Yoshie, an elderly resident of a seaside senior care facility, initially navigates her days in a wheelchair, dressed in a vibrant pink dress with short, sunlit blonde hair framing her cheerful face. Her unwavering optimism and playful spirit stand in stark contrast to residents like Toki, whose wary skepticism colors their reactions to events such as Ponyo’s mysterious arrival. She shares a warm bond with Noriko, her fellow resident, both introduced early as pillars of the facility’s community. When young Sōsuke presents Ponyo, Yoshie’s eyes sparkle with delight, engaging eagerly with the pair despite Toki’s grim warnings. As rising tides threaten their home, Fujimoto guides Yoshie and others to a shimmering underwater sanctuary. There, she sheds her wheelchair, her legs rediscovering strength as she dances through crystalline halls, embodying liberation. Her kindness and encouragement ripple through interactions with Sōsuke and peers, cementing her role as a nurturing presence. Though her past remains unspoken, her journey mirrors the narrative’s heart—a testament to resilience and the quiet magic of renewal found in community and unexpected second chances.