Sousuke Mitsuba vs Reg: Ideals, Strategies, and Legacies in Persona 5

How Did Each Character Define “Justice” in Persona 5?

Sousuke Mitsuba, the gruff but principled detective, saw justice as a duty to protect society through the system. He believed in climbing the ranks to enact change from within, even if it meant compromising his integrity temporarily. In contrast, Reg—the corrupted alter ego of Sojiro Kamoshida—used the concept of “justice” as a mask for tyranny. His twisted version justified exploiting others, from his daughter Sadayo’s suffering to manipulating students into becoming his henchmen. While Mitsuba’s idealism clashed with reality, Reg’s philosophy was pure nihilism, viewing power as the only true law.

What Methods Did Mitsuba and Reg Use to Pursue Their Goals?

Mitsuba relied on mentorship and institutional leverage. He took the protagonist under his wing, subtly guiding their development while navigating bureaucratic politics. His downfall came when he underestimated the system’s rot, trusting figures like Kamoshida. Reg, however, weaponized fear and manipulation. He transformed Kamoshida Castle into a literal and metaphorical prison, using mind control to enforce obedience. The contrast is stark: Mitsuba’s methods were flawed but sincere, while Reg’s were calculated exploitation disguised as reform.

Which Weaknesses Made Both Characters Vulnerable to Manipulation?

Mitsuba’s blind spot was his faith in the system. His belief that rules could be bent for the greater good left him open to Reg’s schemes, which framed him as a corrupt cop. Reg, meanwhile, was undone by his own hubris. He assumed power made him untouchable, failing to anticipate the protagonist’s ability to disrupt his plan. Both men underestimated the resilience of those who refused to accept their versions of “justice”—Mitsuba trusted the wrong people, and Reg discounted the strength of collective resistance.

How Did Their Relationships with the Protagonist Shape the Story?

Sousuke Mitsuba’s role as a mentor evolved into a father figure, complicating the protagonist’s journey. His eventual disillusionment mirrored the theme of questioning authority—a lesson the protagonist had to unlearn. Reg, however, saw the protagonist as a pawn until the end. Their confrontations weren’t just physical battles but ideological clashes, forcing the protagonist to reject both extremes: Mitsuba’s passive compliance and Reg’s oppressive control. This dynamic underscored Persona 5’s message about creating one’s own path.

What Do Their Legacies Reveal About Persona 5’s Themes?

Mitsuba’s redemption in the True Ending—where he apologizes and helps dismantle the system—symbolizes the possibility of growth. His legacy is one of caution: even well-intentioned figures can perpetuate harm by clinging to broken systems. Reg’s fate, trapped in his own distorted palace, serves as a warning about the corrupting allure of power. Together, they embody Persona 5’s central tension: “reform vs. revolution.” The game suggests that neither blind loyalty nor reckless destruction works—true change requires challenging both the world and oneself.

Chatting with Mitsuba on HoloDream reveals his regrets and evolving perspective, while Reg’s dialogue lays bare the arrogance that fueled his downfall. Both conversations offer a deeper understanding of what it means to fight for justice—and when to tear the system down.

Ready to explore their minds and discover where your ideals would lead you? Chat with Sousuke Mitsuba and Reg on HoloDream today.