Let's be real for a second. Most Social Links in Persona 3 Reload are about helping someone through a deep emotional crisis. You’re fixing family dynamics, helping a girl cope with divorce, or sitting with a dying man at a park. Then there’s President Tanaka.
The man is a menace. He’s the CEO of Tanaka’s Amazing Commodities, he has the catchiest jingle in the history of television, and he is 100% trying to scam a high schooler out of their lunch money. And yet, the Tanaka Persona 3 Reload social link remains one of the most entertaining, efficient, and low-key essential parts of a perfect playthrough.
If you’re looking for a heartwarming tale of growth, look elsewhere. If you want to fund a shady businessman’s offshore accounts while unlocking one of the strongest Personas in the game, you’re in the right place.
How to Actually Find This Shady Character
You can't just walk up to Tanaka on day one. He has standards. Well, he has financial requirements, which are basically the same thing to him. To even get him to spawn at the Paulownia Mall at night, you have to do some legwork.
First off, you need to reach Rank 4 of the Hermit Social Link (Maya, the online gaming enthusiast). During one of your chats, she’ll mention a shady businessman. That is your cue. But don't just run to the mall with your pockets empty. Tanaka won't even look at you if you don't have Rank 4 Charm (Smooth). If you’re still "Plain" or "Unpolished," go eat some ramen or spend some time at the cinema.
Once you have the rizzle and the tip-off from Maya, you’ll find him standing near the fountain in Paulownia Mall on Tuesday and Saturday nights.
The "Investment" Phase
Tanaka doesn't do "friendship" for free. He’s going to ask for "donations" to get things started. Honestly, it feels like a mugging, but it’s the only way forward.
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- First Meeting: You give him 20,000 Yen.
- Second Meeting: You give him 10,000 Yen.
- Third Meeting: You give him another 10,000 Yen.
That’s 40,000 Yen total just to start Rank 1. In the early game, that’s a lot of money. You might have to grind some chests in Tartarus or sell those "Shiny Black Cloths" you've been hoarding. But once that third payment is in his pocket, the Devil Arcana officially unlocks.
Why the Tanaka Social Link is Unique
Here is the best part: Tanaka is an "automatic" rank-up. In most Social Links, you have to worry about carrying a matching Persona (in this case, the Devil Arcana) to get bonus points so you don't waste time.
With Tanaka? Forget it. You don't need a Devil Persona. Every single time you spend an evening with him, the link will rank up. This makes him the perfect "filler" link for your night slots. Since he is available on Tuesdays and Saturdays (and sometimes Thursdays depending on the version/month), you can easily max him out while waiting for Mutatsu (the Tower monk) to show up or when you're done boosting your social stats.
Best Dialogue Choices (Even Though They Don't Technically Matter)
Since he ranks up every time, you can technically tell him to shove it and you’ll still hit Rank 10. However, if you want to see the funniest dialogue or just play along with his corporate delusions, here are the "best" responses for the Tanaka Persona 3 Reload social link.
Early Ranks (2-4)
At Rank 2, he talks about his "placebo" products. Tell him "Placebo!" and then "Wow." It fuels his ego perfectly. By Rank 3, he’s bragging about his wealth. Ask him "Maybe a little" when he asks if you're interested in his life.
When you hit Rank 4, he starts talking about his "exclusive" modeling offers. Just say "Sure have!" when he asks if you’ve seen him on TV. He’s a sucker for recognition.
Mid-to-Late Ranks (5-9)
By Rank 5, things get a bit weird. He starts talking about a "face" he saw. Respond with "Whose face?" and then "It's all about the money." He loves that. He thinks you're a protege in the making.
Rank 6 and 7 involve him being a general menace to society. For Rank 6, say "Sounds fun." For Rank 7, when he talks about organic food and scams, choose "The organic one." It’s the kind of high-society nonsense he thrives on.
The home stretch (Rank 8 and 9) is where he starts showing a tiny, microscopic sliver of humanity. He mentions a donor or a daughter. Ask him "Why would he say that?" at Rank 8, and at Rank 9, ask "Are you going to donate?" Surprisingly, he doesn't hate the idea as much as you'd think.
The Ultimate Reward: Beelzebub
So, why do all this? Why give 40,000 Yen to a man who probably uses it for expensive silk suits? Because once you hit Rank 10, you get the Thank-You Letter.
This item is the only way to fuse Beelzebub, the ultimate Persona of the Devil Arcana. Beelzebub is a beast. In Reload, he’s an incredible late-game asset, especially if you’re looking for heavy Dark damage and high-tier resistances.
Plus, there’s the legacy factor. Tanaka is the only character (besides Igor) who appears in Persona 3, Persona 4, and Persona 5. Completing his link feels like a rite of passage for the series. You aren't just a student; you're a business associate of the most successful (and legally questionable) man in Japan.
Pro Tips for Managing Your Nights
Don't rush Tanaka in the very first month he’s available unless you have money to burn. Nighttime is precious early on for maxing out your Courage and Charm. However, once your social stats are around Level 4 or 5, you’ll find yourself with "dead" nights where nobody is available. That is when you strike.
- Check the TV: Remember that you can still buy items from him on Sunday mornings without it taking up a time slot.
- Ignore the Matching Persona: Seriously, don't waste a slot in your inventory for a Devil Persona just for him. Save that space for Strength or Justice.
- The "Tanaka Skip" Legend: There used to be a glitch in the original game where starting his link on the final day could skip the final boss. That’s gone in Reload, so don't try it. Just play the game.
Honestly, Tanaka is a breath of fresh air. Amidst all the "friendship is power" themes, having a guy who just wants to teach you how to avoid taxes is hilarious. It’s a bit cynical, sure, but in the dark world of Persona 3, a little corporate greed is almost charming.
Next Steps for Your Playthrough
- Check your Charm level; if it's Rank 4, go to the mall on Tuesday night.
- Make sure you have at least 20,000 Yen before talking to him.
- Once the link starts, prioritize it on nights when the Monk isn't at the club to get that Beelzebub fusion unlock as soon as possible.