San Hojo, mother of Shusaku Hojo and mother-in-law of Suzu Hojo, lives in Kure with her husband Entaro. Warm and empathetic, she defies conventional expectations of mothers-in-law in arranged marriages by welcoming Suzu into the household with kindness, fostering mutual respect rather than imposing subservience. Her compassionate nature nurtures a supportive home environment amid the strains of wartime scarcity and air raids.

A persistent leg injury confines her to lighter tasks like sewing, relying on Suzu’s aid for strenuous chores. Though limited physically, her quiet diligence underscores the family’s shared resilience, their collective effort vital to weathering hardship.

Her bond with Suzu deepens through shared labor and loss, particularly after the death of her granddaughter Harumi and Hiroshima’s devastation. Anchoring the household with steadfast calm, she navigates grief and upheaval alongside her daughter Keiko, prioritizing unity through unspoken strength. Her presence weaves stability into the fraying fabric of their lives, a testament to quiet endurance in the face of unrelenting trials.