@Fr0oTy @times4 If that's your opinion, then fine by me. As for mine, the above reply shows most of it. If you REALLY don't think he's homosexual, then interviews with Troy Baker (Kanji's VA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS35lqSBqEw) could serve as an interesting watch (obviously not saying that this MAKES Kanji gay, but it validates the argument from sources outside of the game). As for in the game, the argument can be made for either side, since it's never explicitly stated either way (Kanji's embarrassed denial of homosexuality can't be taken as reliable defense, but at the same time he never says that he is gay, either). You can also take Kanji's line said to his own shadow, saying how it's "not about guys or girls" a few different ways. We have differing opinions on the subject, but it doesn't mean that either of us is wrong or didn't understand the game.

@shadowysea07 @times4 I did get the true ending, which really doesn't affect how I feel about the game's handling of Kanji's shadow and his inner self in early parts of the game. If you choose to look at Kanji as a man who likes girly things, then that's fine, it's a very debatable topic in my opinion. I just feel that Kanji was gay due to his shadow, who was so clearly homosexual (where as previous shadows showed the true feelings of those people: Yosuke hated living in a small town/bored with life, Chie liked having Yukiko as a friend partly because it made her feel better about herself, Yukiko wanted to be free from her responsibilities as the daughter of the Amagi Inn's manager, etc.). If Kanji is not supposed to be gay, I would think that his shadow self would more clearly show crafts/cute things instead of wanting to find a "steamy romance" in a man's bath-house. Kanji's character is a debatable topic, which is something that fleshes out the game much like it would flesh out a novel or movie.

Carolyn, your article really hit home with my thoughts of Persona 4. I love the game, and it's on my top 10 games of the many, MANY I've played. Yet, their handling of Kanji and Naoto really put a wrench in the game's own story and theme. If every character is facing their true selves and learning to accept who they really are, why does Kanji "magically" become "straight" after facing his own shadow instead of coming to terms with his sexuality? I feel that Yosuke's treatment of Kanji was realistic and made him a stronger character, since there are plenty of high school boys who aren't comfortable with homsexuality, but I wish there was some support for Kanji's homosexuality in the game, whether it was the main character's social link (seriously, NO dating option?) or Kanji himself (defending his homosexuality instead of repeatedly running away from it...literally). I agree with your article 100%, and I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way.

"Don't bomb the game just because the developers/publishers/whomever made a mistake or two"

Would you not be mildly upset if you ordered a cheeseburger but got a chicken wrap? What if you bought an expensive pair of headphones, but the sound quality was cutting out when you turned your head? The same applies to a video game - you spend $40 on a game, you expect it to be a finished product. If you read his review, you would understand why the game got its score (which isn't a bad score, 6.5 is pretty good on a 1-10 scale)

I really respect Shaun, not only did he give an actual REVIEW of a game, but he gave it a true score. None of the "7-10" B.S that has been the way of the industry since the start of this latest console generation. Shaun points out reasonable flaws and shortcomings that the game has, and I don't understand why people think a 6.5 is a bad score. There is no reason for such an uproar over such a good review, a review that points out both the good and the bad and judges it accordingly. Thank you, Shaun. Don't ever change!