acting out her quirkier moments, but tried to do so in a tasteful "seen not heard" manner. I also remember some articles with such titles as "How Persona 5 Nails Autism Without Actually Talking About It". After hearing your thoughts, I thought it might be worth mentioning.

[@emmad4308]

Can confirm that they did nail it pretty well, as someone on the spectrum, more specifically a girl on the spectrum. Edit to elaborate autism presents itself differently, hence it takes so long to get diagnosed if you are a girl :/

[@zombiemanar7823]

Emma D same I’m also a person on the spectrum and when I was playing I had a random connection with her. Especially when yusuke messed with the figures.

[@franconunez925]

As someone again, too in the spectrum(low level of aspherger) i have to admit that Futaba 1_ Activated my "must protecc" alarm so fast that even Fox atacked after. 2_ Futaba is in the "I feel uncomfortably identified" folder so i guess they did a good job.

[@thecharmer5981]

I’m not on the spectrum, but I did feel a connection to Futaba when I played persona 5 for the first time. I found her very relatable

[@kaoru9829]

i also felt a really strong connection to futaba when i played p5r! i might be autistic and/or have adhd. I sent my new psychologist the article about futaba and autism and that actually prompted a big discussion about the possibility of me being neurodivergent. we are looking to get an official diagnosis currently :) this isn't the first time that autism has been brought up, but its the first time a professional has actually decided to take action on it. never knew that randomly deciding to grab p4g and p5r would lead me here, but i'm not at all upset lol.

[@marie_eria]

This is mostly just me pouring my heart and soul out for no reason, but I just wanted to say that Futaba is a HUGE comfort character for me. I've always been a shut-in (enabled by my parents unknowingly due to being homeschooled and never making me go out for events or anything), and struggle with social anxiety (its gotten better, tho!) And then I lost my parents, my dad when I was nine and my mother when I was fourteen, which sent me into this huge spiral of depression. I shut myself in even more, barely even eating unless I was reminded to for weeks. And her feeling of her room being a "tomb"...I felt that. Jesus christ, I really really felt that. Especially after my mom died, I was struggling with suicidal ideation and it made it hard to go a day without thinking of my death. (I've recovered a TON now, dont worry! I have a great therapist, and I was taken in by my amazing aunt and I'm finally getting a proper education!!!) It's strange, but I really really see myself in Futaba. Getting past her Palace a week or so ago was oddly incredibly therapeutic, and seeing her overcome her problems and see the truth behind her situation helped me overcome mine as well. I felt like I was a burden to my parents, that I didn't deserve to live, that I should have died instead of them. But, oddly, seeing Futaba's shadow give her that pep talk/scolding session made me realize my own reality as well. I'm not a burden. Never have been. And her goal of "being okay without Joker around" speaks to me as well. I do decent interacting in school, although I speak to the very kind teachers much more than other students. Yet, when I'm outside of school, doing anything alone makes me so nervous that it's hard to function. My family is my Joker, essentially, and I can't function properly without them with me. Yesterday, all I did was go up the lawn to check if a package had arrived, but for some reason doing it alone made me so scared that I sprinted right back inside afterwards. I'm sure someday I'll finish my promise list, too. Being okay alone, even if just for a second. Anyways, I would die for Futaba Sakura. Thanks for coming to my ted talk.

[@astralguardian5930]

Might not be much as you but I feel a sense of similarity to her as well. I remember I definitely used to be a bit social and I don't mind some crowds, but I just have this general "distrust" in new people I meet, and more often then not just remain rather cold with em. So to most I can be seen as quiet or maybe even shy, but when I am around people I have gotten more used to or trust I tend to get a bit or even a lot more vocal and communicative. To the point where if you saw me just in that state you would think I'm an extrovert, but put me in a crowd of "strangers" and I tend to go rather quiet or unfocused. Basically going a lot more introverted. Basically, I understand how troublesome it can be to meet new people and trust em. But don't let that be an excuse, as once you do get past the first hurdle and get to know some people you can start to feel a lot more natural and open with yourself.

[@leonardomasi5974]

It's ironic that she's the one that should get help from Maruki the most and she doesn't even get to talk to him

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

I was thinking this too! I wish we did see a genuine counseling session between him and Futaba somehow!

[@clarinethro1695]

She does talk to him. One day, I think during the Hawaii trip, Maruki visits LeBlanc. He mentions to Sojiro that he studied cognitive psience and Sojiro gets all mad, but Futaba interjects and starts talking to him

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

@@clarinethro1695 Yeah, but it would have been nice to see more of like a counseling conversation like with the others as opposed to just a brief little chat. :)

[@vynonyoutube1418]

@@ThoughtBubbleYT tbh Maruki was doing his job at Shujin, and Futaba's pretty much the only human party member that doesn't go to a high school (Yusuke goes at Kosei and Morgana doesn't count for obvious reasons).

[@Phikinnie]

@@vynonyoutube1418 in the wise words of pq joker, Morgana is a meow meow

[@ridleyroid9060]

A goro phobia? She didnt seem that afraid of Akechi. I'll see myself out.. Although id rather stay inside atm if thats ok.

[@franconunez925]

Futaba almost having a anxiety atack going out: Ok, i'm fine, gimme a moment and i think i can hold this, also some food could help. Akechi: Did someone say deli- Futaba: *screaming in anxiety atack*

[@Faeree]

Let's not forget *He killed her mom* lol

[@precious_muse]

The Japanese word used to describe Futaba’s condition, if you listen to the original Japanese voices when Sojiro first calls her a “shut-in” is “hikikomori,” which refers to a real subculture in Japan of people who do not leave their house due to social anxiety. Perhaps more research into that condition could help. I believed the first time I played the original game that Futaba and Wakaba were both probably somewhere on the autism spectrum. Futaba has obvious social anxiety, yes, but she also has an excellent memory yet somehow does not know the difference between strawberries and ketchup, which agoraphobia and social anxiety does not explain. Though I have to admit, I’m not so sure about that after finishing Royal. What bothered me when I first played the game was the reaction of the other characters to her behavior. It struck me that they were in a rush to change her. At one point, Joker has the option to say, “She’s fine as is,” but if you choose it, Ryuji answers something like, “That’s a no-go, dude.” They got after her for wearing that cartoonish mask when interacting with people instead of letting her go at her own pace. At one point, she even feels bad about the mental abilities that make her special. During part of her confidant, she talks about her memory skills, Joker could praise her, but she responds, “I don’t want to be amazing if it makes me look like a freak” or something like that. I wished during her confidant that Joker could have said more to inspire confidence in her, but somehow she gets that result. At the end of her confidant, romance or friendship, she tells him, “You taught me that I’m fine as I am.”

[@precious_muse]

There’s another mystery about Futaba I’ve not heard discussed. I’m not sure if it’s medical, psychological, or both, but it doesn’t seem like a “normal” phenomenon. She apparently has hypersomnia. When you finish her palace, she goes to sleep for an unusually long period of time, as long as a month or as short as probably about twelve hours or more. That reaction may have happened in part because of the exhaustion that comes about from the meta verse, but Sojiro seemed to suggest that it’s a common occurrence. What could cause that? I thought an anxiety-based disorder would be more likely to cause insomnia, not hypersomnia.

[@F1areon]

@@precious_muse IIRC there are some people who sleep a lot as a form of escapism... maybe it's got to do with that.

[@precious_muse]

Possibly, but sleeping for that length of time is a rather rare sleep disorder, and I’m not really sure it’s a choice. I saw something about it on 20/20 once. I’m not an expert, but it’s kinda compared to Sleeping Beauty.

[@Pikatwig16]

Futaba's English VA also believes that she is on the spectrum and part of the way she voiced the character was influenced by that.

[@precious_muse]

I think I learned that after I made this comment.

[@deadlyqueen4005]

I still can’t believe they didn’t do a session with Futaba and Maruki. I mean she is the perfect character to get a counseling session with her tragic backstory

[@Alibaba-id1cs]

But I did talk to Maruki. It wasn’t a counseling session but she talked how she feels about her mom and Maruki figured out about what happened with her mom.

[@andys2801]

Technically she did have a session with Maruki when he arrived at Leblanc whilst the PTs were in Hawaii. You can even say Morgana also had a session with Maruki. Sure it wasn’t a full session but it’s a session nonetheless

[@ThyFloorestFloor]

Actually it's hard yo justify it since Futaba wasn't attending to school, however they seem to get a conversation.

[@jbear3478]

Futaba would see right through Maruki

[@MsYetiGaming]

Futaba is a character I HIGHLY identify with. I am veeery Agoraphobic and most of my childhood/teen years I spent pretty much as a shut-in. I really only left to go to school. So to see a character who has the same struggles I do was really uplifting. I still to this day can't go outside for long periods of time without getting panicked, though I did go to Berlin last year which was very liberating!

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

Thank you so much for watching. Futaba is genuinely an amazing character, and I hope you enjoyed your time in Berlin! :)

[@MsYetiGaming]

@@ThoughtBubbleYT I did! It was the first time in over a decade I went abroad, and the first time without my parents. Berlin is a beautiful city :)

[@Akira-ky7yr]

As someone with a small form of Autism and a "high" form of social anxiety I would probably have reacted the same ways in almost every situation. (BTW this is not me saying she has Autism or a "high" form of social anxiety but just me saying I can really empathize why she reacted in her ways) Here are some examples from me when I was a bit younger and how I would have reacted in her situations: The first visit to Akihabara would probably be really tough for me, because of such a big crowd and this whole new enviroment. I would personally feel kinda stuck because: I would wanna leave the area, but I just told the person I was gonna meet them there so I wouldn't want them to go there for no reason. But staying there would just make it worse for me, so I could usually express this by getting really sad and sometimes maybe even crying if it was really bad. (Mind you this was me when I around the age of 12 not 16 like Futaba is) Also another one is how hard it is to talk to a stranger and express your feelings by just talking (like what happend with the police officer in Akihabara). Because of this I usually made friends not by me coming to them to talk but usually they'd have to approach me because I would be too scared to ask even tho I know a person has the same interests as me. But if I knew someone it would be really easy to talk to them, and make normal conversation. I remember every year that I had to go to a new class in middle school (I think it's middle school in English atleast) I always had someone I already learned to know before hand. Like my mom, or a teacher I already talked to a couple days before that I would stick to them like glue and kind of stand behind them because it feels more protected that way. But not in the protected way in like someone is gonna hit me, but I don't know how to explain it. Also (this part has not much to do with Futaba I guess because she did this for other reasons) I used to always stay in my room after school and only come out for dinner, but for the rest I was on my computer or playstation playing games. Because my room felt like a protected and well known enviroment which is just a nice feeling to have.

[@Vivid_Bad_Squad]

im autistic too, and i also hc her as autistic!

[@lightningdash3152]

There is an interview with Futaba's voice actress on the youtube channel Anime Impulse where she goes in depth with this.

[@Akira-ky7yr]

@@lightningdash3152 Yeah I've seen the interview :)

[@frisolaxod3835]

not autistic (I think), but I do have a lot of social anxiety (getting better though) and the "I usually made friends not by me coming to them to talk but usually they'd have to approach me because I would be too scared to ask even tho I know a person has the same interests as me." and the "if I knew someone it would be really easy to talk to them, and make normal conversation." are very relatable. I'm awful at being alone and having to socialize with a big number of people I have no idea what they're about is basically an impossible task that I'd never be able to do even if two or three years passed. But I am somewhat good if I have at least one person I spent even a little time beforehand. This also shows in school works since I'm not bad at talking on them since it's few people in a forced situation which makes it easy since I don't need to go into the mindset that I'm talking to them because I want to get close, but that I'm talking to them because I have to and because they're also being forced to do so.

[@crowing3886]

Honestly, I feel like the "wake up" she has in the 3rd semester would've made her a shut-in again. The most heart wrenching part was seeing futaba gain that "thing" an lose it immediately after.

[@sykilik101]

I'm replaying the game, and I just got to the part where you're about to start Futaba's arc, and something caught my attention and made me think of this video. So in this video, you mentioned how many of her behaviors pointed towards her showing agoraphobic tendencies. However, I think the game itself discreetly hinted at her having agoraphobia (or showing the tendencies, at least) before you even *see* Futaba on screen at all. On 7/10, you have the group at LeBlanc studying for the finals. During the studying, Makoto says "Hmm, what was this term? It's "phobia,", so it's a fear of some kind..." At this, Ann replies with "I think it's a fear of open spaces. You don't hear it that often, though." To me, it *could* be a coincidence that they just HAPPEN to bring up agoraphobia right before starting up Futaba's arc, but I'm willing to bet the writers opted to sneak in that little hint for anyone who might catch it.

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

Really?! I didn't catch this at all, but that's incredibly gratifying to hear because I definitely don't think that would just be a coincidence! Thank you so much for leaving this comment. :)

[@NemoNobodySMT]

Hope you analyzes Kasumi Yoshizawa when you finish the game!

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

I finished the game just recently I’m holding off on 3rd semester spoilers for another week or two though so to give a good buffer between when it was released and when I put stuff out! But trust me, I have stuff in the works for her and Dr. Maruki so keep an eye out! :)

[@kacperthegamer4556]

@@ThoughtBubbleYT How about analyzing Akechi? He's pretty interesting character

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

@@kacperthegamer4556 I definitely would be interested in doing that at some point, because there's A LOT to dig into with him.

[@ilyaibrahimovic9842]

@@ThoughtBubbleYT You might like to watch "How Rem Speaks Japanese" on the KZbin channel That Japanese Man Yuta. He explains an aspect of Japanese language which is really salient in Yoshizawa's characterization. Her inability to speak in a regular register is a repeated target of jokes from the writers and reflects problems related to self-esteem, that regardless of to whom she speaks, she feels like an inferior and cannot expect treatment as an equal.

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

@@ilyaibrahimovic9842 I'll have to check that out! Thank you! :)

[@jaidens.g.1920]

I only just found this video, and I’m sure you’ve seen this in plenty of other comments at this point, but as someone on the autism spectrum, I have never found a character I related to more in any media than I do with Futaba. All sorts of little details, like the organized promise list, the fidgety movements, hyperfixation on particular subjects (remember Makoto saying she has no problem talking when the subject interests her, which can even be seen in when she’s able to have a conversation with strangers like Mishima, Maruki, and Iwai after finding common interests), dealing with overstimulation (she even mentions in Mementos when certain noises are too much for her), trouble with how loud her voice is/rambling when she gets excited about something, missing social cues, having a “staple food,” and so on; I can relate to all of that. It also makes me so happy how someone who acts like me is also into the same types of things I am, without her coming across as a gimmick-y character. Unlike certain other characters in media, she isn’t defined by autistic stereotypes like Shaun Murphy from The Good Doctor, and she doesn’t feel like a formula to create the perfect “quirky shy gamer waifu” like Chiaki from Danganronpa. She has her quirks, and while they are definitely a part of her, they don’t limit or purely define her. Even as she does what she can to overcome some of the societal issues she deals with, she doesn’t just erase what’s unique about herself to fit in. I realize that I’m rambling myself about this, but I could just go on and on about how much this character means to me.

[@anastasishatzakis5752]

Not to mention that the final promise is being ok without Protag-kun which is one she has real difficulty doing it. In the romantic route with her she doesn't get over it. Not sure about the friendship route though. It would be difficult to cast away her pillar of stability, her 'key item'.

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

Definitely! I can’t believe I forgot to include that in the video, thanks for pointing that out because I think it is very poignant that this is the only thing she can’t check off of her list!

[@silverfortune2205]

I can say that in the friendship route she goes to akihabara with Joker and asks him to wait for her as she goes and does her thing. She comes back in 30-45 minutes and she's still fine. It's more plausible that she can handle being alone in the friendship route and finishing that promise, but in the romantic route I can see her not being able to do that promise.

[@Tescin]

She actually does complete the promise in the romance route. In Rank 10, she invites Joker to her room and shows him the figure that she went to Akihabara all alone to get. She says something similar to "The crowd made me really nervous and my palms got all sweaty. But I did it! "

[@anastasishatzakis5752]

@@Tescin @ThoughtBubble I just checked out the scene for make sure and you are right. I probably mixed up rank 9 and 10. Turns out I was wrong ThoughtBubble. But at least my thought was still correct. It would make sense that it would be the last promise completed.

[@mrheisenbird2691]

Tescin Oh hey someone who actually played the game. Bravo. Futaba shows more growth as your love interest versus just being friends with her.

[@kaffeekatze1146]

You know what? He's so good at hiding in the school desk by now, I firmly believe that Morgana should help her ease back into school life, just keeping her company, asking if she's alright every now and then. Navigators supporting each other, basically =)

[@MordeMcfly]

I think it's also a matter of experience. All her life all she's known is abuse pain, so much so that she became a shut in, afraid of the outside world. And although her cognition has changed, she still lacks the experience of having talked to and interacted with other people outside of the Phantom Thieves and Sojiro.

[@vivi_valkyrie]

This video had me pausing multiple times throughout it just to let myself cry. I love Futaba so much and relate to her deeply. I don't know what to say, but I absolutely loved this. I'm looking forward to watching through more of your videos and especially excited for future uploads from you!

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

I'm so glad you liked it. :) Futaba is one of the many wonderful characters in Persona 5 and I hope this video could do her justice!

[@realDarkPeterson]

Loving it! Keep up the good content! Still, when you added that she must have had "*some* degree of social phobia" I was like "that is an understatement at best." :P

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

I mainly said that from a diagnostic standpoint for an actual social anxiety disorder (aka social phobia). Because while I don’t think that anyone can argue she’s not comfortable by any means, her trepidation’s aren’t SUPER impairing and she can usually get through it pretty well after a shy/nervous start! It tends to be more the agoraphobic situations from my viewpoint that she really struggles with. :)

[@emmad4308]

Super cool video dude! I really enjoyed this. Apologies for the long rambling of thoughts below. Considering Futaba is done as someone on the spectrum (at least by her VA thank U Erica), and I can support that as someone on the spectrum, and who also works with other autistic people, that she's definitely on the spectrum. From her speech patterns and body language, to her general niche interests she definitely fits somewhere on the spectrum in my unprofessional opinion. I reckon Yusuke has some traits too, especially when you first encounter him. That would also fit into why Yusuke and Futaba get on (bicker) so much because they can easily read one another's body language, and hence can maximally annoy one another. This would also fit in with the agoraphobia, at least from my personal experience, and from what I've discussed with others. The emotional support person is definitely helpful when in big public places. It's more the noise and the general sensory stimulus. Because for some reason, autistic brains don't filter sensory input, we basically get it all at once, and everything is given the same priority of being important. Like take a coffee shop. There's coffee machine noise, people walking past, people talking, vehicle noise, glasses and mugs clashing, food sizzling. There's also lights, smells etc. In other words, it's not very fun. Basically the emotional support person is very grounding and helpful, otherwise you tend to get overwhelmed by everything. Which tend to turn to agoraphobic tendencies. Because it's just so overwhelming and it's much easier to avoid those situations rather than push through it. Again, much easier when with an emotional support person but it can still be very overwhelming and panic attacks can quickly turn to sensory overloads. God this is long I'm so sorry and I hope this makes sense??

[@nylesung3038]

Get this man more subs

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

Fingers crossed! :)

[@MrMoss0213]

These two videos are amazing. I'm pursuing a career in some sort of psychology and didn't think I'd find my two favorite things put together like this. Hope you do more of these types of videos.

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

I'm really glad that you enjoyed it! Definitely be keeping an eye out because there's more to come! Psychology is a really amazing field to get into with a lot of awesome opportunities. :)

[@MrMoss0213]

@@ThoughtBubbleYT awesome man! I can't wait.

[@lampyridaee]

getting through futaba’s palace hurt me a lot because i saw myself in her. i always think that my mother finds me a burden and that i would be better off dead so i wouldn’t burden her anymore. also her interests and her behaviors. i don’t know, i just find comfort in her at times (i struggled finding words for this comment so sorry if it doesn’t make sense)

[@lesleymeek4858]

Futaba's probably one of my favorite and most relatable characters of all time since our social anxiety manifests in similar ways! It made me feel less alone to see how other people online connected with her. When I first played her awakening scene, I have to admit I cried a bunch lol and then again in Strikers because it was so satisfying to see how she's grown, as well as how much I've grown as a person since I played Persona 5 vanilla when it came out and then Strikers a couple months ago. Regarding the panic attack in Akihabara, how I read it based on my own experiences with social anxiety, I could see her seeing that trip as a checklist and running through all the possible outcomes in her head, first - take the train, second - arrive at the store, third - find the game, fourth - buy the game, fifth - leave and go home, mission complete. It's been years since Futaba has been out so it's likely the store's internal layout changed in that time and while it hasn't prompted me to have a panic attack, when I go grocery shopping, if stuff has moved drastically and I don't know where it is, I get a little nervous because I know that means I have to either wander about and worry I'm looking like an idiot, or I have to ask someone and that's not a conversation I was anticipating having when I left the house. If Futaba's wandering around the store trying to find where the new releases are, I could see her looking a bit lost and an employee asking her if she needs help finding something and Futaba's brain just going 'oh no, I hadn't anticipated this conversation yet' because she was so focused on finding the game that she didn't think of what to say if she was approached by someone. Then she gets into her own head about worrying if she's being weird or annoying and in fact probably all too aware that she is being "irrational" and that the store attendant did nothing wrong and she falls into a spiral. Her nervousness was likely building up since she left the house but she knew where her 'objective markers' were which made the nervousness bearable since she had a sign of when this would end as long as she stuck to her list. Plus, with her promise list and tendency to put things into video game metaphors, I could definitely see Futaba thinking of social interactions as lists or systems to navigate much like I do, I use lists a bunch to make things less overwhelming on days when I'm mentally / emotionally struggling significantly to make things easier on me. Again, this is entirely my own opinion based on my own experience and my own projection on to Futaba! I really like this analysis!!

[@Controcetica]

This was a really interesting video to me. I've always sort of disliked Futaba. Hearing you talk about her and everything she's been through though while analysing her mental state made me feel more sympathetic towards her. I think I just disliked her for superficial reasons. Anyway, I think Sojiro should have gotten her counselling as soon as she was able to leave the house!

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

I agree completely that he should have! And I’m really glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@Sonamy5673]

Futaba is a character I relate to alot and i never see anyone talking about her anxiety only shes the best gamer girl waifu

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

YES! Exactly! I wanted to show that her character has a lot of depth and nuance even after her palace. I hope you enjoyed the video. :)

[@CamuiNox]

Oh dear, The List. I made a step-by-step list for getting over my anxiety when it came to driving. Had my license (what the hell, how did they let me pass?!) but couldn't manage driving. The List started small - take the car keys, sit behind the wheel, adjust the seat and mirrors, put on the seat belt, turn on the radio etc... only then: start the ignition, shift gears, start rolling out of the garage and so on. I think there were around 20-30 bullet points to go through before I even made it onto the road. For me, that short-term list was a major help - long-term stuff didn't matter until I could leave the neighbourhood, until I could navigate the closest town, until I could drive on the autobahn. So, yeah, I really appreciated Futaba's list, that whole "one step at a time" approach worked extremely well for me, even when it was hard, even when I had to take a step back at times.

[@NightmareFI]

I'm in love with your KZbin channel seeing persona 5 in the eyes of a counselor in training interests me a lot and is something i really appreciate you got a subscriber here keep doing what your doing!!!!

[@cryguy0000]

I love Futaba and relate to her super hard. I'm glad you did a video on her, stealing her treasure didn't completely fix her and its interesting to see someone go into detail about her issues and depth as a character

[@skellysniperyt3210]

I was brought to your channel by KZbin suggestions for your review of Mr. Maruki. I have to say, for a game like Persona, I find it a little strange nobody else has yet done something like this- I'd be willing to watch through a series on each and everyone of the Persona characters, though I know that's probably a tall order. You do good stuff- it's a little hard to believe this channel is so new. You've gained a new subscriber, my friend- can't wait to see what else you put out! (Although I will say I don't like Fruits Basket, personally... ;) )

[@skellysniperyt3210]

My biggest criticism is that a lot of this feels a bit click-baity. Real titles instead of generic "omg this thing is happening" would be nice. Though I won't presume to tell you how to run your channel- it's up to you.

[@sawyermccollum2934]

So I agree with most of this but we see her overcome things in the third semester if you take her out on White Day. You invite her to the aquarium and at first, she is about to ask for you to pick her up, but then decides that she'll be fine meeting you there. By the time the plot of P5 Strikers though, she goes back to school.

[@ForgedinPrint]

It's pretty close to what I was thinking (not an expert in the slightest, in fact only the intro to psychology college course and one at that.) However I considered her fear to have never been part of the palace. Tbh I don't think destroying the palace did anything for her, but her going through the process was what did it. It's pretty obvious that her fear of people still existed even after the palace. She however got to know the thieves in time and became comfortable with them. She realizes that she can then go out and actually start having a life again. I think her safe place shifted to them and this is what enables her to go out now. All that happened was starting the healing process through semi normal means. That's my thoughts on it anyway.

[@FFgamesftw]

I personally have Agoraphobia and my biggest trigger situations are being stuck in a traffic jam or anytime I am stuck in a large congestion of people (especially when leaving a sporting event) Sporting events are especially bad due to the high energy of the crowd. I tend to get really uncomfortable when the energy level is super high as I start to worry that people will get violent and then I will be stuck in this situation.

[@pinkwyvern]

I agree with all your analyses but also I personally see her as austistic! I am also on the spectrum and I can see a lot of myself in her - she has her special interests, shes not always the best at holding conversations or eye contact, qnd she seems to get overstimulated or try to seek out certain sensory stuff. Also, other things too, but it's hard to elaborate

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

I can totally see how you came to that conclusion and there's definitely evidence that points towards that! :)

[@alyssae.9458]

I really enjoyed this video! I’d like to note that I am diagnosed with agoraphobia myself along with panic disorder and relate to futaba a lot. I always have a “safe person” when I go to events or outside in general with me that makes me feel secure if I were to have a panic attack or wanted to leave and being alone when going out is something I have been trying to work on! Futaba is the first character i’ve seen that goes through a very similar situation as mine and I really liked your analysis of her !

[@Dalimax9]

im currently taking sociology and psychology and your incite on talking about the more specific stuff is so interesting for me lmao. keep it up man i love watching this kind of stuff. Another character i'd love to see is your analysis on Kasumi

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

Thank you so much for watching. And Kasumi is DEFINITELY on my shortlist to talk about. :)

[@Dalimax9]

@@ThoughtBubbleYT cant wait man :)

[@Thomastm33]

Loving these Persona analysis videos. Checked out your channel, you earned a sub. Interesting content!

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed it!

[@jbear3478]

I believe Futaba is pretty normal, quirky, and shy like you said. But I do think she has depression and anxiety, clinically so. But she has a good head on her shoulders.

[@celestialcrisis473]

You really need more subscribers! You’re so underrated, I love these videos :)

[@HeyItsAmber99]

How did you like the game overall? (3rd Semester spoilers in the "Read More") I imagine that this must be a really cool game to not only play, but examine, both as a Gamer and a Therapist. This game handles "The Mind" really well. Especially in the 3rd semester, with the incredible moral battle of Dr. Maruki's ambitions.

[@mi-efoame9337]

Cover this up so people don't get spoiled.

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

I adore this game from the perspective of someone who studied psychology in undergrad and is currently studying counseling! probably one of my favorite games of all time! :) I sometimes felt like the game was made with my interest specifically in mind and I plan on talking about the characters of this game a lot moving forward and how it all ties in with what I've learned in my years of schooling because there's a lot to unpackage here.

[@thiagodutra7474]

Dude, your analysis was simply AMAZING! Congrats!

[@dgc1570]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who thinks that. One of things I love about Futaba is her growth after when her heart is changed. That's why I love her confidant storyline. As for someone who has their on type of trauma. And how one grows from that. That is something I feel was handled so well with Futaba

[@nataliesykes142]

I'd definitely love to see more of these. For Persona 5 in particular, I'd love to see more of the characters, including the protagonist himself since he's got a little more of an established character, in comparison to the rest of the silent protagonists. Thank for you for creating these videos! They're really good resources too!

[@dude2299]

You should definitely do a review of some of the things that go down in the 3rd semester. Since I don't know where you're at in the game I won't mention specifics in an effort to avoid spoilers, but definitely give us a shout once you reach the end

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

I finished recently, I was mainly avoiding spoilers since Royal was still kind of fresh and new for people but I think I'm going to lift that self-imposed restriction here pretty soon! :)

[@dude2299]

@@ThoughtBubbleYT To keep it relatively spoiler free for those that havent finished yet, I'll keep this as minimalist as possible. (Still, Potential spoiler warning for all) Maruki's past and Kasumi (two separate points of reference) whenever you feel like doing spoiler heavy content. Also, it's really worth replaying the game to pick up on all the times the things were hinted at.

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

Dude 229 Both definitely on my list to cover, and I actually just re-beat Kamoshida’s Palace on NG+. :)

[@dude2299]

@@ThoughtBubbleYT There's some fun optional boss fights in NG+ mementos, though you will get absolutely bodied your first attempt unless you're either max level, or have an extremely broken top tier persona build (and even then luck plays a decent part as well) basically, compared to these bosses, the reaper is baby's first boss fight lol

[@VolticWind]

1:59 Jokes on you! I finished Futaba’s Palace pretty early so she ended up in a nearly month long coma.

[@lightspeedasH]

Waiting for her final expedition into the store to be brought up

[@connerrobles-emery3672]

This is definitely great. I see a Kingdom Hearts poster in the background, and see you have a few videos on the series. I think a video in this style on Xion could be great. The whole twilight gang is fantastic, especially the conflict in 358/2 Days, but each one of Xion's appearances is marked by residual trauma from how she perceives herself in regards to others. (I'd love a full on spoiler Maruki take, too.)

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

I'm really glad you enjoyed it! And oh I promise you, it may not be for a bit but definitely plan on tackling some Kingdom Hearts characters at some point because there's just so much there.

[@connerrobles-emery3672]

@@ThoughtBubbleYT Yes! That makes me really happy to hear. The series gets a lot of flack for it's plot, but that's because it works more as dream logic where emotions dictate events than anything grounded in "logic". And like Persona, it's interested in exploring the psychology of philosophy and some esoteric concepts from religion, which always fascinates me. It's good stuff that can have issues translating well from Nomura to the final product, but the characters are easy to latch on to despite (or because of?) that. Xion, Aqua, Roxas, Riku, and Sora are all fascinating with their exploration of identity, so it's not surprising to see it resonate so loudly with others despite people getting lost in the overall story. ANYWAY! Right now Persona is perfect. It's on a lot of people's minds and is also one of the most relevant games to what's going on right now. I'm constantly surprised by the depth of the writing in it, especially returning to Royal and it's more psychological examination of the characters. Glad the algorithm decided to recognize you so I could find this so early on. :P

[@Crimsonchado]

I'm pretty sure I have Agoraphobia. Even since I was kicked out 6th grade I stayed home 24/7 I didn't go to the store or even go outside. I'm very afraid of people especially girls, I can't even say anything to anyone at all. Like Futaba story so much however you reject her feeling it makes no sense on how shes acts after that.

[@SaKura-il8op]

You can do this, my dude! Try going to calm places with little people first. Also there’s something you have to consider: people don’t think as much as YOU think they do! When I went to school I got kiiinda bullied (but then again a lot of people were, my school environment was toxic, 0/10, don’t miss at all) and so I kinda got scared because I thought that everyone was always staring at me and totally judging and mocking me in their head (because it was like that at school. Everyone was always judging and nitpicking.) But then I realized that it wasn’t true at all. Most mature people have better things to do and don’t think a lot about what random strangers do. After I realized that it got a lot better for me. But maybe you already knew that. If that’s the case then I‘m sorry for wasting your time with my useless advice, lolol.

[@zelestial1681]

Such a good analysis. Been wanting this so much. Glad i found you

[@LordQuadros]

It’s kind of wild how different social anxiety and/or phobia situations can be from person to person. For me, I have social anxiety, but I don’t mind crowds exactly. I kind of register “lots of strangers I don’t have to talk to” as background noise, essentially. It’s when there’s a lot of people around who I have some kind of direct connection to or have an interest in me that I shut down. It’s funny, my dad hates big cities because they’re “full of lots of people who don’t give a damn about you,” and yet that’s exactly why I feel drawn to them. If I leave them alone and they leave me alone, we’re solid.

[@FalloutJack]

Futaba Sakura is a very compelling character, both in design and her importance to the plot of the game. Like with the 'Heaven' Shadow Domain in Persona 4, her Palace is one of those unique areas that makes you care more and more as everything unfolds. You can see just what was done to her as it unfolds within her mind, and what it takes to overcome her fears embodied. More to the point, through her Social Links, you find out that the interference in her cognition by Shido wasn't the end of it. Too much has happened to her, and so it piles on up on top, and small wonder she thought of her room as a tomb. I went through her Social Link, because this was one of the characters I felt a certain connection to, for the reasons mentioned above, and of course one other. You want to help this otherwise very bright person out of their hole, because even without the enforced Palace, another could form without anyone's help if she remains alone and isolated. To my knowledge, working through Futaba's Social Links (or rather, Confident Ranks) shows her definitely growing. Yes, in real life, this is not as swift or easy, but it is essentially a good way to approach things, I agree. And for Futaba, having goals and steps with her treating it as leveling up parallels it with her love of games and gets her engaged and interested. I am not a studying psychologist, but I have had some gleaning into the knowledge, both academically and in experience. Futaba isn't done yet, and it may be years before she is closer to, say, the way I live in the world, but I have had friends like her who are wonderful people, and I know that even if her life isn't like others, it will be in good mental health.

[@manchxz]

Underrated channel

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

Thank you so much! That means a lot! :)

[@ayokko4871]

This video is a mirror to me.

[@Dragonlord826]

As someone who was in a relationship that was toxic and we had an unhealthy addiction to each other it didn't sit right with me that some of the options for dialogue to romance futaba we're about keeping the dependency on joker instead of building her ability to be independent while in a relationship.

[@ReijiNRen]

I love these videos. I minored in psych and I am a writer too. I find these ideas and analysises to be worth the watch, given I can use the same thought frame to create things later.

[@msmelissxo33]

As someone who Identifies with Futaba, even while being a mom I still have trouble going outside, that's all left on my partner... And with my sister passing this September, it's only gotten worse...

[@froo1357]

This is extremely thorough and well-thought!! I'd love to see your analysis of Akechi, if you'd like!

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

I definitely will at some point! He has a lot to his character though so I'll definitely want to put a lot of time and care into it if I do, do a video on him!

[@magnocicanto]

I believe it is more like PTSD than Agoraphobia

[@ariishere]

Loved this! Stumbled across this channel by looking up a futaba character analysis. When I cosplay characters I enjoy looking up a deeper character analysis so that I can really get into character. Your character analysis was the first to pop up. Please keep doing more! :)

[@mistahjenkins4826]

I find it weird that the DSM mentions Agoraphobia as a sort of anxiety within both open AND enclosed spaces... Even though... The term for a fear or anxiety around enclosed spaces already has a name; it's called Claustrophobia.

[@AshoreNevermore]

While Futaba is one of my favorite characters, I can't help but feel like the romance option is bad for her. It's kind of a Maruki situation imo, giving her happiness but (possibly) taking away her ability to grow. I think she would end up overly relying on Joker, essentially hiding by his side the same way she was hiding in her room.

[@plattyog]

My favorite game of all time I never get tired playing this game its a masterpiece game played vanilla twice and royal once and strikers hopefully it's a trilogy series phantom thieves

[@NCS07]

Well researched video! Hope to see this sort of analysis for other characters in p5 :)

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

Thank you so much! I plan on making more in the near future. :)

[@carmel9583]

I to this day still suffer from not having a filter for what I want to say and do, and still afraid of being scrutinized by society for my Autistic label. It brings me joy to see so many characters in fiction who act exactly like me on the spectrum, now I know I’m not alone

[@HUYI1]

1st off I like this game because it deals with mental health very distinctively, my family, friends, boyfriend all have mental health and I have to deal with it constantly while dealing with my own mental health, I feel that I'm futaba in a way but I'm do put a strong face as confidence to help me in life, but I disagree that she is suffering with Minor anxiety or panic attacks, when she hides behind Ren Amamiya during social interactions I can 100% relate to her, your heart is pounding, you are in flight or fight mode, you can't breathe, not even the best psychologist in the world would know how that feels, you can't turn your brain off during this, same with my mother's schizophrenia, this is why somewhat even tho the doctors ideal is insidious, it is better than suffering, I wish any normal person who had experience of people close to them with a broken brain like I have understand the mercy and wish for these symptoms to stop, this is nothing Minor, this is constant suffering, while playing persona 5 royal I felt some kind of relief and justice from the "bad"ending, what could be worse? Your own self destruction? Or a fake reality where you can live out your life in bliss, either senarios you feel dead anyways no matter how much the phantom thieves protest against it and their deep desires, I thought hard on this situation and I honestly would want to live in a fake reality where I'm truly happy without suffering and bliss than face normal reality and suffer for the rest of my days in torture, I'm slightly like Sumire Yoshizawa in a way but she also had fake reality where she was so guilty for something she didn't do she dislocated from her own self and created her own personality to cope (multiple personality), just imagine a trauma like that where it brings you to shut your own memories out and pretend to be a person who is dead, (like I did as a child) the Dr had empathy to help her with her suffering even tho it was a bit twisted it's better than current western medicine that just give us drugs to mask the symptoms, not cure them deep down, which is what the Dr said also, I'm not going to agree with people who think he is useless, he had a hard situation to deal with and went through a bad time in his life with someone he really cared about, he felt pain from that and tried to help others who were also suffering, I don't like this game that makes him feel like a terrorist or evil, he wasn't, he was just trying to help people overcome trauma in the best way he could with his powers compared to traditional high cost therapy that just pump you with drugs, this is why suicide rates are so high because people can't get any proper help when their mind is broken, no one understands or can help you, it's just destruction and constant suffering and jugment, I wish therapy was far more deeper than standard procedures, I've had therapy since I was a kid and nothing has changed I'm still broken and always will be, this game runs deep honestly! And I'm gonna miss it for those moments! ❤️💗💗

[@chloenelson3951]

I always saw Futaba having more of a Social Phobia rather than Agoraphobia. Though that might be more due to seeing how my brother went through having Agoraphobia. Even when we were with him, he'd have near constant anxiety/panic attacks whenever we left the house. Futaba seems to be fine outside of her space, so long as someone she trusts is with her. I'm very much the same way and I have been diagnosed with Social Phobia. But that's just my take on it, obviously coloured by my own experiences.

[@TheAngelRaven]

Futaba is the best waifu and her story makes me love her even more. I just want to hold her...

[@shelbybayer200]

I find Futaba's characterization being done pretty well I think she might be Autistic too from some the ways she acts Specifically I think she's High Functioning Autistic

[@kaptainsalty7335]

I wonder if you'd be interested in trying to analyze the mess that is Goro Akechi and his state of mind, especially with his reworked social link and the added content in P5R.

[@blutagg63]

The word video game is burned I. My brain

[@Oubliette1949]

Nice video, would love to see a video on Kanji, Naoto and the Killer from Persona 4

[@Indischle]

Futaba is a character I HIGHLY identify with. I am veeery Agoraphobic and most of my childhood/teen years I spent pretty much as a shut-in and lives THRU my aunt, uncle, and grandparents, they are Very abusive. I really only left to go to schoolSo to see a friends or person who has the same struggles I do was really upliftingI still to this day can't go outside for long periods of time without getting panickedthough did go to school and crowds last year which was very dangerous

[@krakesh5915]

My girl is the best FUTABA forever 😘😘

[@killfang9659]

Sounds to me she fears the isolation she once trapped herself in

[@michaeldavis29]

Hm, I actually played Persona 5 myself, so I'm pretty sure Futaba was suffering from survivor's guilt of her mother's death that everyone blamed on her, why she was a shut-in for so long afterwards. Also, I looked up the culprit of her mother's death was Akechi acting Shido's orders why Wakaba died on her daughter's watch to begin with; Survivor's guilt afterwards from noboby in the immediate scene of Wakaba's death believed Futaba wasn't responsible from a false suicide note forged by Akechi that convinced the public she made her mother commit suicide while Akecki vanished behind the shadows of the incident. Which would explain a lot why Futaba shut herself in for so long by the time the Phantom Thieves met her as a shut-in. And why they took longer than other Palaces to fix her messed up heart. Akechi should've been ashamed of himself why Futaba's heart was so messed up because that was no better than his father figure what both done to her mother.

[@LenoViburnum]

I know this may not be relevant to the video itself, but may I suggest an analysis for one of Fatal Frame's characters? As for this, I found your analysis to be an interesting case study. I'd love to see more. Definitely got yourself a new subscriber

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

I’ve never personally played Fatal Frame, but I am always open to new suggestions! :)

[@LenoViburnum]

@@ThoughtBubbleYT Well, I don't know what could make it easier for you to study the characters. Or which character you could choose. Miku lost her brother and decides to look for him (Fatal Frame 1), Mio and Mayu are sisters where they have to deal with a horrid ritual (Fatal Frame 2), then there's the rest who each undergo their own struggles. I wouldn't know which one would interest you most. That, and I don't like spoiling the story itself even if they're old games

[@evanmccarty4079]

Do you think it is possible that maybe the sound of the store during the sale was what caused the panic attack? Because the street and Joker's room would be fairly quiet and the train has a repetitive sound, but the store is full of people walking and talking and the sounds of all the screens and the music the could be playing on the store's speakers. I don't know, I'm mainly saying this because I'm on the spectrum and I her reacting to certain things how I sometimes would want to.

[@Cobalt_375]

0:07 Haru: *cries in the corner*

[@Kaiserethe03]

This might seem like a dumb fan theory, but I've always seen Futaba as being on the Autism spectrum. Throughout the game and her social link, we see her displaying characteristics that people on the spectrum have. For example, after her palace is destroyed, and during the time when the Phantom Thieves are trying to get to know her, she is very specific about what she will (and won't) talk about. We see this happen when both Makoto and Yusuke are in her room with you. When Makoto tries to make "small talk" with her, trying things like weather and what-not, while Yusuke rearranges the Featherman figurines, through this small, yet funny part of the game, we learn that she prefers things to go a specific way. Another trait that people on the spectrum display is what I personally call "public distress". When she tells the player that she is in Akihabara to buy a game, when you get there, you see her in a department store completely stressed out to the point where she can't even talk to an adult that's trying to help her, leading to you helping her out. As I played through the original game and finished her social link (and no, I did NOT romance her, in case y'all are curious), I felt I had a lot of personal closure on some things that I was questioning about with my own struggles (as someone on the spectrum myself). While it isn't mentioned in game specifically, People who have worked on Persona 5, especially Erica Lindbeck, Futaba's English VA, Mentioned at an anime panel that she believed that the character is on the spectrum. I think that there are some articles that go more in depth with this, but I can't get any right now, so feel free to look for yourselves.

[@transegg7780]

1000th subscriber, i absolutely love your persona videos. I really wish you do more :)

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoy them! And an extra thank you for being my 1,000th you have no idea how much it means. :)

[@TheMidnightEffy]

Man I love both videos I've seen from you so far. As someone who has and does struggle with depression, your analysis is really interesting. What other games do you enjoy?

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

Loads! Barring the Persona franchise though I really enjoy Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts, and Legend of Zelda if I had to pick a few more!

[@gottesurteil3201]

"When My Mother Was There:" this is the name of the theme of Futaba's palace. Futaba's mother represented to her: comfort, security, affirmation. When she lost her mother the guilt and sorrow she felt caused her to isolate herself, no longer able to feel the comforts her mother provided. The Phantom Thieves came to her and rescued her from her situation, providing the affirmation she had long been deprived. It seems her relationship with the Phantom Thieves inspires in her a desire for the confidence to be independent. As independence is usually associated with the realm of the father, having her shift so radically from the obsession of the mother to the self-sufficiency of the father must be difficult for an individual of Futaba's age.

[@FoxflameGoddess]

oh, a video on best girl? interesting

[@christinajohnson4238]

I'm about to play her palace :) But basically Futuba will take some time to recover.

[@TrainerAlec]

One friend gave me his personal opinion that Futaba was stuck with some sort of codependency disorder with regards to Futaba and Joker. Do you think there's anything to that?

[@downbeatdialga1341]

SPOILERS FOR THE 4th Palace & ENDGAME; When it’s revealed that every Shadow that was a Palace Ruler were escaped convicts from Mementos’ Depths, and the Thieves begin questioning what “changing hearts” really does, you get a rather concerning image of what’s really been going on. Kamoshida, Madarame, Kaneshiro, and Shido’s shadows are all incarcerated, following the defeat of each of them and their desires being stolen. Okumura obviously perished, and Sae’s treasure was never stolen so no change of heart for her, but Futaba’s the odd one out. And of course, Morgana said that Futaba herself was her palace’s treasure. Her own intrusive thoughts and the way she viewed herself were her distorted “desires”. Unlike the other cases, her treasure wasn’t stolen and her shadow didn’t perish but rather evolved into Necronomican, similar to Persona Users confronting their shadows in former entries in the series. She just walks out of her own Palace, so since her shadow wasn’t sent back to Mementos, then it really makes you wonder with how quick she recovers from 2 years of severe mental health issues, is she really okay?

[@ecchymosis4]

i know this video is like 2 years old but as an autistic person i relate super heavily to futaba. i see a lot of my own traits in her, and have done some of my own analysis myself ^_^ do you think she could be? i've heard somewhere that her voice actor researched about it before going into it but i don't know if it's true does anyone know..!! i love futaba a lot. i think i'd get along with her well especially cus we're similar ages

[@omegagilgamesh]

Hmm, character case studies, eh? Then I recommend Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. To me, the common themes with the characters are survivor's guilt, and to a lesser degree loneliness.

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

I'll have to check that out! I haven't had the chance to play Fallen Order yet!

[@shinyzorua1614]

Better than cvit's explaining her condition

[@sonoda944]

I thought Futaba panicked at Akihabara because policeman asked her where her relative/parents are out of nowhere. Let's face it, she looks very short for her age

[@ninjammer726]

Please do a psychology video on big boss from metal gear series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@卢本伟-e1f]

futaba is my favorite girl in persona5:)

[@KikiYushima]

Something I'd like to see your opinion on if you could spare the time would be an analysis of Yang Xiao Long from RWBY especially in Volumes (seasons) 4 through 6. If you haven't heard of it, RWBY's an animated webseries made by RoosterTeeth. Granted, if you did that, you'd have to brace yourself. The fandom is _extremely_ toxic and the portrayal of Yang's PTSD is a _highly_ contentious topic. She suffers an _excessively_ traumatic event at the end of Volume 3 that I won't spoil just in case you decide to look at it. You'd just have to binge basically the whole series which is...a lot. Each season is about 12-14 chapters (episodes) at least 15 minutes long. The exception is V1 where they were getting their bearings and each chapter's, like, 5-7 minutes. Granted, the RoosterTeeth Animation channel as V 1-5 in full movie form, though I think at least 4 and 5 are split into two different parts due to the length.

[@JadaCarlton]

Can you analyze Ann next?

[@ThoughtBubbleYT]

I definitely would like to at some point, but it may not be for a bit! :)

[@Ubersupersloth]

Ok. Say it with me: Do NOT get with Futaba.

[@36inc]

I have agoraphobia myself so naturally futaba was real close to home for me; we even both lost our mom though mine didnt leave us undersuch fantastical circumstances and I wasnt personally blamed for it by others, I did blame myself alot. too me years to have ways to challenge and cope with these; shes my favorite character because of this. Im no genius hacker though I went into music instead. but were both sentai and anime nerds! XD so theres alot, And yeah she has alot better control of the panic attack. Im pretty sure your right that its mostly writers convenience, however I can have a simular one around a romantic interest; so I always framed her and joker as lovers. imagine my surprise when the majority of online fans see them as familial. XD joker for real would be a pretty good bf for me; strong sense of justice, tough, leadership skills, competent and intelligent/ these specifically are my ideals in a bf. I love her. I art thou, thou art I.

[@grandarkfang_1482]

"Is she really okay?" Haha *Fuck no.*

[@yeetpresident8313]

1:15 Bruh 😎

[@toonkid5196]

"But hey, it's all just a theory. A game theory." -MatPat