[2][3] Shigenori Soejima created Mitsuru to be a tough-looking woman on the exterior, but with a weak side in the interior.

She joins the party in combat only after the discovery of Fuuka Yamagishi, whose Persona's analysis power is much stronger.

Throughout the story, Mitsuru hides many details about Tartarus and the Dark Hour from the group, due to feelings of guilt over her family's involvement in the accident that created them.

She decides to take over leadership of the Kirijo Group after the conflict with Nyx is finished and she graduates high school.

Mitsuru appears as a playable character in Persona 4 Arena, which takes place over two years after the events of "The Answer".

[9] Wallace also regarded her as the best female character in role-playing games and noted the relationship between the Persona 3 protagonist and her as "thoroughly enjoy[able].

[14] Ben Lee of Digital Spy called her the "standout" member of the cast due to her being "intelligent, tough-minded" and knowing "what she wants.

"[15] Mike Fahey of Kotaku called her the series "greatest heroine," identifying her "power" and "confidence" as two of her strong qualities.

"[19] In "Comparative Analysis of Storytelling Technique in Kingdom Hearts II (2005) and Persona 3 Portable (2009)" Shazwin Bt.