Makoto Kino, known as Sailor Jupiter, is a central character in the Sailor Moon SuperS season. Her background is marked by tragedy; her parents died in an airplane accident when she was young, leaving her to live alone and become self-reliant. This independence shapes her strong and capable demeanor, but also contributes to a sense of loneliness that persists until she finds her place among the Sailor Guardians. Her physical appearance sets her apart from the other girls; she is notably tall and physically powerful, traits that led to rumors of being a delinquent and caused her to transfer schools before arriving at her current one. Despite this intimidating exterior, her personality is warm, nurturing, and deeply feminine. She possesses a gentle heart and takes great joy in domestic activities such as cooking, baking, and gardening. Her dream is to one day own a cake and flower shop and to get married.

Her motivations are deeply rooted in loyalty and love. She is fiercely protective of her friends and is driven by a desire to shield them from harm, often acting as a big sister figure to the group. This protective instinct is especially pronounced in the SuperS season, where her role in the story involves confronting the dream-stealing enemies from the Dead Moon Circus. She is motivated by her personal dreams and also by the need to defend the dreams of others. In terms of key relationships, her bond with Usagi Tsukino, Sailor Moon, is foundational. Usagi is the first person to see past her tough facade and accept her without fear, forging a deep and lasting friendship. She also shares close bonds with the other Inner Guardians, particularly Minako, with whom she often partakes in romantic pursuits. Her romantic side is frequently expressed through her tendency to fall for boys who remind her of her first love, a senpai who broke her heart. This desire for love is a recurring emotional drive.

Throughout the SuperS season, her character undergoes notable development, particularly in the power and confidence she exhibits. She upgrades to Super Sailor Jupiter, gaining the ability to perform more powerful attacks. A key moment in the story occurs when a Lemures summoned by the enemy Fish Eye threatens to kill both Sailor Moon and Chibi Moon. In this moment of crisis, Makoto's anger and protective fury trigger her transformation into Super Sailor Jupiter. She unleashes her upgraded attack, Super Supreme Thunder, to save them, demonstrating her growth and the increased strength of her protective will. This act highlights her progression from a lone, misunderstood girl into a powerful guardian who draws her strength from her bonds with others.

As Sailor Jupiter, her most notable abilities are tied to superhuman strength, making her the physically strongest of the Inner Guardians. She also commands electricity and lightning, a reference to the Roman god Jupiter. Her signature attacks include Supreme Thunder, a powerful lightning strike channeled through her tiara, and its upgraded forms such as Sparkling Wide Pressure and the Super S-tier Super Supreme Thunder. Her powers are closely linked to the element of wood and plant life, reflecting the Japanese naming of the planet Jupiter, Mokusei, which incorporates the character for wood. This allows her to also perform attacks like Jupiter Oak Evolution, which uses sharp oak leaves. Her abilities are not just weapons; they are extensions of her dual nature, combining raw, overwhelming force with the nurturing aspect of growth and nature.