You're standing at Naganaki Shrine. It’s a quiet afternoon, the cicadas are probably buzzing in that specific way they do in Japanese games, and there’s a little girl in pigtails standing by the jungle gym. She’s hungry. She’s thirsty. And if you aren't careful, she’s going to break your heart. This is Maiko Oohashi, the face of the Hanged Man Social Link in Persona 3 Reload.
Most players treat her as a checklist item. Buy the food, get the points, unlock the fusion. But honestly? Maiko’s story is one of the most grounded, painfully realistic depictions of childhood trauma in the entire Persona series. It’s not about shadows or gods; it’s about a kid watching her world fall apart because two adults can’t get along.
If you want to max this link without wasting time or—heaven forbid—letting her disappear in Tartarus, you need more than just a list of answers.
Starting the Maiko Social Link: The Checklist
You can’t just walk up and start talking to her. Well, you can, but she won't open up until you've proven you're the "cool older brother" type.
First off, mark May 6th on your calendar. That is the earliest day you can initiate the prerequisites. She’s at the shrine on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. If it’s raining, forget it; she’s staying inside.
Here is exactly what she wants:
- Weird Takoyaki: Go to the Iwatodai Strip Mall. There’s a stand called Octopia. It’ll cost you ¥400.
- Mad Bull: Head to the vending machines. You can find them on the second floor of the Iwatodai Dorm or at the Iwatodai Station.
Bring these to her at the playground. She’ll gobble them up, tell you you’re nice, and ask you to come back and play. Do not ignore this. You have to visit her a second time on a different day to actually trigger Rank 1.
Why the Hanged Man Arcana Matters
Always, and I mean always, have a Hanged Man Persona in your inventory before you talk to her. In Persona 3 Reload, the math for social links is tight. If you don't have a matching Arcana, you're going to find yourself "spending time" with her without ranking up. That's a wasted afternoon you could have spent with Mitsuru or studying for finals.
Early game Hanged Man options include Inugami or Take-Minakata. Just keep one in your pocket. It turns a +2 interaction into a +3. It’s basic efficiency, but you’d be surprised how many people forget.
The Missing Person Crisis
This is the big one. The one that ruins "perfect" runs. On October 21st, Maiko goes missing. She wanders into Tartarus. If you don't rescue her by November 3rd, she is gone. Permanently. The Social Link ends. You won't be able to finish it, you won't get the ultimate fusion, and you'll have to live with the guilt of leaving an elementary schooler in a tower of shadows.
Check the bulletin board at the police station regularly. When her name pops up, make it your priority to clear those floors.
Choosing the Right Words (Without Being a Jerk)
The protagonist in Persona 3 Reload has some... questionable dialogue choices. Some of them are downright cold. When Maiko is crying about her parents' divorce, the game sometimes lets you say things that make you sound like a sociopath.
If you want the maximum points, you have to be the supportive anchor she doesn't have at home.
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Rank 2 to Rank 5: The Divorce Arc
During Rank 2, she asks if you think her dad will come home. Tell her "Don't worry, he'll be there." It’s a bit of a white lie, but she needs the stability.
By Rank 4, things get heavier. She’s convinced her parents don't care about her. Tell her "That’s great news" or "Of course they care." You’re basically gaslighting her for her own mental health at this point, but in the context of the Hanged Man arcana—which is all about sacrifice and perspective—it fits.
The "Running Away" Fiasco (Rank 6)
Maiko decides she’s had enough. She wants to run away. She asks if she needs her insurance card. It’s a funny moment that turns dark fast.
- Choice: "Don't do it."
- Alternative: "Calm down" or "It's up to you" also work, but "Don't do it" is the most direct.
- The Bread: She asks if her snacks are enough. Tell her "That should be enough." Don't encourage her to pack a suitcase.
The Secret Connection to the Sun Arcana
A lot of players miss this. Maiko’s Social Link is the gatekeeper for Akinari Kamiki, the Sun Social Link (the "Dying Young Man").
During Maiko’s Rank 3 event, you’ll see a man sitting on a bench at the shrine. This is Akinari. You can't actually start his link until you have Academics Rank 4 and have progressed Maiko far enough to "notice" him. If you're wondering why that sickly guy won't talk to you, it’s likely because you haven't spent enough time playing on the jungle gym with Maiko.
Akinari’s story is widely considered the best writing in the game. If you ignore Maiko, you're effectively locking yourself out of the emotional heart of Persona 3 Reload.
Max Rank Rewards: Is Attis Worth It?
When you hit Rank 10, Maiko gives you the Bead Ring. This allows you to fuse Attis, the ultimate Persona of the Hanged Man Arcana.
Is he good? Yeah. He’s great. He usually comes with high-end support skills and can be built into a formidable tank. But the real reward isn't the stats. It’s the final scene where Maiko's father shows you a letter.
She moves away. She grows up. She remembers you.
It’s one of the few Social Links that feels like it has a life beyond the calendar of the game. Most of your school friends are just... there. Maiko represents the fleeting nature of the "Protagonist" role. You're a hero to her, and then you're a memory.
Actionable Tips for your Playthrough
Don't overcomplicate it. Follow these steps to stay on track:
- Prioritize School Links first. Since Maiko is available on Saturdays and holidays, she is your "backup." Use her when school is out of session or you're on break.
- Buy the items early. Grab the Mad Bull and Weird Takoyaki in April or early May so you don't have to waste a day traveling back and forth when she finally appears.
- The Fortune Teller is your friend. If you’re short on points for the next rank, go to the Naganaki Shrine (yes, same place) and use the relationship fortune at night. It saves an afternoon of "meaningless" hanging out.
- Save the rescue for a single trip. Don't go into Tartarus just for Maiko. Wait until a few people are missing, then clear them all in one night to save your evening slots for social stats.
Maiko might just be a kid, but her story reflects the themes of the Hanged Man: being caught between two worlds, unable to move, and eventually finding the strength to let go. Just make sure you're there to catch her before she falls.