An ancient Japanese aboriginal god since the Kofun period. The Momunofu were his servants and before his religion was submerged by the Shinto pantheon, Arahabaki was worshipped in Japan's northeastern regions as a god of travelers. He was also worshipped by Nagasunehiko, an enemy of Emperor Jimmu, and so by the Emperor's orders Arahabaki became a symbol of treachery, rebellion and heresy and his worship was forbidden for a long period afterwards. However, this is only mentioned in the Tsugaru Soto-Sangunshi (which was said to have been compiled in the 1970s) which has been concluded to be a false document.
"Origin: Japan. A native god of ancient Japan. Become shrines to him are found throughout Japan, he is known as a god of travelers. In one account, he was the chief god when Nagasunehiko and Abihiko started their kingdom."
—Shin Megami Tensei A-Mode DDS Dictionary
Arahabaki appears as a rare encounter in the Imperial Palace. He can later be recruited in Tokyo Destinyland after beating the devil summoner there in the Neutral route.
Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
"A major deity in ancient Japanese mythology. Clay dolls were often sculpted in its image. Because this god was worshipped by a rebel, the dolls came to be considered symbols of defiance."
Arahabaki can be obtained by evolving Momunofu when he has enough experience at level 24. Arahabaki has the ability to repel Ice and void Expel, Death and Physical attacks. Unfortunately, literally anything it does not void or repel, it is weak to. It can also be encountered at the Obelisk as a random encounter.
A strong Arahabaki that can cast Makarakarn to protect its weaknesses aside from ailments can be bought in the Labyrinth of Amala from a Shady Broker that lies behind a door that only opens to a demon of light. As such, the Demi-Fiend's title must be light-aligned before he can attempt to purchase this Arahabaki.
Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE
Arahabaki can only be acquired through fusion. It appears as the final boss of Ichigaya Camp's silver-level instance and will always spawn with Momunofu. It also appears as a nightmare variant in the basement level floors of the gold instance.
Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse
"One of the chief gods of ancient Japanese lore. His image is reflected in shakoukidogu statues. Because he was worshipped by Nagasunehiko, who defeated Emperor Jimmu's army, he was seen as a symbol of rebellion toward the Emperor, causing his adherents to be persecuted."
—Shin Megami Tensei IV Apocalypse compendium
Arahabaki can teach Nanashi the Sea of Chaos, Makarakarn, Concentrate and Energy Drain skills through his Demon Whisper. He benefits from learning Almighty and Support skills.
Arahabaki is summoned by Makoto during the battle against Chidori Yoshino and against other Strega members afterwards.
Persona 4 The Animation
Arahabaki was used in an attempt to slow down and damage Shadow Naoto. He attacked with, possibly, Torrent Shot. Arahabaki also made a brief appearance in the fight against Kunino-sagiri. While Yu was being controlled, he used Arahabaki to block Kanji's rushing Take-Mikazuchi in his attempt to help.
In the True Ending special, Arahabaki appears to attack Margaret's Cu Chulainn using Vicious Strike and brings a message of support from the Fox.
Arahabaki is the Persona representing the bond between Yu and the Fox.
Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner
Arahabaki is an enemy encountered in the Samsara Tunnels under Manipura. It tends to use physical attacks like Hell Thrust and Gates of Hell. To beat it, one ally must have a powerful Ice spell, like Cocytus, and freeze it. This bypasses its defenses and the player can inflict damage with critical after critical attack. Expel attacks and Almighty skills are the only other methods that can damage it. It drops Fusion Cells and Vital Noises.
Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner 2
Arahabaki is a common enemy in the higher layers of the Sun.
Devil Survivor 2
"One of the chief gods of ancient Japanese lore. His image is reflected in shakoukidogu statues. Because he was worshipped by Nagasunehiko, who defeated Emperor Jimmu`s army, he was seen as a symbol of rebellion toward the Emperor, causing his adherents to be persecuted."
—Devil Survivor 2 Compendium
Arahabaki can only be fused after the player reaches Fate Rank 3 with Jungo Torii.
I'm Arahabaki the Deity. I may have a poker face, but, well, I'll do my best anyway.
The thought of being fused tickles the soul. Give me a good partner!
Gallery
Artwork from Persona 3
Arahabaki as it appears in Megami Tensei II
Model in Shin Megami Tensei III: Nocturne
Model in Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE
Sprite from Card Summoner
Arahabaki as it appears in Devil Survivor 2
Artwork in Persona 4 The Animation
Arahabaki first summoned in Persona 4 The Animation
Arahabaki as it appears in Raidou Kuzunoha vs. The Lone Marebito
Arahabaki in Persona 3 The Movie
Trivia
While it is often referenced as a "he" in game text, it is actually modeled after women.
Its design is based on shakōki dogū, clay figurines made during the Jōmon period of prehistoric Japan.
In Shin Megami Tensei, he appears as a Deity of the Light-Law alignment, which is ironic considering that he was considered a symbol of defiance, rebellion and heresy. This could possibly a reference to his former status as a Deity.