Mama! (Kurata Mariko)
Mariko: The Writer
Mariko is a very famous and accomplished writer. She has won the Aoki Award (either one of or the most prestigious literary awards in Japan) which she was given for her book The Gigolo and I (a book about she and her ex-husband). Consequently, Mariko is a much sought-after writer. She writes articles and other short pieces on the side to make a living but she's very relaxed with her writing now. In fact, she takes pleasure in turning in her articles way past deadline while Onda, an employee from her publishing company, literally begs her for her work. Needless to say, Mariko isn't very worried about her obviously comfortable financial life.
Mariko: The Mother
Kurata Mariko, commonly known as "Mama", is Sana's true mother. True mother meaning she raised her, but she isn't her birthmother. Be that as it may, Mariko loves her daughter very much. She even gave Sana her personal consent to go live with Sana's real mother (which must have been very painful to even suggest). Luckily, Sana knew which mother she truely loved and stayed with "Mama." Day after day Mariko is there for Sana as a mother and a friend. "Mama" is very wise and always seems to know what is best for Sana, sometimes taking personal action in the matters of her daughter's life. Mariko is a major reason that Sana is not a suffering child actor and is, for the most part, very balanced and happy. "Mama" commands respect because she is both wise and compassionate.
Mariko: The Woman
Mariko, despite her mysterious past, is a very strong woman and has overcome all adversities. She has coped with a divorce and the life of an adoptive, single parent. She's very exciting to be around, although she seems pretty tame at first, she has many things about her that... put the extra in -ordinary. Mariko is famous in her household for wearing strange and unusual hats. This is a trait of hers that can't be overlooked. The outrageous hats she wears are often small, interactive homes or amusement parks for the family pet: Maro-chan. Maro-chan is a little squirrel and is always atop Mariko's head. Mariko also has two other things that tend to set her apart. She rides around in a mini red-convertable about the house. This is handy for taking other people on rides, personal transportation, and a quick getaway from anyone from the publishing company. "Mama" also, though impossible to know where she keeps it, is never ever without her most useful object: the mallet. She uses her mallet to, well, knock people on the head for various reasons of her own. But beyond all of this, if possible, Mariko is dark and secretive (not necessarily in a bad way). She keeps most personal information out of the public eye, including those who watch the show itself. Perhaps more is known much later on in the series, but Mariko's outward behavior is often more noted and focused on than reflecting on her own personal life, except for a few dramatic episodes.
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