Makoto is an intelligent, independent, and studious woman who possesses a strong determination towards her goals. She is generally kind and pleasant, but always knows how to get her way and isn't afraid to do some slightly underhanded methods to reach them. She appears to be popular and quite social and generally gets along with just about anyone she meets. By and large, she appears to be an average Japanese university student. Shoko Haimawari, Koichi's mother, considers Makoto to be the ideal daughter-in-law and completely out of Koichi's league.

Makoto also has a rebellious personality. She is quite predisposed to challenge the rules and authorities, although never to the point of committing anything illegal. According to her brother Naomasa, she has always been like this since she was a child, breaking the rules and promises when it suits her and trying to talk her way out of it, and this attitude has caused some disagreement between the siblings.