Kazusa Takatori is the maternal grandmother of the protagonist Chihiro and the mother of Madoka Takatori. Her arrival in the story marks a significant turning point, as her presence forces the family to confront a painful history. Years before the events of the story, Kazusa played a major role in the breakup of the Takatori family, which led to a long-standing schism. Her actions indirectly contributed to the circumstances surrounding the passing of Chihiro’s mother, Chiyo. While she does not intend to be malicious, her desire to reconnect with her family after years of separation causes a major upheaval in the lives of both Madoka and Chihiro.

Kazusa is not portrayed as a villain but as a deeply flawed individual who carries the weight of her past mistakes. She clearly understands that she was responsible for the family’s disintegration and lives with the regret of the time she lost with her loved ones. Her primary motivation is simply to get to know her grandson, Chihiro, whom she has never been able to see. Despite the pain and awkwardness her presence brings, her actions stem from a genuine wish to bridge the gap created by the family's history. She is an example of how love and guilt can coexist in complicated family dynamics.

Within the story, Kazusa serves as a catalyst for exploring themes of forgiveness and the emotional gaps between people. Her arrival challenges the fragile peace that Madoka and Chihiro have built together. Madoka, who is described as a fragile soul with a history of anxiety attacks, has a tense and difficult relationship with his mother. At one point, he states that he does not like her, holding onto resentments from the past. However, Kazusa has also been a quiet presence in his life, such as watching over him when he was ill as a child, suggesting that her love, though flawed, has always been present. Chihiro’s friends also become aware of her identity, with one character, Hino, deducing that the elderly woman seen at a tea shop is indeed Chihiro’s grandmother.

Kazusa’s development is tied to the family’s gradual reconciliation. She does not change overnight, but her appearance forces Madoka to confront the truth about his own feelings, which are larger than his personal resentments. He comes to realize that despite everything, she is his mother, and that time is limited. The narrative suggests that while rebuilding the relationship will be difficult and painful, it is a necessary process. For Chihiro, meeting Kazusa is an opportunity to know his remaining family, a choice his own mother likely anticipated when she sent him to live with Madoka. Kazusa does not possess any notable abilities in a traditional sense, with her role in the story being defined entirely by her emotional impact and familial connections.