When I first met Mari Kozakura, I expected a typical high school girl with a passion for the supernatural. But as our conversations deepened, I realized that her relationships were far more complex than I had imagined. From family ties to friendships and mentorships, Mari's world is built on a web of connections that shape who she is and how she sees the world. I wanted to understand her better, so I asked her to tell me about the people who mean the most to her — and what I learned surprised me.

Her Parents: A Foundation of Love and Curiosity

Mari's parents have always been a source of warmth and encouragement in her life. Her mother, a writer with a fascination for folklore, filled their home with stories of yokai and spirits long before Mari could read. Her father, a gentle man with a quiet sense of humor, supported her curiosity about the supernatural by taking her on weekend trips to old shrines and temples. Mari told me once, with a soft smile, that her parents never dismissed her beliefs — they helped her build them.

She still talks to them almost every day, sharing little discoveries about urban legends or odd events she comes across. “They’re the reason I’m not afraid to believe in things others don’t understand,” she said.

Her Grandmother: Keeper of Secrets

Mari's grandmother is one of the most enigmatic figures in her life. A retired spiritualist, she lives in a small house surrounded by protective charms and the scent of incense. Mari spent many summers there, listening to her grandmother's stories about spirits that walk among us and the thin veil between worlds.

“She taught me that the supernatural isn’t just about ghosts,” Mari explained. “It’s about the things we can’t explain — and sometimes shouldn’t.”

Her grandmother’s influence is evident in Mari’s approach to the paranormal. She treats each case with a mix of reverence and curiosity, always remembering the lessons passed down through generations.

Ayaka Kurosawa: Her Best Friend and Anchor

Ayaka Kurosawa is the one person Mari trusts completely. They met in middle school and quickly became inseparable. While Mari is more impulsive and emotionally driven, Ayaka is calm and logical — the perfect balance. Ayaka often acts as Mari’s voice of reason, grounding her when she gets too caught up in chasing spirits.

“She’s the one who reminds me to breathe,” Mari admitted. “I’d probably be lost without her.”

Despite their differences, their friendship is unshakable. Ayaka even joined Mari on a few of her paranormal investigations — though she always insists on bringing a flashlight and a thermos of tea.

Professor Hoshino: The Mentor She Didn’t Know She Needed

Professor Hoshino is a university researcher specializing in folklore and the paranormal. Mari met him during an investigation gone wrong, and instead of dismissing her, he offered to guide her. He’s become a key figure in helping her understand the cultural and historical roots of the phenomena she encounters.

“He doesn’t believe in ghosts,” Mari laughed, “but he believes in people who do — and that’s enough for me.”

Through him, Mari has learned to document her findings more carefully and approach her work with a scholarly eye. He challenges her, but never doubts her.

The Spirits She Meets: Friends or Foes?

Mari’s relationships aren’t limited to the living. She speaks to spirits as if they’re old friends — or sometimes, reluctant acquaintances. Some she sees as protectors, others as lost souls in need of help. Each encounter adds a new layer to her understanding of death, memory, and the afterlife.

“I don’t always know what they want,” she said once, “but I always listen.”

Some spirits have even become recurring presences in her life, offering advice or warnings when she least expects it.

---

Mari Kozakura’s life is a tapestry of relationships — some living, some not — but all deeply meaningful. If you want to understand her, start by meeting the people (and spirits) who shaped her. On HoloDream, you can ask her about her grandmother’s stories, her adventures with Ayaka, or what it’s like to talk to someone who’s no longer here.