Production and release
In the initial Persona 4 game, the main character is known simply as the Protagonist. However, the anime adaptation gives him the name Yu Narukami.[3] During an interview, game director Katsura Hashino drew attention to the way in which the Protagonist remains silent and emotionless throughout the game. This leaves the player to discern what emotions the character should have shown at any particular point. Hashino elaborated on this particular character trait creating an obstacle for Persona 4: The Animation's director Seiji Kishi since the character would undoubtedly have to speak and show some level of emotion. In the same interview, Kishi admitted the difficulty of the silent Protagonist's transition into the anime without destroying what Hashino had already established.[3]
The anime television adaptation of the game, produced by AIC ASTA and directed by Seiji Kishi, aired for 25 episodes on MBS between October 6, 2011 to March 29, 2012.[4] The series features most of the returning cast from the video game, whilst voice recordings for Igor were taken from the game as his actor, Isamu Tanonaka, died in January 2010.[4][5] Aniplex released the series on DVD and Blu-ray Disc between November 23, 2011 and August 22, 2012, with the first volume containing a director's cut of the first episode and a bonus CD single.[6] An additional 26th episode, featuring the story's true ending, was included in the 10th BD/DVD volume released on August 22, 2012.[7] Sentai Filmworks licensed the series in North America, simulcasting it on Anime Network as it aired and releasing the series on DVD and Blu-ray in two collective volumes on September 18, 2012 and January 15, 2013 respectively.[8][9][10] Like the Japanese version, the English dub retains many of the original voice actors from the English version of the game.[11] Kazé and Manga Entertainment released the series in the United Kingdom in three BD/DVD combi boxsets released between December 24, 2012 and July 22, 2013. Due to licensing issues, the North American BD releases omit the Japanese audio track, though it is still present on DVD releases, as well as all UK releases.[12] A film recap of the series, titled Persona 4: The Animation -The Factor of Hope-, was released in Japanese theaters on June 9, 2012, featuring a condensed version of the story and new scenes of animation.[13] Sentai re-released the series on September 29, 2015 in a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Collector's Edition boxset. The Blu-rays include both Japanese and English audio tracks.[14]
On May 1, 2014, Atlus announced that a second anime television adaptation titled Persona 4: The Golden Animation, is being produced by A-1 Pictures. The series aired on MBS' Animeism programming block between July 10, 2014 and September 25, 2014.[15][16] Based on the PlayStation Vita port of the game, Persona 4 Golden, the series focuses on new scenarios not featured in the previous series, largely revolving around Yu's encounter with the game's new character, Marie. The series is directed by Tomohisa Taguchi with Kishi serving as chief director, and features the returning cast from the previous games and anime.[17] The fourth BD/DVD volume, released on December 10, 2014, includes an OVA episode depicting an alternate ending.[18] Aniplex of America has licensed the series in North America, simulcasting the series on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Daisuki
