Unlocking every bond in Persona 3 Reload is essential for player progression and fusing high-tier Personas. Among the various optional bonds, President Tanaka represents the Devil Arcana, offering players a unique late-night relationship in Paulownia Mall. Navigating his storyline requires meeting specific stat thresholds, spending a substantial amount of yen, and making the right conversation choices.
How to Unlock President Tanaka
To begin the Devil Social Link, you must first reach Rank 4 of the Hermit Social Link with Maya. During this progression, Maya will mention a shady businessman named Tanaka, which unlocks the ability to interact with him. Additionally, your protagonist must possess Rank 4 Charm (Smooth) before Tanaka will willingly speak with you.
Once these requirements are fulfilled, head to Paulownia Mall at night on Tuesdays or Saturdays to locate him. To initiate the bond, Tanaka will demand financial investments across three separate encounters. You will need to hand over an initial payment of 20,000 yen, followed by two subsequent payments of 10,000 yen on separate nights.
Devil Social Link Schedule and Mechanics
President Tanaka is available exclusively during the evening hours at Paulownia Mall. Players can reliably meet him on Tuesday and Saturday nights. Unlike most other character arcs in the game, the Devil Social Link ranks up automatically during every hang-out session.
Because rank-ups are guaranteed regardless of your dialogue selections, carrying a matching Devil Arcana Persona is not strictly required for progression. However, choosing favorable dialogue responses still enhances the narrative flow and character interaction. This predictable structure makes Tanaka one of the most efficient Social Links to complete in the entire game.
Best Dialogue Choices for Rank Ups
While choices do not impact progression speed, picking supportive or amused responses fits Tanaka's corporate personality. During Rank 4, selecting "Sure have!" acknowledges his business ambitions nicely. For Rank 5, choosing "Whose face?" or "I feel sorry for him" maintains an engaging dynamic.
As you approach the higher ranks, Tanaka begins to show subtle character growth regarding his wealth and outlook. Responding with "Sort of..." at Rank 7 and questioning his charitable motives at Rank 9 provides great insight into his narrative arc. Upon reaching Rank 10, Tanaka rewards you with the Thank-you Letter, an essential item that unlocks the fusion of Beelzebub.
