Miyokichi, originally named Yurie, entered the geisha life after betrayal by a former lover forced her into the profession. This background of hardship shaped her into a determined yet emotionally vulnerable woman.

She developed a persistent romantic obsession with Kikuhiko (later Yakumo), pursuing him despite consistent rejection. Her involvement became pivotal when assisting with his makeup for a female rakugo role contributed to a breakthrough performance, advancing his status as a storyteller. This collaboration fostered a temporary closeness between them.

Following Kikuhiko's definitive rejection, Miyokichi entered a relationship with his rakugo partner, Sukeroku, motivated partly by spite and shared abandonment. Their union lacked genuine affection, resulting in her pregnancy with their daughter, Konatsu. After Sukeroku's expulsion from the rakugo association, they relocated to the countryside. Miyokichi resented their impoverished life as Sukeroku refused steady work and drank heavily. To support the household, she resorted to prostitution and later nightclub work, growing increasingly bitter and detached from family responsibilities.

Years later, during Kikuhiko's visit to persuade Sukeroku to return to rakugo, Miyokichi confronted him, renewing her advances. His repeated rejection triggered a violent altercation. In despair, she attempted suicide by leaping from an inn balcony. Sukeroku intervened to save her, resulting in both falling to their deaths. This incident orphaned Konatsu, who initially blamed Kikuhiko.

Her legacy profoundly impacted Konatsu, who inherited Miyokichi's resentment toward Kikuhiko and faced societal stigma as the child of a "fallen" woman. Miyokichi's choices and tragic end continued to shape the main characters' relationships and motivations long after her death.