Tomoe Gozen is a legendary female warrior in Japanese history and folklore who is traditionally associated with the Minamoto clan during the Genpei War. Although her historical existence is uncertain, her story is primarily preserved in the Tale of the Heike, a medieval Japanese war chronicle, and the Genpei Jōsuiki, a later chronicle that provides additional details about her life. The Tale of the Heike describes Tomoe as a beautiful and exceptionally skilled warrior who served Minamoto no Yoshinaka, also known as Kiso no Yoshinaka. She was an accomplished archer and swordswoman who fought alongside Yoshinaka during the Genpei War.
According to the Genpei Jōsuiki, Tomoe was born around 1157 to the warrior Nakahara Kanetō. Her mother was Yoshinaka's wet nurse, and Tomoe grew up alongside him. She accompanied Yoshinaka during his campaigns against the Taira clan and is said to have commanded mounted warriors during the Battle of Kurikara. During the Battle of Awazu in 1184, Tomoe fought alongside Yoshinaka's forces after they were attacked by the forces of Minamoto no Yoritomo. She killed the warrior Uchida Ieyoshi and later beheaded Onda no Hachirō Moroshige before Yoshinaka ordered her to leave the battlefield. Yoshinaka was killed during the battle, after which Tomoe disappeared from the Tale of the Heike. The Genpei Jōsuiki provides several accounts of her later life, including her marriage to Wada Yoshimori and her eventual retirement as a Buddhist nun.
Tomoe's portrayal as an exceptionally skilled female warrior contributed to her becoming a prominent figure in Japanese literature and folklore. Her story has also been adapted into later works, including Noh theater.
Generally speaking, director Hashino explained that Personas were selected for party members using mostly well-known figures from Japanese mythology and folklore, with the characteristics of each figure corresponding to the themes of its associated character.[1] In the case of Chie, Tomoe was chosen as her initial Persona to reflect Chie's characterization as a tomboyish fighter. According to character designer and art director Shigenori Soejima, Tomoe and Suzuka Gongen were chosen as Chie's Personas because they are portrayed as women who fight like men and have a chivalrous spirit, evoking Chie's ideal image of a woman.[2] Hashino described Tomoe as giving the image of a woman who fights like a man but inspires the desire to protect her.[1]
Design
Chie's personal tastes were incorporated into Tomoe's design, giving her a physically macho appearance. Her outfit is a homage to Chie's favorite martial artist and movie star, Bruce Lee. Tomoe is armed with a naginata, although its blade is replaced by beams of light. Soejima described the weapon as a "beam naginata" and noted that the same design was used for Suzuka Gongen's weapon. He also said that he imagined Suzuka Gongen's weapon could be separated at the center and wielded as two sabers.[2]
Tomoe wears a full-faced motorcycle helmet that covers her face. The Persona designs followed a rule that required each Persona to wear something that concealed its face. Soejima based the helmet's design on what he imagined to be fitting for the "Chariot" Arcana, with his interest in motorcycles also influencing the decision.[2] The helmet serves as Tomoe's mask, with her face located beneath it. Since Personas are transformed Shadows, they wear masks similar to those worn by Shadows.[3]
In Golden, Chie starts with Tomoe. It transfigures into Suzuka Gongen upon maxing her Social Link, and can further transfigure into Haraedo-no-Okami during winter.
As a high-ranking female samurai, Tomoe Gonzen was an unusual figure in feudal Japan. When her lover Yoshinaka Minamoto made a bid to become the Minamoto clan leader, she fought to defend him against the other branches of the Minamoto family. However, accounts vary regarding her actions during the final battle in which Yoshinaka died.
English
Japanese
Tomoe on the cover of the Vol. 3 Japanese Standard Edition DVD of Persona 4 The Animation
Tomoe on the jacket cover of the Japanese Vol. 3 Full Disc of Persona 4 The Animation
Artwork from Persona 4
Concept artwork for Persona 4
Reference sheet for Persona 4 Arena
Render from Persona 4 The Animation
Card graphic from Persona 4
Graphic from Persona 4 Golden
Graphic from Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
Graphic from Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth
Model from Persona 4
Model of Tomoe playing a trumpet from Persona 4: Dancing All Night
