The Pink Alligator
The Pink Alligator is an in-universe book from the Persona series. It is a novel written by Akinari Kamiki.
Summary
A pink alligator was born in the green jungle. He had trouble hunting for prey due to his distinct coloration, and often went hungry. Due to ridicule from the other animals, he started to live alone, but eventually made a friend: a small bird who was unable to fly. The bird liked to stand on the alligator's back to practice its flight as the alligator moved around in the water.
One day, in a fit of dizziness from hunger, the alligator accidentally ate the bird as it was resting in his mouth. The alligator tried to drink swamp water to vomit him back up, but the bird was already dead. After the loss of his only friend, the alligator cried for a very long time, eventually drowning in his own tears. The alligator's tears became a beautiful lake, dotted with flowers and a fruit tree. From then on, the other animals would come here to relax, not knowing that the lake was formed by the alligator.
Game Appearances
In Persona 3
During Akinari's Social Link, particularly ranks 6, 7 and 10, he reads portions of the book to the protagonist and asks for his opinions. Through his Social Link, he explains that the book was a metaphor for his own circumstances, and how the protagonist helped to change his outlook on life.[1] After completing Akinari's Social Link, the protagonist receives the Worn Notebook key item, which contains Akinari's original manuscript for the book as well as his will.[2]
In future Persona games
Some time after Akinari's passing, the book's contents are published by Mitsuru Kirijo after she finds the manuscript in with the protagonist's belongings. The book is an inspirational tale for many people; however, Akinari's name and relation to the book are lost to time.[3] In that time, the story is also adapted from a novel[4] to a children's storybook.
During Kanji Tatsumi's Social Link in Persona 4, he is commissioned by a young boy to create a pink alligator plush, and mentions that it's "like the one in that storybook."[5]
During Tohru Adachi's Social Link in Persona 4 Golden, Nanako Dojima reads The Pink Alligator as part of a homework assignment from her teacher.[6][7]
In Persona 5, Yusuke Kitagawa can be seen reading the novel version of the book on August 1st while staying at Café Leblanc.
Manga Appearances
Nomenclature
| Language | Name | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Japanese
|
ピンクのワニ Pinku no Wani | Pink Alligator |
Gallery
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The notebook Akinari originally wrote The Pink Alligator in
Notes
References
- ↑ "Akinari: "...Even though the alligator did not find meaning in his life, the residents of the forest did. They just didn't realize it... Because... the meaning of my life is not something I should worry about. It's really what others think of my life or what I was able to do for them. So... for me, or you, or anyone... the meaning of our lives is something that we make but don't see." Persona 3 (PlayStation 2). Developed by ATLUS. Published by ATLUS.
- ↑ "Akinari: "So, before, I mentioned I was writing a diary... That was a lie. I was writing my will. I couldn't face reality... and I was essentially screaming curses into my notebook. But for now, I'm writing a story in the same notebook." Persona 3 (PlayStation 2). Developed by ATLUS. Published by ATLUS.
- ↑ "そこには難病に冒されて死を待つばかりの青年の、自分が生きた意味が込められている。ノートを見つけた美鶴の尽力により出版された絵本は口コミで広がり、多くの人々に感動を与え続けている。ただし作者は不詳とされている。" Translation: "This book contains the life story of a young man suffering from an incurable disease as he awaits death. Thanks to the efforts of Mitsuru, who found the book, its contents were published and its popularity spread by word of mouth, inspiring many people. The identity of the original author, however, is unknown." "Chapter 3: NPCs", Persona Club P4, Atlus. Published by Famitsu (2009). Japanese. p. 151. ISBN-13: 475774630X.
- ↑ "Akinari: "Maybe I'll be able to show you the entire novel someday." Persona 3 (PlayStation 2). Developed by ATLUS. Published by ATLUS.
- ↑ "Kanji: "A pink alligator? Ohh, like the one in that storybook, huh...? F-Fine, then... I'll get around to it sometime." Persona 4 (PlayStation 2). Developed by ATLUS. Published by ATLUS.
- ↑ "Nanako: "[...]I have some homework! A book review! [...] I just have to read it. And then get a mark from a grown-up saying I did."" Persona 4 Golden (PlayStation Vita). Developed by ATLUS. Published by ATLUS.
- ↑ "Nanako: "Once, in a deep, deep forest, [n]ear a small, small river, [t]here lived a pink alligator... [...] ...And so no one remembered the pink alligator. Even today, the lake is shining the way it always did. The end." Persona 4 Golden (PlayStation Vita). Developed by ATLUS. Published by ATLUS.