Persona 3 Portable: Ken (Justice) social link choices guide

Without a doubt one of the most controversial of the Persona 3 Portable social link plot lines, the Ken Amada S-Link is exclusive to the female protagonist - and isn’t necessarily for everyone. However, it’s also a social link where a guide might be more useful and necessary than most.

Leveling up the S-Link with Ken will tell his story and also improve the Persona fusion process with those of the Justice Arcana. It can also lead to a romantic relationship, which is where the controversy surrounding this S-Link comes in. This guide will show you all of the dialogue options that advance the relationship, meaning you can go romantic - or avoid it, if that’s what you’d rather.

Ken Amada S-Link Guide - Justice

Ken is one of the most controversial Social Links in all of Persona history, not just in Persona 3 Portable. But here's how to max his relationship.

Let’s get into the controversy around the Persona 3 Portable Ken social link first and foremost. It’s about romance - because Ken is literally just a kid, and his ‘romance’ subplot is creepy to say the least. The good news is, this guide will help you to avoid the romance if you want, and help you to otherwise rank up this S-Link quickly - and in as spoiler-free a manner as possible.

THe Ken S-Link works like any other in Persona 3, where ranking up is governed by a hidden EXP stat that rises as you spend time together. Saying the right things or giving the right gifts can grant bonus points, speeding up the level up process. This page lists all choices that offer bonus points.

Any choice that rewards bonus points is listed; any choices not listed have no effect, so you can say whatever you prefer. If our point totals for choices are more than you get, make sure you’re receiving the Arcana Bonus, which you can only get by having a Justice Arcana Persona in your party when spending time with Ken.

  • Ken can be found in the Iwatodai Dormitory Lounge on Tuesday and Thursday evenings once the S-Link is underway.
  • During the trip out to Kyoto, you can buy Namayatsuhashi as a gift for Ken - this gives some bonus points.
  • For other gifts, you can try the Book Cover, Jack Frost Doll, and Lucky Charm as decent options - though there’s quite a range of gifts Ken will accept.

Unlock & Rank 1:

The Ken social link is exclusive to the Female Protagonist that features in Persona 3 Portable - if you’re playing as the male lead, you’ll instead get to know Chihiro for your Justice Arcana S-Link. A guide for that version of the Justice S-Link is in our Persona 3 Portable Social Link guide.

For those as the female MC, you’ll be able to start Ken’s social link from 9/1, September 1st. You’ll need the maximum rank in the Courage Social Stat, however - the rank called ‘Badass’. The following choices can impact your relationship with this rank.

This is an automatic rank - you have a couple of dialogue choices, but no specific response offers any bonus points.

Rank 1 > 2:

The following choices can impact your relationship with this rank.

  • He carefully pushes the bell peppers aside to reach the meat…
    • “You shouldn’t be a picky eater.” +3
  • Should you try changing the subject?
    • “Do you watch TV?” +3
    • “What’s popular at your school?” +3
  • Do you watch any TV shows?
    • “I like action shows too.” +3

Rank 2 > 3:

The following choices can impact your relationship with this rank.

  • If the rice was cooked around noon, I guess there’s nothing to be done about it…
    • “Want to come earlier next time?” +3
  • There’s something that you put in that makes the rice taste better when you cook it.
    • “Honey?” +3
  • And you’re a girl, too…
    • “I just can’t stop reading them…” +3

Rank 3 > 4:

The following choices can impact your relationship with this rank.

  • Is it true that you won’t get big and strong if you don’t eat right?
    • “It’s true.” +3
    • “You’ll grow out, not up.” +3
  • You’d prefer someone like Akihiko-san too, right?
    • “Nope, not at all.” +3

Rank 4 > 5:

The following choices can impact your relationship with this rank.

  • It’s not good…
    • “Actually, I want to hear more.” +3
    • “That’s totally fine.” +2
  • I threw all of them away.
    • “I’ll buy you a different series.” +3
  • I hate that you feel that way.
    • “You’re okay the way you are.” +3
  • I was getting worried that yours might taste bad too, if you’re with me…
    • “That’s not true.” +3
    • “It was always terrible!” +3

Rank 5 > 6:

The following choices can impact your relationship with this rank.

    • “What did you end up writing?” +3
    • “Did you not write anything?” +3
  • Ken looks like he’s ready to burst into tears.
    • “That’s just how I am.” +3
  • Ken falls silent…
    • “I’m with you.” +3

Rank 6 > 7:

This is the rank where you choose between pursuing a platonic friendship or a romantic relationship with Ken - so be careful what you say! The following choices can impact your relationship with this rank.

    • Friendship -  “I have one.”
    • Friendship - “Who cares about stuff like that!”
    • Romance - “Unfortunately, I don’t have one.”
  • If you chose the Romantic Option: Is there anyone you… do like?
    • Friendship - “Nobody!”
    • Friendship - “That’s a secret.”
    • Romance - “He’s right in front of me.”
  • If you chose the Romance Option: If I said that I liked you, would that bother you?
    • Friendship - “I think so.”
    • Romance - “Not at all.”

Rank 7 > 8:

For Rank 8 of the Ken S-Link, you get a chance to confirm your choice from Rank 7, and then those on the romance path get a couple of extra choices, one of which matters. The following choices can impact your relationship with this rank.

  • You must be honest with him.
    • Friendship - “You’re a special friend.”
    • Romance - “It’s because I like you.”
  • If you chose Romance: That’s how adults lie all the time…
    • Friendship - “I’m not teasing you.”
    • Romance - “I’m not lying!”
  • Romance Only: Ken tripped over something…
    • “Wanna hold hands?” +3

Rank 8 > 9:

At this point, the Ken S-Link actively splits into two different paths - Romance, and Friendship. The following choices can impact your relationship with this rank.

Friendship Path:

  • It all depends on how I become one.”
    • “There’s no rush.” +3

Romance Path:

  • I’m so sorry…!
    • “I didn’t mind at all.” +3
  • Ken hangs his head low.
    • “You’re fine the way you are.”
  • Wait for me, Kotone-san…
    • “Don’t worry, I’ll wait for you.” +3
    • “I’ll look forward to it.” +2

Rank 9 > 10:

The following choices can impact your relationship with this rank.

Friendship Path:

  • My house is long gone. But I’ve been holding on to that key all this time.
    • “I can’t accept this.” +3
    • “I’ll hold on to this.” +3

Romance Path:

  • I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be staring.
    • “Something catch your eye?” +3
    • “What should we do?” +3
  • My house is long gone. But I’ve been holding on to that key all this time.”
    • “I can’t accept this.” +3
    • “I’ll hold on to this.” +3

Phone Calls:

  • 1/6 - I should’ve eaten it more slowly…
    • “I’ll make it for you again.” +3
    • “Did you savor it?” +2
  • 1/11 - The Featherman R one…
    • “You really like the series?” +3
    • “Can I borrow it?!” +3