Suzuhara, Shuko

鈴原萩子

Shuko is Misaki's mother and Shoko's older sister. She is 31 years old. The anime explains that Shuko left five-year-old Misaki in the care of her grandparents, claiming she had to work, but in reality, she went to Tokyo to seek a cure for a neurological disease she had contracted. This condition prevents nerve signals from reaching her legs or coming from them. Ichiro Mihara, a doctor who was trying to help her find a cure, started Angelic Layer with her as a method to conduct research and raise funds after their initial research funding was cut. Shuko, known as "Shu" when playing Angelic Layer, is the undisputed champion with her angel Athena, having won each of the last three national championships. For the past seven years, she has avoided meeting Misaki, fearing what Misaki would think of her. In the manga, however, Shuko does not have this disease; she is simply extremely shy about socializing with those she loves. She also works for the company behind Angelic Layer.