Yoko Shiraki, a young lady from a wealthy family known for their involvement in boxing, serves as the main female character in Ashita no Joe. She is characterized by her politeness, gracefulness, and kindness towards others, which aligns with societal expectations of daughters from affluent families. However, she frequently clashes with other characters due to her contrasting appearance and personality traits.
Joe, one such character, initially perceives Yoko's supposed kindness as insincere, implying that her sympathy for the poor is merely a means to elevate herself above those who suffer from poverty. Despite this initial misunderstanding, Yoko comes to understand Joe better over time and eventually becomes his closest confidante.
Throughout the series, Yoko is disliked by Joe as an manipulative woman attempting to control his life. However, her understanding of him ultimately leads to a profound transformation in their relationship.