Seita and Setsuko's Mother

Tragic Mother

A mother who suffered from heart disease, was injured in an air raid, and died in front of Seita and Setsuko. An important tragic character in 'Grave of the Fireflies'.

Quotes

  • Mommy, I'm scared...
  • I'll be back soon.
  • War is really terrible, isn't it.
  • Seita, Setsuko, try to live strong.
  • You don't have to suffer anymore.

Trivia

  • The mother is depicted as having heart disease in the story.
  • She has few appearances in the film but is a character who holds a key to the story.
  • Her death deepens the siblings' loneliness.
  • She is said to be modeled after Akiyuki Nosaka's real mother.
  • At the time of the anime film's release, multiple voice actor candidates were considered.

Alternate names

Mother Seita and Setsuko's Mother Mother

Tags

Grave of the Fireflies Seita Setsuko war air raid mother wartime anime movie

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Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Female

Appearance

Overall appearance
Often depicted wearing Japanese clothing, a slightly slender woman with a gentle expression.
Distinguishing features
  • slender build
  • Japanese clothing
Iconic items
  • Japanese clothing
  • hair tied up hairstyle

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Kind
Detailed personality
A kind, family-oriented mother. Despite her illness, she devotes herself to her children but meets a tragic end due to wartime circumstances.
Keywords
  • kind
  • family-oriented
  • devoted
  • fragile
  • tragic
Talents
  • homely
  • child-rearing
  • cooking
Skills
  • kimono dressing
  • general housework
Motivation
Wishes for the safety and happiness of her children
Favorite foods
Japanese food
Disliked situations
war, air raid, illness

History

Backstory
Suffering from heart disease, she was injured in a wartime air raid. Unable to receive treatment, she died in front of her young children Seita and Setsuko. Her death symbolizes the beginning of the siblings' isolation and hardship.
Debut date
April 16, 1988
Work title
Grave of the Fireflies
Media type
Movie

Injured in Air Raid and Death

Significant event
Injured in Air Raid and Death
Description
While suffering from heart disease, caught in an air raid and injured, she passed away in front of Seita and Setsuko.

Relationships

Seita

Child

Son. Her death marks the beginning of Seita's hardships.

Setsuko

Child

Daughter. Her death leads to Setsuko's unstable situation.

Media appearances

Grave of the Fireflies

Movie / Supporting

1988 theatrical release

Voice cast and creators

Chika Saitō

Voice actor
Chika Saitō
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Theatrical version

Ayako Kobayashi

Voice actor
Ayako Kobayashi
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Theatrical version

Akiyuki Nosaka

Creator name
Akiyuki Nosaka
Role
Original author

Akio Sugino

Creator name
Akio Sugino
Role
Character designer

Studio Ghibli

Creator name
Studio Ghibli
Role
Animation studio

Shochiku

Creator name
Shochiku
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Grave of the Fireflies Blu-ray

Item name
Grave of the Fireflies Blu-ray
Category
Digital
Availability
Regular

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