Haru Kitajima, whose surname means "north island" and given name means "spring," worked in a Chinese restaurant in Yokohama. After her husband died during their daughter Maya's childhood, Haru raised Maya alone. She developed a strained relationship with Maya, viewing her daughter's intense focus on acting as irresponsible. Haru consistently belittled Maya's aspirations, calling her "good-for-nothing" and dismissing her potential for success. She refused to attend a school play where Maya had a minor role, deeming it unworthy.

When Maya ran away to join Chigusa Tsukikage's acting school, Haru attempted to forcibly retrieve her. At the school, Haru threatened Tsukikage with a pot of boiling water but ultimately failed to reclaim her daughter. Rejected, Haru severed ties with Maya, though she secretly harbored concern.

Haru later descended into mental instability and physical illness, abandoning her job and home. Masumi Hayami, president of Daito Entertainment and Maya's anonymous benefactor, located Haru. He arranged her care in a secluded private clinic in Nagano, intending a future reunion with Maya. Haru escaped the facility, desperate to find Maya in Tokyo. During this journey, she suffered severe injuries in an accident. In her final moments, seeking solace, she entered a cinema screening Maya's film "Shiroi Jungle" and died in her seat. Her death, stemming from complications including tuberculosis and blindness, profoundly traumatized Maya, causing her withdrawal from acting.