Task and routine pictures use her old hairstyle.
Sonoko Sakanoue is the tenth and final rival, as well as one of the female students who attended Akademi in 1980s Mode. Following the game's storyline, she was Ryoba's eleventh and final rival.
Appearance[]
Sonoko has dark purple hair that reaches just above her shoulders, with locks framing her face and crimson-red eyes.
She wears the default 1980s uniform alongside a pair of grey, ankle-length striped socks. During her week, she carries around an old camera.
Her grey ankle socks represent her dark past, specifically a very dark secret that has yet to be revealed.[2]
From the October 21st, 2024 build to the October 22nd, 2024 build, she had an ahoge on top of her head.
Personality[]
From 1985 to 1988, police were perplexed by a string of seemingly unsolvable murders taking place in Tokyo. After each murder, the police received an anonymous letter from a man who claimed responsibility for the crimes, and spelled the name of his next victim using a complicated cipher.
Eventually, the police started releasing the killer's letters to the public in the hopes that someone would be able to solve the killer's cipher and decode the name of his next victim. While attending Akademi in 1988, Sonoko Sakanoue started studying the killer's cipher as a hobby.
After many long nights, Sonoko cracked the code and figured out killer's cipher. She was then able to warn the police who the killer was planning to kill next. After this, the police acknowledged her as a prodigy who could potentially help them solve the case, and formally requested her assistance with the investigation, even granting her access to the crime scenes and evidence.
Sonoko discovered several new clues and put together some puzzle pieces that the police weren't able to figure out on their own, which eventually led to the arrest of the serial killer. If it wasn't for her help, the killer might have taken dozens of lives before he was eventually caught.
Once her accomplishments were announced to the public, Sonoko instantly became a national celebrity, and was interviewed by countless talk shows and magazines.
The primary reason to attend Akademi is to further one's changes of a successful career. However, Sonoko's accomplishments had already done more for her future career than Akademi ever could, so remaining at Akademi was pointless. Sonoko withdrew from the school without graduating and launched directly into a career as a junior detective. Over the course of the next 12 months, she would help the police solve numerous high-profile crimes.
One day, while investigating a crime, Sonoko encountered an investigative journalist who provided her with information that helped her solve the case. Sonoko was so impressed with the journalist's investigative abilities that she asked him to take her as his apprentice.
Sonoko and the journalist worked together as a crime-solving duo, leading to the arrests of numerous criminals. The journalist preferred to stay out of the spotlight, willfully letting Sonoko take all the credit.
One day, Sonoko's mentor asked her to return to Akademi - but not to finish her education. He wanted her to investigate the possibility that a serial killer was present at Akademi, killing any girl who attempted to get close to a specific boy.
Sonoko accepted the job, and has come up with a plan to determine whether or not anyone is sabotaging the boy's love life...
Became a minor celebrity after she helped the police solve a murder mystery last year. Graduated from Akademi early to become a junior detective. Apparently, that man in the trench coat outside the school is her mentor.
Among the Personas that are currently implemented in the game, Sonoko is Lovestruck. Unlike the other rivals, she will push Ryoba Aishi away if she gets too close and spray her with pepper spray if she attempts to kill her without stealth or gets too close five times in a row day. She behaves like the Student Council members, but if she witnesses Ryoba commit murder, she will take a photo of her, similar to the Sleuth persona, and run to show it to The Journalist, causing an automatic Game Over. But if Ryoba tries to chase her down with a weapon, Sonoko will pepper spray her without hesitation.
In addition to being a detective at Akademi, Sonoko also asked a group of students to follow her with a camera during her week, in case something happens to her.
Judging by her expression, which is shown in her artwork, she seems to be serious. She can be also considered helpful, as she's trying to help her mentor to solve the current problem of "something bad happening to girls who had crush on a boy."
Sonoko appears to speak formally at times, as shown when she talks with Jokichi Yudasei during her week.
According to Sonoko's diary, she was a juvenile delinquent, implying that she has a criminal record, but she reformed at some point.
Introduction[]
In the cutscene after eliminating the ninth rival, Sonoko's silhouette is seen as Ryoba Aishi talks about the Journalist who concerned her.
"... I've been trying to avoid acknowledging him but... at this point in time, that's just not possible anymore. The man in the trenchcoat. The... investigative Journalist. He finally made his move. For months now, he's been obsessed with investigating Akademi... but the headmaster has always refused him entry into the school. Up until now, that was enough to stop him. But, recently... he found a loophole. Apparently, he's had an "apprentice" for a while now. She's a junior detective... and a former student of Akademi. Back when she was attending school here, she did something extraordinarily... she solved a high-profile murder mystery that the police were struggling with. That accomplishment turned her into a national celebrity almost overnight. There was nothing more for her to gain from remaining enrolled in Akademi, so... she left without graduating, and quickly began a career as a junior detective. And now, one year later... she's back. She claims that she's here to finish her degree... but I can tell that there's more to the story than that. Her mentor - that journalist - is firmly determined to investigate Akademi... clearly, he must have asked his apprentice to return here to be his eyes and ears. The two of them have been interviewing students, and they've learned something: Things tend to happen to girls who have a crush on a certain boy at school... my Senpai. He's become a "person of interest" to them... and now that junior detective girl is investigating him. Following him everywhere... talking to him all the time... and lately she's been getting a bit too friendly with him... it's enough to make my blood boil. But, as much as I would love to sink a knife into her heart... a violent approach might be a bad decision this time around. She's convinced a bunch of students to patrol the hallways with cameras... right now, the slightest mistake could cost me everything. This girl... she's probably the most dangerous enemy I've faced so far... but... if I could somehow manage to befriend her and put her in debt to me... she could be a powerful ally."
Routine[]
Sonoko patrolling near Jokichi during cleaning time.
At 7:05 AM, Sonoko enters the school grounds. At 7:08 AM, she drops off her bag by her desk at Classroom 2-2, then patrols around Jokichi Yudasei along with the Photography Club, and heads back to her classroom at 8:00 AM. During Mission Mode, Sonoko patrols the First Floor.
At 1:00 PM, she eats her lunch next with Jokichi, then heads back to class at 1:20 PM. She does not participate in cleaning time and instead patrols Jokichi as he is cleaning.
After cleaning time concludes, she continues patrolling Jokichi until 5:15 PM. She leaves his sight to head to the locker room to change from her indoor shoes to her outdoor shoes. She then leaves school with Jokichi at 5:30 PM.
Events[]
- Monday
At 7:00 AM, Sonoko gives Jokichi a bento and tells him to leave it on his desk and eat it at lunchtime to test a theory of hers. Then, she will ask Jokichi to meet her at 5:15 PM and tell her how it tasted. At 5:15 PM, Jokichi and Sonoko meet outside the gate and Sonoko asks how the bento was. If the bento wasn't poisoned with an emetic poison, Jokichi says it was good; Sonoko muses on how Ryoba Aishi didn't tamper with the bento and guards Jokichi as he walks home. If the bento was poisoned, Jokichi says that the bento made him sick and they walk home separately.
- Tuesday
At 7:00 AM, Sonoko talks to Jokichi. He gives her a book and she puts it in her bookbag to test a theory. She will tell Jokichi to meet her at 5:15 PM so she can return the book. At 5:15 PM, Jokichi and Sonoko meet outside the gate and Jokichi asks about it. If the book wasn't stolen, Sonoko gives it back and guards Jokichi as he walks home together. If the book was stolen, Sonoko triumphantly reveals the book was taken and offers to replace it, only for Jokichi to reveal it was a gift and scold her for using his belongings as bait, leaving a guilty Sonoko to walk home alone.
- Wednesday
At 7:00 AM, Sonoko tells Jokichi she has a gift for him which she'll give to him at lunchtime. She leaves the gift on her desk when she goes to drop off her bag. At 1:00 PM, she will ask him to open the gift box. If the contents weren't replaced with contraband, the box will be empty and they eat lunch together. If the contents were replaced, Jokichi will refuse the gift and Sonoko explains her theory; they then eat lunch separately.
- Thursday
At 7:00 AM, Sonoko talks to Jokichi. During this conversation, she asks him out on a date to the movie theater. During this conversation, Sonoko says she's tired and Jokichi suggests she take a nap after cleaning time, which she decides to do so she doesn't ,mess up her investigation. At 4:00 PM, she takes a nap in the Infirmary. If her bento wasn't poisoned with a Sedative, Sonoko meets Jokichi at the gate at 5:15 PM, cancels the date and guards Jokichi as he walks home. If her bento was poisoned, Jokichi will get impatient and go home at 5:55 PM.
- Friday
At 7:00 AM, Sonoko talks to Jokichi. During this conversation, Jokichi will tell her that he is worried about a test that they will have before lunch. Unfortunately, he lost all of the notes he took and was unable to study before the test. Sonoko some notes for him and leaves them on his desk. At 1:00 PM, Sonoko and Jokichi will meet on the roof and she will ask him if the notes helped. If the notes weren't sabotaged, Jokichi says he aced the test and Sonoko says she will need his help on one last thing today; they then eat lunch together. If the notes were sabotaged, Jokichi says the notes didn't help him at all and Sonoko tells him she has a plan; they then eat lunch separately.
At 5:00 PM, Sonoko will go to Jokichi's locker and leave a note asking him to meet her under the cherry tree behind the school. If Ryoba matchmakes her, she will go to Hozumi Takeda's locker instead. Sonoko will then run to the Confession Tree and wait for either Jokichi or Hozumi. She will then confess her love to him. If she confesses to Jokichi, he will either accept her feelings or reject them. If she confesses to Hozumi, he will accept her feelings.
Task[]
- Main article: Tasks
"Sonoko Sakanoue has a challenge for you. She wants you to bring her a katana from the Headmaster's office before 8:00 AM. Make the Headmaster leave his office, grab the key to the katana case, open the case, grab the katana, and bring it to Sonoko (with the katana inside a container, of course)."
The player must bring her a faculty ID card first in order to access Sonoko's task.
To make Kocho Shuyona leave his office, the player needs to craft stink bombs and use the ventilation system on the rooftop.
Relationships[]
Ryoba Aishi[]
- Main article: Ryoba Aishi
Canonically, after Ryoba helped her burn several duffle bags with naked pictures of her and other girls at the Karlheinz Asylum, Sonoko testified that Ryoba is a good person and would never commit murder when Ryoba is in court. However, she did this out of fear as she knew what Ryoba was capable of and willing to do. She was sure that Ryoba was responsible, and they never interacted after the trial.
If Sonoko testified against Ryoba in court, Ryoba wouldn't kill her to arouse suspicion. But she would definitely hate Sonoko.[3]
Sonoko sometimes feels remorse for not exposing Ryoba. But she worries that her own testimony alone couldn't be enough to imprison Ryoba. If she did succeed in imprisoning Ryoba, the only success she would gain from is creating an enemy of Ryoba.[4]
Canonically, Sonoko never once pushed Ryoba.[5]
Jokichi Yudasei[]
- Main article: Jokichi Yudasei
In the tenth week of 1980s Mode, Sonoko develops a crush on Jokichi while she's investigating him. Canonically, she was convinced by Ryoba to give up on him after she burned all of the photographers bags, though she continued the investigation regardless.
She did not have any romantic interest in Jokichi, as she was trying to bait Ryoba into taking action.[6]
The Journalist[]
- Main article: The Journalist
Sonoko's profile states that the journalist is her mentor who worked with her during her time as a junior detective. The Journalist refused to remain as Sonoko's mentor after she defended Ryoba in court. They never spoke again.[1][7] She did feel guilty about betraying the journalist after the court case.[8]
Hozumi Takeda[]
- Main article: Hozumi Takeda
Sonoko's suitor is Hozumi, and Ryoba can matchmake her with him.
Shinako Bunzai[]
- Main article: Shinako Bunzai
According to Shinako's profile, it is implied that she idolizes Sonoko for her great investigative skills, which inspired her to pursue investigative journalism. She wanted to become close with Sonoko, but after Ryoba's trial, Sonoko left Akademi and never went anywhere near it again. Shinako eventually became a newspaper editor and continued to follow Sonoko's career, and got to interview her a couple of times, but they never became friends.[9]
If Sonoko had died, Shinako would be devastated.[9]
Topics[]
The Conversational Topics that Sonoko has opinions on are as follows:
| Positive | Negative |
|---|---|
|
|
Canon Elimination[]
Sonoko's canon elimination is Befriending.
- Monday, before 8:00 AM: grab the Weapons case and Bookbag on your way inside. If you enable the "No Weapons Case At The Beginning Of The Game", get the trash can from the outdoor cafeteria or the vending machines on the second floor.
Where The Fake ID Is Located, To Gain Access To Sonoko's Task
- Go outside on the other side of the Faculty Room and giggle to get the attention of the two closest teachers.
- Go back inside to the Faculty Room and giggle outside the room in the hallway to attract the remaining 3 other teachers.
- Quickly run inside, run to a coffee pot that has the ID Card to the right, and grab the card while the teachers in the hallways are investigating the noise.
- Go to Sonoko and get the task from her, then give her the card. Get her next task for the Katana.
- Get Balloons from the Dressing Room behind the stage in the Gymnasium. Then go to the Science Lab and get Ammonium. Optional, you can get Hair Pins from the Drama Club and Paperclips from the Faculty Room.
- Go to the Work Bench in the Work Shop and craft Stink Bombs. Put the Stink Bombs in your book bag. Optional, you can craft a Lockpick.
- Go to the Ventilation System on the Rooftop and direct the Stink Bombs to the Headmasters Office.
- Go to the Headmasters Office, get the Key from his desk (optional, you can lockpick the case), then get the Katana and put it in a Weapon Bag, Cello Case or a Trash Can.
- Take the concealed Katana to Sonoko.
- Rest of Monday- Thursday: befriend her. Ryoba has to socialize with her and get the Friend Bar full before Thursday. The player should also check her diary during this time.
- When completing befriend her, put a note in her locker, requesting to talk about the Evil Photographer, on the rooftop, outdoor cafeteria, or behind the school, at your preferred time. Tell her there's a note in her locker by interacting with her then pressing "Q". When Sonoko and Ryoba are at the location, don’t push her; press "E" to offer her help.
- Go home and before Ryoba sleeps, go to the door and click on the prompt that says "Insane Asylum". Sneak past the drug addicts and squatters, then the Evil Photographer and burn all 10 bags. After that there will be dialogue with Sonoko about leaving senpai alone, as long as the player served her normal tea, rather than the laced tea.
Trivia[]
- Sonoko was befriended by Ryoba Aishi, so her canonical status is alive. YandereDev has stated that she would have remained friends with Ryoba and remained in contact with one another if they had stayed in touch to the present.[10] However, later on YandereDev said she testified out of fear and never interacted with Ryoba again. [11]
- She is the fifth and last rival to canonically be left alive by Ryoba, the others being Kaguya Wakaizumi, Teiko Nabatasai, Komako Funakoshi, and Chigusa Busujima.
- Sonoko is the only rival to check the gift for contraband before handing it to Senpai.
- Sonoko went on to have a successful career as a detective.[12]
- Additionally, after Ryoba's trial, she left Akademi and never came back. [13]
- Sonoko's birthday is on November 25th.[14]
- According to her diary, Sonoko was a juvenile delinquent when she was younger, and developed a pretty extensive criminal record.
- She is YandereDev's favorite 1980s Mode rival.
- Her first name might be a reference to Sonoko Suzuki, a character from Detective Conan.[2]
- "So" from Shinako's first name and "Sakan" from her surname together make a Japanese word, Sōsa-kan, meaning "investigator" (捜査官).
- She is the only rival whose persona (sleuth) cannot be acquired by Ryoba.
- If someone gives Sonoko a flower, she would stare skeptically at the guy offering her the flower. After pondering it in silence for a few moments, she would curtly decline the flower.[18]
- Sonoko has a dark secret that hasn't been revealed yet.[19]
- YandereDev's nickname for Sonoko is "Detective".[20]
- Sonoko's stage of stealing a Faculty Keycard to start her task was a result of her suspicion of Ryoba being a serial killer. Instead of asking for genuine help, she challenged Ryoba to do something that would cause her to get in trouble.
- This would benefit Sonoko, as if Ryoba got caught and disciplined, it would strengthen her case against Ryoba.[21]
- According to YandereDev, Sonoko is the only 1989 rival who never had children after the events of 1980s Mode.[22]
- Out of all of the 1980s rivals and their intelligence, Sonoko is ranked in 2nd place.[5]
- During Sonoko's attendance at Akademi in 1989, she did not live with her parents. She lived independently herself.[23]
Quotes[]
What's that? You...want to know if I have a "Task" for you? ...Hmm. Interesting. Okay, sure...I'll take the bait. Here's a "Task" for you: Bring me a Faculty ID card. Do that, and THEN we'll talk.
What? Is that a...faculty ID card you're carrying? Well, well, well...looks like we have a little kleptomaniac on our hands...
If you're up for it, I have a challenge for you. Steal the katana in the Headmaster's office and bring it to me. Ah, but that's not all - I want you to do it BEFORE the clock strikes 8:00 AM.
Oh, and you'd better put it into a container of some sort before you bring it to me. An instrument case, a trash can - something along those lines. Do NOT run up to me holding a weapon in your hands.
Ha! Good luck...you'll need it.
Heh...let me know if you change your mind.
...wait, what?! Is that...the katana?! No way...you actually did it! But, how...?! Tch...whatever. A deal's a deal. You completed my challenge...so I'll perform a "Favor" for you. Better make it count.
...you don't need to make up an excuse. Just admit that you were snooping around in my bag. ...but, yes, I'm dealing with a problem that I can't handle on my own.
There's an abandoned insane asylum just outside of town. I heard a rumor that a man is luring girls inside, threatening them at knifepoint, and forcing them to strip for him.
I decided to purchase some pepper spray for my own protection and investigate the rumor myself.
I arrived at the asylum and began exploring. Just a few minutes into my investigation, he appeared. I took out the pepper spray, but he knocked it out of my hands before I could use it.
He trapped me inside a room with him, and...exactly as he had done with all of his other victims...he demanded that I strip for him.
I was...terrified. I didn't want to die, so...I just...did what he told me to do. He didn't touch me, but...he did take some...compromising pictures of me.
He had a duffle bag with him. At one point, I saw what was inside...a bunch of camera equipment, along with dozens of photographs of other girls.
Evidently, the man started a rumor about the asylum being haunted, to trick teenage girls into thinking it was a good spot for a "test of courage"...
He must be camping out in that asylum every night, waiting for girls to show up, so that he can corner them and take pictures of them. What a vile man.
Eventually, I saw an opportunity to escape, so I grabbed my clothes and ran away. I got away safely, but...I haven't quite recovered from the experience.
What?! Never! I have a reputation to maintain! I'm supposed to be a fearless, tough-as-nails, hardboiled detective! I can't let anyone know that some pervert with a camera got the better of me!
Ugh...I just want to go back to that asylum and burn all of that man's photographs to ashes! But...there are factors that are complicating the matter.
A bunch of homeless people and drug addicts have begun occupying the asylum. If I couldn't even defend myself against one man, I doubt I would survive if I went back in there at this point...
...what?! Do you even realize what you're saying?! You would be putting your life in danger!
You...ugh. If you actually succeed in burning those photos...well, I can't possibly overstate how much that would mean to me. My career is riding on this, after all.
...I...fine. But, just...be careful.
Senpai. I need to speak with you.
Take this meal. Put it on your desk.
At lunchtime, eat it.
I'm testing a theory.
Meet me here at 5:15 PM and tell me how the bento tasted.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Senpai. Please, tell me how the bento tasted.
...hmm. So, she didn't tamper with it.
I theorized that someone might try to sabotage my attempt to feed you.
However, the bento was left alone. This rules out one theory.
I am sure that you must have many questions for me. However...
...I cannot say anything that may interfere with the investigation.
I apologize. To make up for it, I will guard you on your walk home.
Please, Senpai. I need to know.
...just as I expected. How bad was it?
Damn it. I didn't think she'd go that far...
I'm not at liberty to explain the details...I'm sorry...
Senpai. Did you bring it?
Excellent. Hand it over.
I must apologize in advance if anything happens to this book.
If all goes well, the book will be returned to you unscathed.
But, if not...at least a theory of mine will be proven.
That would be acceptable.
Here it is, in perfect condition.
I, too, had my suspicions that something bad would happen.
I suspected that, if I borrowed something of value from you...
...a mysterious aggressor would appear and steal the object.
I cannot tell you more that that without jeopardizing the investigation.
I swear to you that one day, I will explain everything. Just not today.
Senpai! Great news! My suspicions were correct!
As expected, the book was stolen! The book you lent me!
This proves my theory! I was right all along!
Ultimately, a trivial matter. I can just buy you a new one.
Uh - wait - if I had known - I never would have...ohhhhh...
Senpai. I need to tell you something.
I bought a present for you. It's in this box. See this box?
I'm going to go put this box on my desk now. Got that?
Meet me on the school rooftop at lunchtime. I'll give you the present.
Good. I'm going to go put this PRESENT FOR YOU on MY DESK now.
Remember: Meet me on the rooftop at lunchtime.
Senpai. Please open this box and tell me what's inside.
I anticipated that, if someone knew I was trying to give you a gift...
...they would make some sort of attempt to sabotage it.
I'm sorry, Senpai...for the sake of the investigation, I can't tell you yet.
The box was empty this morning. Someone put contraband inside of it.
Someone is attempting to sabotage my interactions with you.
Senpai...I know the answer to that question, but...
Yes...you understand. I'm sorry for the secrecy, Senpai.
Senpai. This is dangerous, but it may be the fastest way to expose a criminal.
I need you to go out on a date with me.
That is correct. Meet me here at 5:15 PM so that we can leave school together.
...ugh...I couldn't sleep last night...it'll be hard to concentrate today...
Sleep? Here? Never. It would make me too vulnerable. I'd be defenseless.
...but...if I don't get some rest soon...the whole operation could fail...
...as long as I'm careful what I eat at lunchtime, I shouldn't oversleep...
Senpai. The date is cancelled.
You understand. I'm sorry. When the investigation is over, I'll explain everything.
Senpai. I will need your full cooperation today. I need...wait, what's wrong?
...(sigh)...today is a critical turning point. I really need your help today...
...but, if you're distracted by this matter, I won't be able to count on you...
...look, I'll go prepare a bunch of notes and leave them on your desk.
But, in exchange...you must help with my investigation one last time.
At lunchtime, meet me on the rooftop. I'll give you the details then.
Senpai. I need to speak with you. But, first: did my notes help you?
Glad to hear it. But, more importantly...I will need your assistance later today.
I can't tell you here. Later, I will leave a note in your locker with instructions.
...what? That's a surprise to hear. My notes should have been flawless
...wait. I think I know what's going on. Someone sabotaged the notes I gave you.
Fascinating! This actually proves my hypothesis! This is a breakthrough, Senpai!
You want revenge on the person who did this? I know how to bring them to justice.
I can't tell you here. Later, I will leave a note in your locker with instructions.
No way! I don't want to go anywhere near them!
Hm...that girl seems familiar, I think I saw her on tv or a magazine at some point.
I fear for my life and I am going to defend myself!
Illustrations[]
Gallery[]
.png "Sonoko Sakanoue's 2nd model (2).png (262 KB)")
References[]
- ↑
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-rWNx-hh2g
- ↑
- ↑
- ↑ 5.0 5.1
- ↑
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- ↑ 9.0 9.1
- ↑ https://discordapp.com/channels/411363271568785418/901365451060289566/921904896746356797
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UFo0uZ9w70
- ↑ https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/790949348686823454/968981985320116255/unknown.png
- ↑ Image - Screenshot 20230521-191038 Discord.jpg | Yandere Simulator Wiki | Fandom
- ↑
In the lore channel of the Official Yandere Simulator Discord server, YandereDev responded to someone with a list of all the birthdays for the 1980s mode rivals.
- ↑ https://www.behindthename.com/name/sonoko/submitted
- ↑ https://japanese-names.info/last-name/sakanoue/
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakanoue
- ↑
- ↑ https://youtu.be/e-rWNx-hh2g?si=Jh4_GutKOESGR3rL
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