Kanae Murota, a 55-year-old widow, assumed leadership of the Shan City spiritual community following her husband's death. As "Mother," she offers messages from the deceased to grieving survivors, claiming mediumistic abilities. Her appearance features visible wrinkles and a physically active, slim frame maintained by daily exercise, alongside a large tattoo covering her back.

She projects a calm, gracious, and caring image to her followers, displaying deep maternal affection for her son, Daichi. Privately, she exhibits a passionate nature, engaging in a sexual relationship with community member Osamu Asada to preserve her youthfulness and vitality. Her leadership is tested when member Kunio Hikita causes trouble and commits murder; Kanae defers confronting him due to Daichi's upcoming birthday.

When a major earthquake strikes, Kanae orders Shan City evacuated and instructs Osamu to open the gates. Amidst the chaos, she discovers members attempting to steal from the community vault, resulting in a shootout where she is injured. As the situation worsens, she and Osamu find Daichi, who speaks for the first time, thanking his mother before being killed by falling debris. Kunio later approaches Kanae, requesting contact with his deceased granddaughter; she refuses, conveying the granddaughter's message for him to quit smoking.

Facing the building's imminent collapse, Kanae chooses to stay behind, joined by Osamu and loyal followers expressing gratitude. In her final moments, she reflects on founding Shan City to create a utopian society where every life held purpose and value, a vision dedicated to Daichi. The collapsing structure buries them all. Her surname "Murota" combines characters for "room/greenhouse" and "field/rice paddy"; her given name "Kanae" means "leaf" and "favor/benefit".