In the Studio Ghibli film Only Yesterday, Taeko's mother, Mrs. Okajima, is a supporting character who appears primarily in the flashback sequences set in 1966, when Taeko is ten years old. She is a traditional Japanese housewife of the 1960s, embodying the domestic ideals and expectations of that era. Her background is that of a homemaker and the matriarch of the Okajima household, responsible for managing the daily operations of the home and raising three daughters. Her personality is characterized as caring and motherly, but also pragmatic and firm. She is less strict than her husband, the patriarch of the family, but she is still a firm parent who upholds household rules and stands by her husband's decisions. Her motivations are rooted in the societal pressures of post-war Japan; she is a pragmatic woman who worries about her daughter's future and her ability to conform to societal norms. She wishes for Taeko to be good at mathematics and expresses frustration over Taeko's pickiness with food, reflecting a concern for her daughter's academic success and proper upbringing. In the story, her role is that of a domestic caretaker and a mediator. She is often seen navigating the interactions between her daughters, Nanako, Yaeko, and Taeko, trying to maintain order and propriety within the home. She also represents the domestic reality that Taeko is expected to inherit, serving as a foil to Taeko's more imaginative and sensitive nature. In terms of key relationships, her primary bonds are with her husband and her three daughters. She stands by her husband in most of his decisions, including his refusal to let Taeko participate in a school play, which is a pivotal moment of childhood disappointment for Taeko. Her relationship with young Taeko is marked by a mix of care and exasperation; she often finds herself frustrated by Taeko's eccentricities and stubbornness, but she also cares for her well-being. She mediates conflicts between Taeko and her more temperamental sister Yaeko, as well as between the sisters in general. Her development is minimal within the film, as her character serves to anchor the 1966 timeline in the domestic reality of the period. She does not undergo a traditional character arc but instead functions as a representation of the societal expectations and family dynamics that shaped Taeko's childhood. Her notable abilities include her skill in managing the household and mediating family disputes. She is a hardworking housewife who keeps the home running smoothly, and she is adept at navigating the emotional currents of her family, often trying to maintain a sense of balance and propriety.