View source for References in Megami Tensei

{{DISPLAYTITLE:References in ''Megami Tensei''}}{{stub}}{{References Table}}
This is a list of references in [[Megami Tensei (Franchise)|''Megami Tensei'']] franchise to other media and pop culture.

=={{Link|Series|MT-}}==
==={{Link|Game|MT2}}===
*President [[Suzuki]] and the [[Suzuki Company]] are named after board game designer Ginichiro Suzuki, the father of {{Link|Game|MT2}} writer [[Kazunari Suzuki]].<ref>{{Cite Interview|quote=Interviewer: I’ve heard that there are many models for the characters that appear in the Megami Tensei series. In particular, I’ve always wondered if there was anyone you drew inspiration from when creating the president of the Suzuki Company which appears in Megami Tensei II. / Ryūtarō Itō: I imagine you may well have already guessed, but he was based on none other than Mr. Ginichiro Suzuki.|translquote=|publ=Game Shokunin Dai 1: Shūdakara Nihon no Gēmu wa Omoshiroi|publisher=Micro Magazine|page=|transl=Blue Forest Bible}}</ref>
*"Super Milk" served at the bar is a reference to the novel ''A Clockwork Orange'',<ref>{{Cite Book|book=[[Megami Tensei I · II Shōkan-ban · Gattai-ban]]|page=p. 57|quote=ここで供される“スーパーミルク”は「時計仕掛けのオレンジ」に原典がある。|chapter=Megami Tensei Keyword Encyclopedia|lang=Japanese|publyear=1991|author=Nobuaki Takerube and Hiroshi Matsuzaki|publisher=Victor Entertainment}}</ref> which features a drink known as milk-plus.

=={{Link|Series|SMT-}}==
==={{Link|Game|SMT1}}===
*The character [[Stephen]] is named after the renowned physicist {{wp|Stephen Hawking}} who staunchly rejected the idea that a god created the universe.<ref>{{Cite Interview|quote=Interviewer: And the ever-elusive wheelchair-bound inventor of the Demon Summoning Program Professor Stephen, I’m assuming he was based on renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. / Ryūtarō Itō: Indeed he was. Professor Hawking is known for using physics to refute the notion that the universe was created by God, an idea that still has much support in Europe and America. This is why, in the game world, he plays the role of neutral messenger.|translquote=|publ=Game Shokunin Dai 1: Shūdakara Nihon no Gēmu wa Omoshiroi|publisher=Micro Magazine|page=|transl=Blue Forest Bible}}</ref>

*The scene where a beggar tells the player than yen is worthless is a reference to the first episode of {{wp|Fist of the North Star}}.<ref>{{Cite Interview|quote=Ryūtarō Itō: In the first episode of Hokuto no Ken currency has lost its value at the end of the century, and a character yells that they have no more use of that wastepaper, so I thought I should include a similar scene. (laughs) That’s why when an old beggar suddenly appears on the road he says the yen can no longer be used.|translquote=|publ=Game Side|publisher=|page=|transl=Dijehtranslations}}</ref> In the opening of the episode, a gang of robbers steal a briefcase of money, but when they realize that it's full of unusable currency they release the bills into the wind exclaiming that that they don't even use yen for toilet paper.

*The name [[Louis Cyphre]] is a reference to a character from the 1987 movie ''{{wp|Angel Heart}}'' of the same name.

*[[Tokyo Destinyland]] is a reference to the amusement part {{wp|Tokyo Disneyland}}. In the Super CD-ROM² version of the game, T.D.L. also features NPCs parodying {{wp|Mickey Mouse}} and {{wp|Donald Duck}} known as [[Zombie Mouse]] and [[Demon Duck]]. 

==={{Link|Game|SMT2}}===
*The name [[Red Bear]] is a reference to the antagonist group of the {{wp|tokusatsu}} film Aikoku Sentai Dai-Nippon, "the Red Bear Empire".<ref>{{Cite Interview|quote=Ryūtarō Itō: Red Bear – one of the enemies in the game had its name borrowed from the evil organisation in Aikoku Sentai Dainippon.|translquote=|publ=Game Shokunin Dai 1: Shūdakara Nihon no Gēmu wa Omoshiroi|publisher=Micro Magazine|page=|transl=Blue Forest Bible}}</ref>
*[[Nadja]] is named after the titular character of the André Breton novel ''Nadja''.<ref>{{Cite Book|book=[[Kazuma Kaneko Works III]]|publyear=2008|publisher=Shinkigensha|page=p. 25|isbn={{ISBN|978-4-7753-0609-3}}|lang=Japanese}}</ref>.

==={{Link|Game|SMTif}}===
*The names of several characters are references to other media. 
**[[Reiko Akanezawa]], [[Shinji Kuroi]] and [[Yumi Shirakawa]]'s family names are references to retired members of the inactive professional baseball team, the {{wp|Nishitetsu Baseball Club|Tokyo Senators}}.<ref>{{Cite Interview|quote=Ryūtarō Itō: Reiko Akanezawa, Shinji Kuroi and Yumi Shirakawa’s names were all based on players who belonged to the old Tokyo Senators baseball team |translquote=|publ=Game Shokunin Dai 1: Shūdakara Nihon no Gēmu wa Omoshiroi|publisher=Micro Magazine|page=|transl=Blue Forest Bible}}</ref>
**[[Ideo Hazama]]'s name is a reference to the protagonist of the manga {{wp|Black Jack (manga)|Black Jack}}, Kuro Hazama.<ref>{{Cite Interview|quote=Ryūtarō Itō: Ideo Hazama, one of the protagonist’s classmates in if…’s name was a play on Kuro Hazama, the protagonist of the manga Black Jack.|translquote=|publ=Game Shokunin Dai 1: Shūdakara Nihon no Gēmu wa Omoshiroi|publisher=Micro Magazine|page=|transl=Blue Forest Bible}}</ref> 
**[[Akira Miyamoto]]'s given name is a reference to the character Akira Fudo from the manga {{wp|Devilman}}, as both characters summon and fuse with the demon [[Amon]]. This connection also inspired the choice for Akira Miyamoto's family name, which is a reference to the theater director {{wp|Amon Miyamoto}}.<ref>{{Cite Interview|quote=Interviewer: Is it correct to then assume that Akira Miyamoto appeared in if… for similar reasons relating to Devilman? / Ryūtarō Itō: Correct. In the manga of Devilman, Akira fuses with Amon, which reminded us of the famous performer Amon Miyamoto, so we went with the surname “Miyamoto”. It really was that simple.|translquote=|publ=Game Shokunin Dai 1: Shūdakara Nihon no Gēmu wa Omoshiroi|publisher=Micro Magazine|page=|transl=Blue Forest Bible}}</ref>
**[[Katsuhiko Sato]], the computer club member who assists the [[Protagonist (Shin Megami Tensei if...)|protagonist]] in activating the [[Demon Summoning Program]], is named after the Japanese {{wp|Katsuhiko Sato (physicist)|physicist}} of the same name who helped translate and introduce {{wp|Stephen Hawking}}'s theories into Japanese.<ref>{{Cite Interview|quote=Ryūtarō Itō: Sato, a member of the school computer club in Shin Megami Tensei if…, had his name taken from physicist Katsuhiko Sato. We chose his name as the real Professor Sato was responsible for translating Professor Hawking’s works into Japanese, essentially making him the person responsible for introducing Hawking’s theories to Japan. This is also why he’s the one to bring up the Demon Summoning Program in the game.|translquote=|publ=Game Shokunin Dai 1: Shūdakara Nihon no Gēmu wa Omoshiroi|publisher=Micro Magazine|page=|transl=Blue Forest Bible}}</ref>

==={{link|game|smtsj}}===
*In the screenshots within the English instruction manual of the original ''Strange Journey'', the protagonist is named Langdon Alger and Lance Murdock referencing characters from the animated American sitcom ''{{Wp|The Simpsons}}''.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote= |translquote= |author= eyeofgender|url= [https://vimm.net/manual/8840 ''Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey'' Manual]|archive= |published= February 11, 2024|retrieved= April 27, 2024|site= The Manual Project|type= }}</ref>
*During [[Jack (Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey)|Captain Jack]]'s boss fight, the two [[Pisaca]]s he summons will be able to use the enemy-only skill [[Bites the Dust]] which inflicts the [[Bomb]] status aliment on the target. This is a reference to the ability [https://jojowiki.com/Bites_the_Dust Killer Queen Bites the Dust] from {{Wp|Diamond Is Unbreakable|''JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable''}}.<ref>[[:File:SMTSJ Bites the Dust Screenshot.png]]</ref>

==={{Link|Game|SMT4}}===
* Helmets closely resembling those of {{Wp|Darth Vader}} and a {{Wp|Stormtrooper (Star Wars)|Stormtrooper}} from the ''{{Wp|Star Wars}}'' franchise can be seen on display in the Members-Only Clubs in [[Ginza (Shin Megami Tensei IV)|Ginza]]. This same background can also be seen in {{Link|Game|SMT4A}}.
*In [[Club Milton]], near the end of the game, there is an NPC sprite based on {{wp|The Dark Knight|''The Dark Knight''{{'}}s}} depiction of the supervillain {{wp|Joker (character)|Joker}}.

<gallery>
SMT4 Members-Only Club Background Graphic.png|Background graphic of the Members-Only Club, showing the Darth Vader and Stormtrooper cameos
</gallery>

==={{Link|Game|SMT5}}===
*When attempting to recruit a demon with the "Hee-Ho" [[Speech Pattern]], the demon can strike a pose, one of the responses being to strike a more fierce pose. If chosen, there is a possibility for the demon to join the [[Nahobino]]'s party unconditionally and state "I see real bizarre adventure in our future, ho!", a reference to ''{{wp|JoJo's Bizarre Adventure}}'' and the series' distinctive characteristic of having characters strike eccentric poses.

=={{link|series|DeSum-}}==
==={{link|game|DeSum}}===
*The name of [[Hirasaki City]] was derived from a combination of the names of the cities {{wp|Hiratsuka}} and {{wp|Kawasaki, Kanagawa|Kawasaki}} and also served as a reference to "Heijo City" from {{wp|tokusatsu}} film Aikoku Sentai Dai-Nippon.<ref>{{Cite Interview|quote=Ryūtarō Itō: As for Hirasaki City, we took one kanji each from Hiratsuka and Kawasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture. It was also a slight reference to Heijo City in Aikoku Sentai Dainippon|translquote=|publ=Game Shokunin Dai 1: Shūdakara Nihon no Gēmu wa Omoshiroi|publisher=Micro Magazine|page=|transl=Blue Forest Bible}}</ref>

==={{link|game|DSRK1}}===
*During chapter 7, an NPC in Chiyoda referred to as "Huge man on a horse" says "It seems you've seen the star next to Ursa Major, shining in the northern sky... The shadow of death is upon you." This is a reference to the character {{wp|Raoh}} from {{wp|Fist of the North Star}}.

*The demon [[Oboroguruma]] references {{wp|Sailor Moon}} saying, "IN tHe NaMe of ThE fULl mOOn, I wIll PuNiSh YOu!"<!--i saw this single line of text in 00:00 of sirlionhart's raidou 1 lp episode 6, but I couldn't find the context -->

=={{link|series|p-}}==
==={{link|game|p3}}===
* Various consumable items are parodies of food and drink names:
** [[Cielo Mist]] is a combination of Sierra Mist (which is more similar to Japanese cider drinks) and [[Cielo]] from {{link|game|ddsat1}}. In Japanese, it is called Yotsuya Cider and is a parody of Mitsuya Cider with "yo" meaning 4 and "mi" meaning 3.
** [[SoBay]] is a combination of SoBe and eBay. In Japanese, it is called Gokenbicha and is named after Sokenbicha, a blended tea.
** [[Starvicks]] is a combination of coffee company Starbucks and Vicks cough medication. In Japanese, it is called Minimum Coffee, a parody of Max Coffee.
** [[Cylon Tea]] is named after Ceylon Tea. In Japanese, it is named 255 Teas and is a parody of a tea drink called 16 Teas.
** [[Aguafeena]] is a combination of Aquafina and the Spanish word for water (agua). In Japanese, it is called South Funabashi Artificial Water and is a parody of South Alps Natural Water.
** [[Dr. Salt]] is a parody of Dr. Pepper in both English and Japanese.
** [[Moonkist]] is a parody of Sunkist.<!--pure honey-->
** [[Nastea]] is a combination of Nestea and the word nasty. The Japanese name, Gokocha (halo tea), is a parody of Kirin's Gogocha (afternoon tea) line.
** [[BauerBar]] is a parody of PowerBar. In Japanese, it is called Calorie Blend, a parody of Calorie Mate.
** [[1UP]] is a parody of 7 Up in both English and Japanese.
** [[V6]] is a parody of V8. In Japanese, it is named Vlad Tepes after [[wikipedia:Vlad the Impaler|Vlad the Impaler]] and the description mentions it is a tomato juice made in Romania.
** [[Mad Bull]] is a parody of Red Bull. In Japanese, it is called Moronamin G, a parody of Oronamin C.
** [[Fountain Dew]] is a parody of Mountain Dew. In Japanese, it is called Manta, a parody of Fanta, and the description mentions the manta ray.

===={{link|game|p3p}}====
* A man resembling Vincent Brooks from Atlus's puzzle game ''[[Wikipedia:Catherine_(video_game)|Catherine]]'' appears at [[Club Escapade]] and hints at the events that happen in his game. As Atlus revealed on a web show in 2011, that's not actually Vincent, but rather a lookalike with a mole.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote= |translquote= |author= |url= [https://www.gamers1.jp/colweb/radio/2011/110210/110210.php Weekly Game Dining Table #147]|archive=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110223004258/https://www.gamers1.jp/colweb/radio/2011/110210/110210.php Archive.org] |published= February 10, 2011|retrieved= January 22, 2024|site= Gamers1|type= Web Show}}</ref>

==={{link|game|p4}}===
* In the Japanese manual for ''Persona 4'', the [[Yu Narukami|protagonist]]'s name is Kōsuke Tsukimori after a character in Atlus's ''[[Wikipedia:Trauma_Center_(video_game_series)|Trauma Center]]'' series.
* In the cutscene where the protagonist rides from the city to the Yasogami Train Terminal, he rides on a train that resembles the [[wikipedia:Azusa (train)|Azusa]] with a nameplate on the front that says Atlus (あとらす) instead of Azusa (あずさ).
* When [[Kinshiro Morooka]] meets the protagonist on the first day of school, he says he will put him in his "rotten orange book".<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=[4/12] '''Morooka''': む...　貴様の名は”腐ったミカン帳”に刻んでおくからな...|translquote=|title=Persona 4|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PlayStation 2|lang=Japanese|transl=}}</ref> This is a reference to the Japanese drama, [[wikipedia:Kinpachi-sensei|''Mr. Kinpachi in Class 3B'']]. During the camping trip, Morooka goes around asking if there are any rotten oranges who are out of their tents.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=[6/17] '''Morooka''': 腐ったミカンはー、いねがー！ みだらな行為をするやつぁーなー…|translquote=|title=Persona 4|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PlayStation 2|lang=Japanese|transl=}}</ref> Rotten oranges comes up again when describing Morooka's death in [[Void Quest]].<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=[Void Quest] '''*''': くさった　ミカンの　ぶんざいで　ワシに　はむかうとは　いい　どきょうだ！|translquote=|title=Persona 4|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PlayStation 2|lang=Japanese|transl=}}</ref> In the English version, Morooka instead calls the orange book his shitlist during the protagonist's introduction, says rotten apples during the camping trip, and Mitsuo's dungeon text mentions rotten oranges when referring to Morooka during Void Quest. Morooka's family name also appears to be inspired by Kinpachi, with Kinpachi meaning gold and eight, and Kinshi meaning gold and four.<!-- and the game is persona... four... ha...-->
* Before the game begins, [[Chie Satonaka]] lends [[Yosuke Hanamura]] a DVD called ''Trial of the Dragon''. In Japanese, this is named ''The Legend of Seiryū''.{{Note|{{JP|成龍伝説|Seiryū densetsu}}}} This is a reference to a Japanese TV drama about a female martial artist called [[ja.wikipedia:聖龍伝説|''Seiryū Densetsu: Legend of St. Dragon'']]{{Note|{{JP|聖龍伝説|Seiryū densetsu}}}}<!--"聖龍伝説 legend of st dragon" appears to be the show's official title?--> but replaces the 聖龍 in the title with Jackie Chan's Chinese stage name (成龍) with Chie still pronouncing it ''seiryū'' (which is the ''on'yomi'' reading of Jackie Chan's Chinese stage name, though Jackie Chan is not actually called this in Japanese).
* [[Teddie]] begins calling the protagonist "sensei". This is a reference to the Japanese version of ''[[wikipedia:Looney Toons|Looney Toons]]'' and how [[Kappei Yamaguchi]]—the 6th Japanese voice actor for Bugs and also Teddie's voice actor—performs Bugs's "What's up, doc?" line with "sensei" being the Japanese localization for "doc". <!--can you imagine the psychic damage if persona 4 had been localized with teddie saying "eh, what's up, doc?"-->
* When Yosuke is concerned about Yukiko and asks Teddie if anyone is inside the TV, Teddie replies that no one else is there. Chie doubts him, and Teddie says he isn't lying, and that his nose is a "throbbing story".<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=[4/16] '''Teddie''': ウ、ウソなんてつかないクマ！　クマの鼻は今日もビンビン物語クマ。|translquote=|title=Persona 4|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PlayStation 2|lang=Japanese|transl=}}</ref> The "throbbing story" part is a reference to an old Japanese TV drama, ''[[ja.wikipedia:びんびんシリーズ|Kyōshi Binbin Monogatari]]''. While the drama is a touching story about a teacher helping his students, the onomatopoeia ''binbin'' also has a sexual connotation that can make viewers suspicious of it, giving it a double meaning.
* When Naoto talks about the Shirogane family, Chie responds that it reminds her of Kindaichi,<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=[9/9] '''Chie''': 代々？　スゴいね、なんか金田一ナントカみたい。|translquote=|title=Persona 4|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PlayStation 2|lang=Japanese|transl=}}</ref> referring to the fictional detective [[wikipedia:Kosuke Kindaichi|Kosuke Kindaichi]] and his grandson who appears in [[wikipedia:The Kindaichi Case Files|The Kindaichi Case Files]]. Because Kindaichi is not as well-known in the west, in the English localization Chie instead says that it reminds her of a [[Kuzunoha Clan|Kuzunoha]] that she saw in a movie before.
* [[Shadow Mitsuo]] has skills called Whisper,{{Note|{{JP|ささやき|Sasayaki}}}} Prayer,{{Note|{{JP|いのり,|Inori}}}} and Chant.{{Note|{{JP|えいしょう|Eishō}}}} These are references to a message that appears in [[wikipedia:Wizardy|''Wizardry'']] when you revive dead characters or cure paralysis at the Temple of Cant.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote= |translquote= |author= |url= [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aksM3kHmGE8&t=112 Example of the message in Wizardry 1 (Japanese playthrough)]|archive= |published= November 24, 2021|retrieved= January 17, 2024|site= YouTube|type= Video}}</ref>
* When Shadow Mitsuo transforms into Mitsuo the Hero, his third command is Spell which casts Gigadyne. Gigadyne{{Note|{{JP|ギガダイン|Gigadain}}}} is a reference to the spell Gigadein{{Note|{{JP|ギガデイン|Gigadein}}}} (also known as Kazap in English) from ''Dragon Quest''.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote= |translquote= |author= |url= [https://dragon-quest.org/wiki/Kazap Kazap]|archive= |published= |retrieved= January 17, 2024|site= Dragon Quest Wiki|type= Article}}</ref>
* In order to fight Shadow Mitsuo, the Investigation Team must find the Orb of Darkness.{{Note|{{JP|くらやみのたま|Kurayami no tama}}}} This is a reference to the Sphere of Light{{Note|{{JP|ひかりのたま|Hikari no tama}}}} from ''Dragon Quest''.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote= |translquote= |author= |url= [https://dragon-quest.org/wiki/Sphere_of_Light Sphere of Light]|archive= |published= |retrieved= January 17, 2024|site= Dragon Quest Wiki|type=Article}}</ref>
* When the protagonist interacts with the pile of bones to get the [[Gaia Sword]], a message appears that says, "No response. It must be a tile, not an object."{{Note|Japanese: 返事がない。ただの飾りのようだ…}} This is a reference to how in ''Dragon Quest'', when the hero interacts with a pile of bones or a dead person, a message appears that says, "There's no response. It's just a corpse."{{Note|Japanese: 返事がない。ただのしかばねのようだ。}}
* The scene where the boys are staying at the [[Amagi Inn]] and Kanji answers the phone while trembling is a reference to a test of courage skit on the variety show ''[[wikipedia:Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!!|GakiTsuka]]''.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=Hashino: 細かいネタですけど、電話が鳴って完二がビクってするイベントありますよね?あれはダウンタウンの「ガキの使いやあらへんで」でやった肝試しネタにインスパイアされたものです(笑)|chapter=Development Interview of Persona 4|book={{link|book|pcp4}}|author=Atlus, Famitsu Editorial Staff|publisher=Famitsu (2009)|lang=Japanese|volume=|edition=|page=p. 203|transl=|isbn=475774630X}}</ref>
* There are a couple lines where Yosuke references Takeshi Goda, also known as Gian in Japanese or Big G in English, from ''[[Wikipedia:Doraemon|Doraemon]]'':
** After Morooka turns up dead, Kanji encourages the Investigation Team to keep going, and Yosuke responds by telling him he's talking big despite being Kanji,<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=[7/10] '''Yosuke''': ふん…完二のクセに、生意気だ。|translquote=|title=Persona 4 Golden|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PS Vita|lang=Japanese|transl=}}</ref> mimicking something that Gian says to Nobita.
** When the protagonist agrees to help Yosuke work at Junes in August, Yosuke calls him "a dear friend"<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=[8/15] '''Yosuke''': おっしゃ！ ありがとー心の友よ！！|translquote=|title=Persona 4|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PlayStation 2|lang=Japanese|transl=}}</ref> which Gian sometimes sarcastically addresses people as.
* During rank 5 of [[Naoto Shirogane]]'s social link, she finds her stolen Detective Badge then mentions that it has no special functionality. This is referring to the Detective Boys Badge from ''[[Wikipedia:Detective Conan|Detective Conan]]'' which has a built-in communicator.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote= I made this... when I was a child. It's a... A... detective badge... It has no real function, though...|translquote=|title=Persona 4|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PlayStation 2|version=|lang=English|transl=}}</ref> Upon reaching rank 10, she gives the protagonist a new Detective Badge and mentions that she could have made it a camera and transceiver if she had gone back to the Shirogane family estate, but it does light up like the ''Conan'' badges.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote= If I went back to the estate, I could have added a camera and transceiver... Oh, but it flashes! I made myself one to match.|translquote=|title=Persona 4|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PlayStation 2|version=|lang=English|transl=}}</ref>
* One of the consumable food items is called the [[Seaweed Cracker]] and the description mentions penguins. In Japanese, the seaweed cracker is named Norimaki Senbei. While this does mean seaweed wrapped cracker, it is also the name of a character from ''[[Wikipedia:Dr. Slump|Dr. Slump]]'' which takes place in Penguin Village.
* [[Quelorie Mate]] is a parody of Calorie Mate. In Japanese, it is called Calorie Friend.
* A few drinks from the vending machines are parodies of Japanese drinks and they were also localized in English to be parodies of North American drinks:
** [[Dr. Salt NEO]] is a parody of Dr. Pepper in both English and Japanese.
** [[Second Maid]] is a parody of Minute Maid. In Japanese, it is called Bon Juice, a parody of an orange juice called POM Juice.
** [[TaP Soda]] is a parody of TaB. In Japanese, it is called Ribbon Citron and is a form of [[Product Placement]] instead of a reference.
** [[Orange Smash]] is a parody of Orange Crush. In Japanese, it is called Ribbon Napolin and is a form of [[Product Placement]] instead of a reference.
* One of the quests is to collect an item called [[Culurium]].{{Note|{{JP|クルルマメタル|Kururumametaru}}}} This is a reference to a metal in Atlus's ''Trauma Center'' series.
* During a quest, the protagonist can receive a [[Tankiriman Sticker]] from [[Nanako Dojima]] and the description mentions it shows eight heroes defeating a great evil. This is a combination of Lotte's [[wikipedia:Bikkuriman|Bikkuriman]] stickers (wafers that came with bonus stickers) and [[ja.wikipedia:ネクロスの要塞|Neclos Fortress]] (another candy toy by Lotte that came with two cards and a small toy) which took place in Tankiri and involved eight heroes.
* The English localization for the book [[Witch Detective]] describes the plot of ''[[wikipedia:Twilight (novel series)|Twilight]]''.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=A ploddingly written romantic comedy about a girl on her first day of school in a new town. Vampires are involved.|translquote=|title=Persona 4|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PlayStation 2|lang=English|transl=}}</ref> In Japanese, the book was called Magical Detective Loveline and it was not a reference.

===={{link|game|p4g}}====
* When the Investigation Team rehearses for their live performance, the protagonist can choose to tell them, "The match isn't over until you give up".<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=[10/09] '''Protagonist''': 諦めたら試合終了だ。|translquote=|title=Persona 4 Golden|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PS Vita|lang=Japanese|transl=}}</ref> This is a reference to a quote said by Coach Anzai in ''[[Wikipedia: Slam Dunk (manga)| Slam Dunk]]''.
* During [[Marie]]'s Social Link, she dislikes the "be" in "beefsteak" as that sounds too tough and she thinks it should be called "heefsteak" instead.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote="ビ"がヤダ。何か硬そう。ヒーフステーキがいい。|translquote=|title=Persona 4 Golden|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PS Vita|version=|lang=Japanese|transl=}}</ref> In the English localization, the line was rewritten to Marie being concerned about "beefsteak" losing its identity if you remove the "beef" part from the name, thus it should be shortened to "fsteak" instead of just "steak".<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=But if you drop the word "beef" from it, you don't get any sense of what it's made of. It should be, like... "Fsteak".|translquote=|title=Persona 4 Golden|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PS Vita|version=|lang=English|transl=}}</ref> "Fsteak" is a reference to hiimdaisy's ''Persona 4'' comics, which came out before ''Golden'', where [[Shadow Teddie]] asks for a word that begins with "F" and Chie replies "Fsteak".
* When the protagonist pursues the true ending and has maxed out Adachi's Social Link, Adachi will appear during the Social Link power up scene and rib the protagonist for passing out on the ground and taking a little nap while Adachi himself is being made to serve time for his crimes.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=僕には罪を背負わせといて、自分だけサッサとおねんねすんの?ハハッ...ウケルね、それ。|translquote=|title=Persona 4 Golden|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PS Vita|version=|lang=Japanese|transl=}}</ref>  In the English localization, Adachi's line was rewritten to be him ribbing the protagonist for getting taken out by a bitch like Izanami.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=You make me take responsibility for my sins, but you're gonna let this bitch take you down like this?|translquote=|title=Persona 4 Golden|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PS Vita|version=|lang=English|transl=}}</ref> Shortly after the release of the original ''Persona 4'', Adachi became associated with the phrase "bitches and whores" in the western fandom and, as seen with "fsteak", Atlus West was quite familiar with the fan culture surrounding the game.<!--do i need to explain the origin of "bitches and whores" here... lol...-->
* The movie theater in [[Okina]] shows a new movie every month that is parody of a real movie. The movies are ''Loan of the Rings'' (''[[Wikipedia:The Lord of the Rings (film series)|The Lord of the Rings]]''), ''Dumminator 2'' (''[[Wikipedia:Terminator 2|Terminator 2]]''), ''Return of the Dragon'' (''[[Wikipedia:Enter the Dragon|Enter the Dragon]]''), ''One Missed Text'' ([[wikipedia:One Missed Call (2003 film)|''One Missed Call'']]), ''Dachiko'' (''[[Wikipedia:Hachikō Monogatari|Hachiko]]''), ''Roman Paid Holiday'' (''[[Wikipedia:Roman Holiday|Roman Holiday]]''), ''Obatar'' (''[[Wikipedia:Avatar (2009 film)|Avatar]]''), and ''Orso Rosso'' (''[[Wikipedia:Porco Rosso|Porco Rosso]]''). In Japanese, ''Return of the Dragon'' is called ''The Legend of Seiryū: Fired Up''{{Note|{{JP|燃えよ成龍伝説|Moe yo seiryū densetsu}}}} after the Japanese title for ''Enter the Dragon''{{Note|{{JP|燃えよドラゴン|Moe yo doragon|Burning dragon}}}} (see the note about ''Trial of the Dragon'' under the [[#Persona 4|''Persona 4'']] section). Additionally, ''Orso Rosso'' is named ''The Crimson Bear''{{Note|{{JP|紅の熊|Kurenai no kuma}}}} after ''Porco Rosso''{{'}}s Japanese title, ''The Crimson Pig''.{{Note|{{JP|紅の豚|Kurenai no buta}}}}
* The [[Hachiro Octopus]] is named after boxer and entertainer [[Ja.Wikipedia:たこ八郎|Hachirō Tako]], with tako meaning octopus.
* The [[Meguro Tuna]] is named after composer [[Shoji Meguro]]. In Japanese, ''maguro'' means tuna giving it the alliterative name Meguro Maguro.
* The protagonist can begin building various plastic models starting with the Hermit quest, all of which are references to the original ''[[Wikipedia:Mobile Suit Gundam|Mobile Suit Gundam]]'' and share names with Atma Avatars in {{link|game|ddsat1}}: <!--brahmana and agni are in ps2 p4 too but it seems more sensible to do all of them together-->
** Brahman: The Japanese name for the Brahman calls it "Mass Produced"{{Note|{{JP|量産型ブラフマン|Ryōsangata Burahuman|Mass Produced Model Brahman}}}} and the description mentions that it is green, alluding it to being similar to Zeon's mass produced green Zaku unit. In the English localization, the model is called MF-06S Brahman. This is a reference to the Zaku's model number MS-06F, swapping the F and S. This was done to shorten the name since putting in the words "mass produced" would be too long.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote= '''南場'''　はい。ほかにも、アイテムのプラモデル“量産型ブラフマン”については、“量産型”をそのまま英訳すると長すぎる、けれど何とかしてネタを仕込みたい……というわけで、“量産型で緑色のロボット”から着想し、“MF-06S Brahman”にしました。わかる人にしかわからないネタですが、北米にも『○ンダム』ファンは多いので（笑）。|translquote= |author= |url= [https://www.famitsu.com/news/201302/02028096.html 『ペルソナ4 ザ・ゴールデン』が北米でも大人気の理由・前編【翻訳担当者インタビュー】]|archive= [https://web.archive.org/web/20130204181535/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201302/02028096.html Archive]|published= February 2, 2013|retrieved= June 5, 2024|site= Famitsu|type= }}</ref>
** Agni: The description for the Agni mentions that it is red and moves three times faster. This is a reference to Char Aznable who pilots a red Zaku and is said to be three times faster.
** Harihara: The Japanese description for Harihara mentions that it has a hammer that can "destroy a Zako in one hit".<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=	一撃でザコを撃破するハンマーを装備した黒いプラモデル|translquote=|title=Persona 4 Golden|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PS Vita|lang=Japanese|transl=}}</ref> This is a reference to the RX-78-2's Gundam Hammer, a morning star-type weapon that destroys a Zaku in one hit in episode 5 of ''Mobile Suit Gundam''. Zako is a play on the name Zaku and how zako means trash or weak enemy.
** Dyaus: The description for the Dyaus mentions that the arms are decorative. This is a reference to a conversation about the Zeong's legs in episode 42 of ''Mobile Suit Gundam''. While the line is not spoken in the anime, Japanese fans of ''Gundam'' use the phrase "the legs are just for show" when talking about the Zeong and other similar mecha.
** Varna: The Japanese description for Varna mentions that it gives off a "This is no Zako" kind of feeling.<ref>{{Cite Game|quote=	オレンジ色の剣を装備した“ザコとは違う”感じの紫色のプラモデル|translquote=|title=Persona 4 Golden|developer=Atlus|publisher=Atlus|platform=PS Vita|lang=Japanese|transl=}}</ref> This quote is a reference to Ramba Ral who is known for saying, "This is no Zaku". Like with Harihara, Zako is a parody of Zaku that also means weak enemy.
** Prithvi: The description for the Prithvi says that it uses double Heat Shields.{{Note|{{JP|ヒート・タテ|Hīto tate}}}} This is a reference to the Zakrello which is also yellow and uses double Heat Natas.{{Note|{{JP|ヒート・ナタ|Hīto nata}}}}
* The [[TV Listing]] has references to Japanese TV stations (based on [[ja.wikipedia:日本のリモコンキーID|early 2000s Japanese remote control key IDs]]) and programs that aired on those stations:
** Ch 1 YHK is a parody of NHK. NHK was channels 1-3 on the remote. The program, "Blue and Purple Song Battle", is a reference to the New Year's Eve music program called ''[[Wikipedia:Kōhaku Uta Gassen|Kōhaku Uta Gassen]]'' meaning "red-white song battle".
** Ch 2 is YHK Educational, a parody of NHK Educational.
** Ch 3 is Inaba Public TV. In some regions of Japan, remote control 3 is NHK, but in other regions, it is a local or prefectural TV station, making it plausible that Inaba's local TV station would be on channel 3. The [[Midnight Trivia Miracle Quiz]]{{Note|{{JP|マヨナカ横断ミラクルクイズ|Mayonaka ōdan mirakuru kuizu}}}} is listed under Ch 3, named after the Japanese TV show, ''[[ja.wikipedia:アメリカ横断ウルトラクイズ|Trans America Ultra Quiz]]''.{{Note|{{JP|アメリカ横断ウルトラクイズ|Amerikaōdan urutora kuizu}}}} The hat that Teddie wears while hosting is a hat worn on the TV show by contestants and his nickname for himself is taken from the catchphrase of one of the ''Ultra Quiz'' hosts, Akira Fukuzawa.
** Ch 4 is OTV, named after Nippon Television which is channel 4. The "O" is a visual reference to the 2003-2013 Nippon Television logo where the 日 symbol was represented as a ⊙.<!--日本テレビ -> 日テレ -> ⊙TV; おお -> 大テレ -> OTV. (i thought the 大 meant 大阪 / osaka tv...)--> Ch 4 has the animated movie viewer, Daily Persaniland, named after the TV show ''Weekly Storyland'' which aired on NTV.
** [[Marie]]'s interview corner, Mariko's Room, is named after the talk show ''[[wikipedia:Tetsuko Kuroyanagi|Tetsuko's Room]]''. It plays on Ch 5 TV Pers, with 5 being the remote ID for TV Asahi which airs ''Tetsuko's Room''.
** Ch 6 is PBS, named after TBS which is channel 6 on the remote control and one of the stations that {{link|tv|p4a}} aired on.
** Ch 7 is TV Tatsu (referring to [[Tatsumi Port Island]]), a parody of TV Tokyo and 7 on the remote. The art gallery, Giants of P, is named after the art program ''[[ja.wikipedia:美の巨人たち|Giants of Beauty]]'' which aired on TV Tokyo.
** Ch 8 is Yaso TV, named Fuji TV which is channel 8 on the remote. The jukebox feature, Hey! Hey! Hoo! Music King!, is named after the music program ''[[wikipedia:Hey! Hey! Hey! Music Champ|Hey! Hey! Hey! Music Champ]]'' which aired on Fuji TV.
** Ch 9 is MOMOM, a parody of WOWOW and channel 9 on the remote control.

==={{link|game|p5}}===
* On the sixth of September, [[Hiruta|Mr. Hiruta]] will ask a question regarding the phenomenon in which the second hand on a clock stops moving. One of the answers to this is "The World", a reference to [https://jojowiki.com/The_World The World] and its ability to stop time from ''[[wikipedia:Stardust Crusaders|JoJo's Bizzare Adventure: Stardust Crusaders]]''. This is omitted in {{link|game|p5r}}.

===={{link|game|p5r}}====
* The weapon [[Red Five]] is likely named after [[wikipedia:Luke Skywalker|Luke Skywalker]]'s callsign from ''[[wikipedia:Star Wars (Film)|Star Wars]]''.

==={{link|game|p4a}}===
* In the Japanese version, [[Yu Narukami]]'s P-1 title is the "Siscon Delinquent Gang Leader of Steel"{{Note|{{JP|鋼のシスコン番長|Hagane no Shisukon Banchō}}}} referencing how Japanese fans call the protagonist ''banchō'' - a delinquent gang leader. This nickname came about due to Izanagi's male school uniform-looking attire, his dialogue options, the delinquent-looking Kanji holding respect for him, and him wearing the female delinquent uniform during the crossdressing contest.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote= |translquote= |author= |url= [https://dic.pixiv.net/a/%E9%B3%B4%E4%B8%8A%E6%82%A0#h2_4 Who is Narukami Yu? (Pixiv Encyclopedia)]|archive= |published= |retrieved= February 24, 2024|site= ピクシブ百科事典|type= Database}}</ref> In an interview for ''Royal'', [[Shigenori Soejima]] mentioned they might have gone too far when taking the fans' interpretation into account with Yu.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote= When that goes through other forms of media, the players’ so-called “collective unconscious” form a commonly accepted interpretation of the character. In P5R, we follow that and draw him in a more adventurous way. However, the P5 protagonist is probably still only 50% of the way there compared to the P4 protagonist. We went a bit too far with the P4 protagonist. *laughs*|translquote= |author= |url= [https://personacentral.com/persona-5-royal-character-designer-interview/ Persona 5 Royal Character Designer Interview on New Characters, Art Direction, Speculation on Kasumi Being a Female Protagonist]|archive= |published= August 14, 2020|retrieved= October 8, 2024|site= Persona Central|type= }}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Content]]