With Persona 5 Royal now available on all major platforms, even more players have the chance to immerse themselves in the game's world and are becoming familiar with its wide cast of characters. Between the playable party members and various other Confidants players can build bonds with, Persona 5 Royal is full of memorable personalities that add to the charm of its unique world. As discussion surrounding the next entry in the series heats up, there are a few characters from this entry that deserve cameos in Persona 6.
The Persona series has a history of including cameos from certain characters in subsequent entries as Easter eggs. Persona 4's Yukiko Amagi appears during a scene in Persona 3 Portable, and Rise Kujikawa can be seen on some posters around Tokyo in Persona 5. Including small references to these characters is not only a fun nod to previous entries, it also helps the greater Persona world feel connected, making it essential that Persona 6 features a few cameos for Persona 5 characters in some way.
The Niijima Sisters are Prime Candidates for Cameos in Persona 6
Persona 5 Royal's story of manipulation and truth features a heavy emphasis on the criminal justice system of Japan, and one of its most prominent characters plays an important role in the framing of this story. Sae Niijima is one of the first characters players will meet, as the story is told from the perspective of protagonist Joker while Sae is interrogating him. Although she is not a playable character, Sae is an important enough figure within the game's world to warrant appearing as a cameo in Persona 6.
During the course of Persona 5 Royal's story, Sae holds the title of public prosecutor for the Tokyo District Special Investigations Department of the Public Prosecutors Office. As such, she is deeply connected with the ongoing investigation into the activities of the Phantom Thieves. By the end of the game, she finds herself an ally to the group, and her role in the follow-up title Persona 5 Strikers sees her take on a new job as a public defender. She could end up appearing in Persona 6 on a news report about one of her clients, much like how Persona 4's Adachi can be seen in an interview by checking the TV in Persona 5 Royal.
Sae isn't the only Niijima who could appear in Persona 6, as her sister Makoto Niijima is featured even more heavily throughout Persona 5 Royal as a playable party member. Makoto's double life as student council president and a member of the Phantom Thieves leads her to have one of the most interesting character arcs in the game. She states that her goal for the future is to become a police officer like her father, setting up a perfect cameo opportunity in Persona 6 as the player could have an encounter with an older Officer Niijima.
Persona 6 Could Reference Ann's Fashion Career
The first act of Persona 5 Royal focuses on the tragic story of Ann Takamaki and her ostracization following her teacher Kamoshida's unwanted advances, setting up one of the most compelling character arcs in the game. Ann joins the Phantom Thieves to put a stop to Kamoshida's atrocities, but has to balance her double life with her budding modeling career. The story of her growth as told through her Confidant encounters shows how she is able to regain her confidence and commitment to her future fashion career.
After maxing out her Confidant, players will receive the Fashion Magazine key item in reference to Ann's renewed commitment to her career choice. This magazine could offer a glimpse into one way she could appear as a cameo in Persona 6. Similarly to how Rise Kujikawa can be seen on posters in Persona 5 Royal due to her status as an idol, Ann's successful modeling career could have her appear on magazine covers in kiosks around Persona 6's map.
Ann's career in the fashion industry could also be taken in a different direction, and she could become a well-known designer by the time Persona 6 takes place. Perhaps a character references the fact that someone is wearing a genuine Takamaki original in Persona 6, demonstrating that Ann has become famous enough to be a recognizable figure. Regardless of which path her career takes, Ann's portrayal in Persona 5 Royal sets her up for future fame that Persona 6 could easily capitalize on with a cameo.
One Persona 5 Royal Politician Could See Redemption in Persona 6
Although Persona 5 Royal paints Japanese politicians in a negative light with the corruption of a main antagonist made evident in Masayoshi Shido's Palace, another one of the game's politicians shows that not every government official has to lead a life of corruption. Toranosuke Yoshida is a former Diet member fallen from grace who can become a Confidant for the player as the Sun Arcana. Throughout his Confidant arc, Yoshida is seen trying to make amends for his past scandal and earn the votes for elected office in an honest manner.
Having the hard work of Yoshida's Sun Confidant pay off by seeing him referenced as an elected official in Persona 6 would be a great way to provide this understated character the redemption he deserves. The game could feature Yoshida speaking on a TV interview, or include campaign posters plastered around areas of its map. While other Persona 5 Royal characters may be more obvious choices for cameos, Yoshida's place in the public eye makes him an easy pick to reappear in a future game.
Persona 5 Royal is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.