Kotake Sakura serves as the matriarch of the Sakura family, grandmother to Maruko and Sakiko, wife to Tomozo, mother to Hiroshi, and mother-in-law to Sumire. Born April 4, 1902, she embodies tradition, clad habitually in a maroon kimono—replaced by a short-sleeved purple dress in summer—with grey hair swept into a bun fastened by a pink pin and round glasses framing her face. Flashbacks hint at her youthful elegance.

Renowned for pragmatic wisdom, Kotake dispenses unconventional health advice, advocating for the benefits of consuming mold or insects in food. A collector of seemingly trivial objects like bottle caps, she hoards them with unwavering faith in their future utility, much to Maruko’s occasional exasperation. Though reserved, her warmth surfaces during family moments, particularly when teaching Maruko traditional pastimes like cat’s cradle.

Her support manifests subtly, contrasting Tomozo’s overt affection, yet her bond with Maruko shines through their collaborative photo album. She favors sweet natto, yokan, and sekihan, and harbors admiration for singer Shinobu Oshizaki.

Inspired loosely by the author’s grandmother but crafted as her personality opposite, Kotake’s full name emerged only in a 2007 manga installment. Spin-offs and films preserve her core role without expanding her backstory.