TV Special
Description
Sojiro Sakura runs Café Leblanc in Yongen-Jaya, Tokyo. A former government official, he collaborated with researcher Wakaba Isshiki and received her desperate SOS message shortly before her death in an accident officially deemed a suicide. Suspecting murder but unable to prove it, he resigned to protect Wakaba's daughter, Futaba Sakura, from potential danger. He rescued Futaba from an abusive uncle and adopted her, though he doubted his fitness as a guardian due to his perceived failure to prevent Wakaba's death. Permitting Futaba's reclusive lifestyle, believing isolation necessary for her trauma, he sustained her with curry—a dish she grew to love during her mother's visits to Leblanc.
He reluctantly agreed to house Ren Amamiya, a transfer student on probation for assault, as a favor to Ren's parents. Initially distant and wary, Sojiro warned Ren against causing trouble and threatened expulsion for any probation violations. He confined Ren to the café's attic, enforcing strict curfews and school attendance. Gradually, observing Ren's reliability, Sojiro allowed nighttime excursions and started instructing him in Leblanc's coffee-brewing and curry-making secrets. This mentorship forged their bond, with Sojiro later admitting he saw his younger self in Ren.
His development accelerated when Futaba began interacting with Ren and the Phantom Thieves. After her Palace collapsed, signifying emotional healing, Sojiro discovered a calling card in her room, exposing the group's activities. Confronting Ren and Futaba, he reacted with anger but listened as Futaba explained how the Thieves freed her from guilt over her mother's death. Sojiro then shared his own past: his regret for dismissing Wakaba's fears and his suspicion that politician Masayoshi Shido orchestrated her death. Recognizing the Thieves' methods aligned with Wakaba's cognitive realm research, he pledged secrecy and support, demanding they prioritize safety.
Following Ren's arrest and faked death, Sojiro hid him at Leblanc at Sae Niijima's request, later aiding the Thieves' strategy sessions against Shido. When Shido's conspirators detained him to uncover the Thieves' identities, he refused to cooperate and was released after Shido's change of heart. Afterwards, he formally embraced Ren and Futaba as family, gifting Ren Leblanc's recipes and receiving Ren's probation journal as a keepsake.
Across media, including *Stars and Ours* and spin-offs like *Persona 5 Strikers*, Sojiro's protective role extends. He shelters Ren during security threats and coordinates with Public Security's Zenkichi Hasegawa. His relationship with Futaba evolves into mutual reliance, culminating in her openly calling him "Dad." He continues safeguarding the Phantom Thieves while managing Leblanc as their de facto headquarters.
He reluctantly agreed to house Ren Amamiya, a transfer student on probation for assault, as a favor to Ren's parents. Initially distant and wary, Sojiro warned Ren against causing trouble and threatened expulsion for any probation violations. He confined Ren to the café's attic, enforcing strict curfews and school attendance. Gradually, observing Ren's reliability, Sojiro allowed nighttime excursions and started instructing him in Leblanc's coffee-brewing and curry-making secrets. This mentorship forged their bond, with Sojiro later admitting he saw his younger self in Ren.
His development accelerated when Futaba began interacting with Ren and the Phantom Thieves. After her Palace collapsed, signifying emotional healing, Sojiro discovered a calling card in her room, exposing the group's activities. Confronting Ren and Futaba, he reacted with anger but listened as Futaba explained how the Thieves freed her from guilt over her mother's death. Sojiro then shared his own past: his regret for dismissing Wakaba's fears and his suspicion that politician Masayoshi Shido orchestrated her death. Recognizing the Thieves' methods aligned with Wakaba's cognitive realm research, he pledged secrecy and support, demanding they prioritize safety.
Following Ren's arrest and faked death, Sojiro hid him at Leblanc at Sae Niijima's request, later aiding the Thieves' strategy sessions against Shido. When Shido's conspirators detained him to uncover the Thieves' identities, he refused to cooperate and was released after Shido's change of heart. Afterwards, he formally embraced Ren and Futaba as family, gifting Ren Leblanc's recipes and receiving Ren's probation journal as a keepsake.
Across media, including *Stars and Ours* and spin-offs like *Persona 5 Strikers*, Sojiro's protective role extends. He shelters Ren during security threats and coordinates with Public Security's Zenkichi Hasegawa. His relationship with Futaba evolves into mutual reliance, culminating in her openly calling him "Dad." He continues safeguarding the Phantom Thieves while managing Leblanc as their de facto headquarters.