Japan
The games that Persona MUSH draw from are set in various fictional cities in modern day Japan. Does this mean that players are required to have a strong grasp on Japanese language, culture, events, and customs?
The answer is, don't sweat it! No one on staff is from Japan, and we don't claim to be experts in any aspect of life over there. We're pretty sure most of our playerbase won't be either, so we won't hold you to it. It just happens that Japan is where our setting takes place.
If you've played the more recent Persona games (3 and 4), you know just about all you really need to. If not, no worries at all. A lot of the descriptions around the grid can help clue you in on the little details, but just the following should answer the absolute basics of day-to-day interaction:
- High school consists of three years. The first year is equivalent to the United States system's 10th grade. Test scores are a very big deal, as you need high scores to get into college. Virtually all schools mandate you wear a uniform, and the vast majority meet for half a day on Saturday. Students are also actively encouraged to join a club, as those who aren't in one are considered a bit weird.
- The use of first names when talking to other people is very informal and used largely just by family members or close friends.
- There are a series of honorific put at the end of names (either given or surname) in varying situations. 'San' (example: Dojima-san) is the most common and akin to 'Mr.' or 'Miss' or what have you. 'Senpai' (example: Akihiko-senpai) is used for students or coworkers (but not bosses) with seniority over you and can be used by itself. 'Sensei' (example: Toriumi-sensei) is for teachers and mentors. 'Kun' (example: Ken-kun) is often used by people of senior status referring to their juniors, but are also used by women who are attached to (or for a while have known) men. '-chan' (example: Nanako-chan) is a very informal, cutesy way to show endearment. These are commonly expressed in Persona 3 and 4 by far, and if it's confusing, don't fret too much over it.
- One shouldn't be caught in public with weapons, especially swords and guns. Running around screaming everywhere while brandishing a weapon will get you in some trouble very quickly. Police are permitted to carry firearms, however.
