Need some help on this one...

NODOKA SAOTOME

Source:  _Ranma 1/2_, created by Rumiko Takahashi, first published in 
Shonen Sunday Weekly [what year did she show up?], Japan. 
Other names:  Maiden name unknown.
Occupation:  Homemaker
Legal Status:  Japanese citizen with no criminal record, identity 
private, married. 
Place of Birth:  Japan
Base of Operations:  Tendou Dojo, Nerima Ward, Tokyo, Japan (Previously 
had her own house).
Important People:  Genma, husband; Ranma, son. 
Group Affiliations:  None known.
Eyes:  Black  Hair:  Black, short.  (coppery highlights in the anime) 
Costume:  Generally wears traditional kimonos.
Powers:  None, though she does know one katana stroke. 
Equipment:  Always carries the Saotome family katana. 

Background:  Nothing is known of Nodoka's early life, though indications 
are that she was brought up in a very traditional family.  She married 
GENMA SAOTOME and they had a son, RANMA SAOTOME.  When Ranma was about 
six, Genma wanted to take him on an extended training voyage.  Nodoka 
strongly objected.  Her husband claimed that motherly love would prevent 
Ranma from reaching his full martial arts potential, and pledged to make 
their son "a man among men" or commit seppuku (ritual suicide).  Ranma 
signed on to this pledge as well.
	While they were gone, out of love for her menfolk and probably 
boredom, Nodoka learned the role of [need the proper Japanese word here], 
the second who severs the head of a person committing seppuku so their 
pain will end.
	Nodoka received encouraging letters from Genma for some years, 
detailing how well Ranma was doing, but they stopped abruptly when the 
pair went to China.
	Some months later, Nodoka learned that her husband and son had 
been seen in Nerima, at the home of Genma's old friend SOUN TENDOU.  She 
visited, but due to fear of her invoking the pledge, she met only "Ranko 
Tendou", AKANE TENDOU's alleged cousin, and her pet "Mr. Panda."
	Eventually, she learned of her son's and husband's curses, but 
impressed by "Ranko's" manly behavior, she decided that the pledge had 
not been totally violated and they did not need to commit suicide...yet. 



SKJAM!