Tomoe Gozen

Origin

Tomoe Gozen was a twelfth-century female samurai warrior.

Persona 4:

Tomoe (???, Tomoe) is the Persona of Chie Satonaka, one of main character from Shin Megami Tensei series of games and specifically the Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 video game for the Playstation 2. It’s the sixth game of the franchise and was developed as a murder mystery RPG with deep social aspects. It was developed by ATLUS in Japan, directed by Katsuro Hashino , and character design by Shigenori Soejima . It was released in Japan in July 10, 2008, and in the U.S. on December 9, 2008.

The series was later adapted into a manga written and illustrated by Shuji Sogabe, and began serialization in ASCII Media Works’ Dengeki Black Maoh magazine on September 19, 2008. Her manga first appearance was in Persona 4 Volume 1 CH. ? “??”.

The name Tomoe come from from a female samurai named Tomoe Gozen (???) who lived during the Genpei War (1180-1185). After fighting in the Battle of Awazu, the true fate of her is unknown.

Major Story Arcs

Powers & Abilities

Tomoe can perform several forms of magic that can either create ice-based attacks or boost the attack power of Chie or others.

Ice Control

• Bufu: Bufu is the base attack of Tomoe that deals light Ice damage to any one target.
• Mabufu: Mabufu is the advancement of Bufu. This deals light ice damage to all all present targets.
• Bufula: Bufula deals medium ice damage to any one target.

Power Boosts

• Tarukaj: Tarukaja increases the attack power of Chie or any targets ally.
• Power Charge: Power Charge increases Chie’s own attack power for a single turn.

Weaknesses

Being an ice-based Persona, Tomoe is highly vulnerable to any fire-attacks, such as Agi.

Other Media

Games

Persona 4 (2008)

In the Persona 4 PS2 game, Tomoe is the only Persona used by Chie. She’s gained after defeating Shadow Chie in Yukiko’s castle dungeon. Tomoe is primarily used for casting ice spells such as Bufu, and physical based attacks. Tomoe will evolve into Suzuka Gongen if the player reaches level 10 in the Chariot Social Link.

Persona 4 Arena (2012)

The game Persona 4 Arena is originally titled in Japan as Persona 4 The Ultimate In Mayonaka Arena. This is the only Persona game that wasn’t exclusive to the Sony platforms and was also available for the X-Box 360. It’s the first fighting game that Tomoe’s appears in. There is no voice actor for the character. The story is set two months after the events of Persona 4. Tomoe is used in combat while playing with Chie.

Persona 4 The Golden (2012)

Persona 4 The Golden is an updated remake of the original Persona 4 PS2 game for the Playstation Vita. It was first released in Japan on June 14, 2012. Graphics were updated and new animation was created with more voice work. For Persona 4 Golden, the design of Suzuka Gongen evolution was changed from the original game.

Anime

Persona 4: The Animation (2011)

Persona 4: The Animation is an anime adaptation of the Shin Megami Tensei: Persona 4 video game for the PS 2. It is produced by AIC A.S.T.A. and Aniplex. The anime began airing on October 6, 2011. The series lasted for twenty-five episodes, and the last aired on March 22, 2012. However, a final ‘True Ending” episode was released with the final DVD volume in August 22, 2012.

Tomoe’s first anime appearance was in Persona 4 The Animation – Episode 3 “We Are Friends, Aren’t We?”, which aired on October 20, 2011. The character has no voice actress.