2011年10月7日放送開始（毎日放送ほか、全25話）
ペルソナ4アニメーション
AIC A.S.T.A.
ミステリー青春バトル
2011年10月7日〜2012年3月30日（全25話）
A TV anime adaptation of Atlus's popular RPG Persona 4, airing from October 7, 2011 on Mainichi Broadcasting System and others. Animation is by AIC A.S.T.A., directed by Seiji Kishi. The protagonist, Yu Narukami, moves to the rural town of Inaba while his father is stationed abroad. Soon after he transfers schools, a bizarre string of murders begins, tied to rumors of a "Midnight Channel" that shows victims appearing on TV shortly before they're found dead. Yu awakens to his own inner power, a Persona, and along with friends like Yosuke Hanamura and Chie Satonaka ventures into another world inside the television to uncover the truth behind the killings — a beloved entry in the franchise blending coming-of-age drama, mystery, and Persona battles.
📝 Highlights
👥 Characters
💫 Foreshadowing & Quotes
❓ FAQ
🌟 Featured Comments
📝 Highlights & Appeal Light spoilers
01① A string of murders in the quiet rural town of Inaba
A bizarre chain of murders that begins right after Yu transfers schools drives the entire mystery.
02② The Midnight Channel and the world inside the TV
An eerie rumor that whoever appears on late-night TV becomes the next victim holds the key to the mystery.
03③ Yu Narukami awakens to his Persona
Yu awakens to Persona, his inner power, and steps into the alternate world inside the television alongside his friends.
04④ A colorful cast of friends: Yosuke, Chie, and more
The bonds Yu forms with Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, Rise, and others — each carrying their own struggles — are portrayed with real care.
05⑤ Teddie: the lovably strange bear
Teddie, a mysterious creature living inside the TV world, brings both comic relief and unexpected depth to the story.
06⑥ Yumi Kawamura's iconic OP "Burn My Dread"
The beloved theme from the original game returns to open every episode, capturing longtime fans' hearts.
07⑦ A recurring theme: confronting one's "true self"
Each friend's confrontation with their own "Shadow" self inside the TV world is remembered as some of the franchise's finest storytelling.
08⑧ Director Seiji Kishi's brisk ensemble storytelling
Director Seiji Kishi, also known for Angel Beats!, keeps this large ensemble cast moving at a brisk, engaging pace.
💡 Key Points & Predictions Some spoilers
The main series concluded in March 2012, followed in 2014 by Persona 4 the Golden Animation, which adapts additional content from the expanded game. The truth behind the murders and each friend's personal arc are fully resolved within the original TV series.
🧾 Story So Far Contains spoilers
Yu Narukami moves to the rural town of Inaba while his father works abroad, and is quickly drawn into a bizarre string of murders shaking the town. Investigating rumors of the "Midnight Channel," which shows the next victim on late-night TV, Yu awakens to his Persona and steps into an alternate world inside the television alongside Yosuke and the others. As the group grows and closes in on the truth, each of them must confront their own inner "Shadow" self, deepening their bonds along the way.
✅ Recommended Viewing Points
Recommended for viewers who want a coming-of-age ensemble drama fused with mystery and battle elements. It's structured to be fully enjoyable on its own, even without having played the original game.
👀 Trivia & Fun Facts
The original Persona 4 game was released for the PS2 in 2008, later expanded and ported to PS Vita as Persona 4 the Golden. The anime's OP "Burn My Dread" is a beloved track carried over from the game, holding special meaning for longtime series fans.
Yu Narukami (CV: Daisuke Namikawa)
A high schooler who moves to Inaba while his father works abroad. He awakens to his Persona and becomes the central figure investigating the murders.
Yosuke Hanamura (CV: Shotaro Morikubo)
Yu's classmate. Cheerful and a bit of a goofball, but harbors loneliness from life in a small town. He becomes Yu's first close friend.
Chie Satonaka (CV: Yui Horie)
Yu's classmate, an energetic girl who loves kung fu movies and fights with powerful kicks.
Yukiko Amagi (CV: Ami Koshimizu)
The only daughter of a long-established inn. Chie's best friend, with a gentle demeanor hiding a strong will underneath.
Kanji Tatsumi (CV: Tomokazu Seki)
A student with a delinquent look but a delicate side — he's skilled at sewing. Fiercely loyal to his friends.
Rise Kujikawa (CV: Rie Kugimiya)
A former nationally famous idol who returns to Inaba on hiatus from show business, where she meets Yu and the others.
Teddie / Kuma (CV: Katsuyuki Yamaguchi)
A mysterious creature living inside the TV world. Endearing and comical, but troubled by questions about his own true identity.
Naoto Shirogane (CV: Romi Park)
A young detective assisting with the murder investigation. Androgynous and cool-headed, Naoto eventually joins Yu's group.
Ryotaro Dojima (CV: Unsho Ishizuka)
Yu's uncle and a detective with the Inaba police. A workaholic who struggles to connect with his daughter while investigating the case.
Nanako Dojima (CV: Akemi Kanda)
Ryotaro's young daughter, who grows close to Yu in place of her often-absent father, becoming a treasured part of his new family.
💫 Unresolved Foreshadowing Contains spoilers
Key mysteries include: who is truly behind the murders, and what their motive is; what rule governs who appears on the Midnight Channel; and Teddie's own true identity and the reason he exists in the TV world. All are revealed as major reveals toward the story's end.
💌 Predicted Viral Quotes for Next Season
Each character's confrontation with their own Shadow inside the TV world is remembered as some of the series' most powerful scenes. Teddie's signature catchphrase, often ending sentences with a bear-pun flourish, is also fondly beloved by fans.
What kind of anime is “Persona 4 the Animation Guide”?
A TV anime adaptation of Atlus's popular RPG Persona 4, airing from October 7, 2011 on Mainichi Broadcasting System and others. Animation is by AIC A.S.T.A., directed by Seiji Kishi. The protagonist,…
What are the theme songs (OP/ED) of “Persona 4 the Animation Guide”?
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