Who is Mariko Inamura from The Key to Midnight and what is their importance?

Mariko Inamura is Joanna's manager at the Moonglow Lounge. Mariko is a traditional Japanese woman, demure and patient. Mariko is a good friend to Joanna and only wants what is best for her. When Alex comes along, Mariko believes that finally Joanna may have found a man who will not let her push him away. Mariko encourages Alex to fight for Joanna even when Joanna begins having panic attacks and attempts to make Alex leave her alone. Later, when Alex's employee is injured, Mariko spends time with him at the hospital, so he does not have to be alone. Mariko finds this man delightful and begins to fall in love.