You’re walking through the Naganaki Shrine in May, and you see her. A tiny girl standing by the jungle gym, looking way too lonely for a kid her age. That’s Maiko Oohashi. Most players pick up the Persona 3 Reload Maiko social link because they want the Hanged Man arcana bonuses, but honestly? They stay because her story is one of the most grounded, painful, and beautiful arcs in the entire game.
It’s not about fighting Shadows or saving the world. It’s about a kid watching her parents’ marriage crumble and not knowing how to fix it.
How to Get Started With the Girl at the Shrine
Unlocking Maiko isn’t just a "talk and start" deal. You actually have to prove you’re a "cool older brother" (or sister) type first. Starting on May 6th, she’ll show up at the shrine. She’s hungry and thirsty, and she won't really open up until you handle that.
- Step 1: Go to Iwatodai Strip Mall and buy Weird Takoyaki from Octopia.
- Step 2: Grab a Mad Bull from the vending machine in the Iwatodai Station or the dorm.
Once you give her those, you have to promise to play with her again. Come back on another day she’s available—typically Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—and the Social Link will officially kick off.
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Why the Hanged Man Arcana Matters
In Tarot, the Hanged Man is about sacrifice and seeing things from a new perspective. For Maiko, she’s literally "hanging" in the middle of her parents' divorce. Ranking this up is crucial because reaching Rank 3 is the only way to unlock the Sun Social Link (Akinari, the dying young man). If you ignore Maiko, you miss out on arguably the best written story in the game. Don't do that to yourself.
Ranking Up: The Best Choices for Maiko
Look, you’re talking to an elementary schooler. You don't need to be a genius, but you do need to be supportive. Always bring a Hanged Man Persona (like Inugami or Take-Minakata) to get those extra points. It makes the whole thing go way faster.
Early Ranks (1-4)
At first, it’s just fun and games. She wants to go to Wilduck Burger. Go with her. When she asks why parents get divorced, don't be a jerk. Tell her "They fell out of love" or "I don't know." Just don't blame her. At Rank 4, she’ll be thrilled they remembered her birthday. Tell her "I'm happy for you."
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The Mid-Game Drama (Ranks 5-7)
This is where it gets heavy. Maiko starts feeling like she’s the reason her parents fight. She’ll ask if you think they’d care if she wasn’t there. Tell her "That isn't true." Then comes the "Runaway" phase. Every kid thinks about it, right? But Maiko actually tries. When she says she’s running away, tell her to "Calm down." When she asks what she needs, tell her "That should be enough" regarding her snacks and health insurance card. It sounds silly, but to her, it's a life-or-death mission.
The Big Decision (Ranks 8-10)
Eventually, the dust settles. Her parents are separating, and she has to choose who to live with. This is the part that hits like a truck. When she asks you to decide for her, the game gives you points for saying "Your dad" or "Your mom." Most people lean toward the Dad because of the points, but honestly, just choose what feels right to you. The ending is bitter-sweet either way. She’s moving away, but she’s stronger for it.
Don't Let Her Get Lost in Tartarus
This is the "pro tip" part that ruins runs if you forget it. On October 21st, Maiko goes missing. She literally wanders into Tartarus. You have until November 3rd to find her on the 146th to 158th floors (usually around floor 149 or 150).
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If you don’t rescue her by the deadline, her Social Link is permanently locked. You won't be able to finish it, you won't get the max rank reward, and well... the implication of what happens to her is pretty dark. Mark your calendar. Seriously.
The Reward: Fusing Attis
Maxing out the Persona 3 Reload Maiko social link gives you the Bead Ring. This item is the key to fusing Attis, the ultimate Hanged Man Persona. Attis is a beast—he usually comes with high-end support and fire skills. But more than the Persona, you get the satisfaction of knowing Maiko is going to be okay.
She even gives you a "wedding ring" (a cheap toy one) and says she’ll marry you when she grows up. It’s adorable, slightly awkward, but mostly just a testament to how much your character meant to a kid who felt like her whole world was ending.
Next Steps for Your Playthrough:
- Check your inventory for Weird Takoyaki and Mad Bull before heading to the shrine.
- Make sure you have a Hanged Man Persona in your stock before every hangout.
- Prioritize getting Maiko to Rank 3 early so you can start Akinari's Social Link at the shrine on Sundays.
- Clear the middle block of Tartarus immediately after October 21st to ensure she's safe.