Persona is a Japanese Role Playing Game (RPG) series published by Atlus, and owned by SEGA. It was originally marketed as Shin Megami Tensei: Persona, but dropped the prefix to make an easier name. The Persona series is actually a spin-off of the original Megami Tensei series. Are you confused yet?
The first game in the Persona series was called Revelations: Persona, and it was released in Japan in 1996 for the PlayStation, and since then, the entire game series has sold over 15 million copies!
The game is a dungeon crawler and revolves around combat against various enemy types (Demons, Shadows, and Personas). The battles are turn-based, similar to games like Pokemon and Final Fantasy.
The story’s themes vary from game to game, but typically follow a silent protagonist in high school life who has an alter-ego (their Persona) to save the city from the Demons. Personas are physical manifestations of a person’s psyche and subconscious used for combat. Each game uses various inspirations for main Personas.
The newest game, Persona 5 (2019), takes place in modern-day Tokyo and follows a high school student known by the pseudonym Joker who transfers to a new school after being falsely accused of assault and put on probation. Over the course of a school year, he and other students awaken to a special power, becoming a group of secret vigilantes known as the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. The theme uses fictional and historical outlaws and thieves.
Don’t know what it is? No worries, I’ll give you a brief history of the taiyaki! Taiyaki is a classic Japanese treat made from a batter similar to pancakes, and it’s baked in a metal taiyaki pan. It’s typically baked with anko (red bean paste) filling, but can also be filled with chocolate or custard.
The name comes from tai (sea bream), and yaki (fry). The predecessor of the taiyaki was the imagawayaki, which is a circular waffle-like snack made from the same batter and filled with a sweet anko. It was also cooked in an iron skillet mold.
Taiyaki first appeared in the Kanda district of Tokyo during the Edo Period (1603-1867). A imagawayaki shop owner, Seijiro Kanbei, noticed sales were down of his product, but he geniously developed a new and inventive shape for his Japanese snack.
The reason that the sea bream shape was chosen has been debated since its creation over 100 years ago, but many believe that it was to give the common people a taste of luxury. Sea breams were considered rare and luxurious fish at the time!
Like most popular Japanese foods, taiyaki can be different depending on the region. You can read about what we think are the top five regional taiyaki!
Now that we’re done with the brief backstories on both the Persona series and the taiyaki, let’s take a look at the Persona 25th Anniversary from Sega Taiyaki, that’s currently available until March 27th!
Rather than the standard shape of the fish, the Sega Taiyaki has a Persona makeover, offering you three different character options!
Koromaru is a beloved dog that’s based on the famous Shiba, Hachiko! Like Hachiko, Koromaru was so loyal that when his master, the monk of Naganaki Shrine, died, Koromaru continued to protect the shrine.
Teddie is an anthropomorphic bear, but he becomes a boy with blond hair and blue eyes. Kuma is his Japanese name, which actually means bear! The taiyaki is the cute bear version!
Morgana is a mysterious character who doesn’t know who he is, and spends his time seeking answers in the game. He looks like he is a cat, but will constantly say he is not. He spends his time proving himself to others he is in fact a human.
When you go and get these limited time treats, you’re able to get collectable coasters of all the characters. If you’re feeling like a Phantom Thief, and wondering where to get Sega Taiyaki, you can get it at the Sega Collabo Cafe in Akihabara, in Tokyo, and in Namba, in Osaka!
The Sega Taiyaki stores are always coming out with cool collabs, and the TokyoTreat team was excited to tell you about spring 2022’s offerings! In the past, the team has done a review for the Demon Slayer taiyaki from September 2021!
Who is your favorite Persona character, and what game or anime would you love to see Sega Taiyaki collab with next?
In an exciting new challenge, OfflineTV (OTV), the beloved content group known for its humor and camaraderie, embarks on a culinary journey like no other.
Gyudon is a comfort food that has captured the hearts and stomachs of locals and visitors. This dish features tender slices of beef simmered with onions in a savory-sweet sauce, served over a steaming rice bowl. You can enjoy a hot beef rice bowl for under 500 yen at popular chains! From city centers to...
Besides being a trendy fashion hub and a symbol of Tokyo’s youth culture, Shibuya is also home to numerous popular restaurants and cafes. Let’s check out these five Shibuya Station dessert shops you should visit!
In Japan, the New Year is way more than just another holiday. Here are some New Year’s food and activities you can enjoy this year!
Non-alcoholic beer is becoming increasingly popular in Japan. It offers a refreshing and healthier alternative to traditional beer for wellness-oriented customers. Let’s look at five non-alcoholic options in Japan for any occasion.
Among Japan’s many treasured treats, kinako mochi is a classic dessert that reflects the uniqueness of Japanese flavors and textures. But why is this dessert a nostalgic comfort food and a modern favorite?