Ikuko's role was almost identical in the anime and manga. She was a kind woman with a motherly nature, though she could be strict concerning Usagi's and Shingo's academic performance. One of her first actions in both versions of the series was to scold Usagi for her poor performance on a test at school and literally throw her out of the house.

In the Black Moon arc of the manga, Chibiusa lived with the Tsukinos and referred to Ikuko as "Ikuko-mama." Ikuko cared for Chibiusa like a daughter, and treated her as she did Usagi and Shingo. Likewise, in the Stars season of the anime, Chibi Chibi lived with the Tsukinos and Ikuko again treated her like a daughter.

In the SuperS season, Hawk's Eye targeted Ikuko because of his love of older women and the belief that Pegasus could be hiding in her beautiful dream. This was proven to be wrong, and Ikuko was rescued by Super Sailor Moon and Super Sailor Chibi Moon.