Sanae Tabata anchors the narrative as an adult character, married to Kouji Tabata and mother to the protagonist Kobo Tabata. The family shares a multigenerational home with Sanae’s parents, Iwao Yamakawa and Mine Yamakawa, who aid in household management and pet care. Her brother Takeo Oomori resides with them, employed as a high school teacher.

Sanae embodies the role of a housewife, reinforcing the story’s depiction of a conventional Japanese family structure. She maintains domestic responsibilities while supporting her salaryman husband. Together, the household navigates daily life and lighthearted misunderstandings, often stemming from Kobo’s adolescent experiences or individual family quirks.

Her appearance features black hair, consistent with her portrayal as an adult woman.