A tall, Japanese-American documentary filmmaker living in New York City. Jane embraces her biracial identity and physical differences, often dying her hair green to stand out. She is hired as a coordinator for the show *My American Wife!*, a position where she translates both language and cultural customs between her Japanese bosses and American subjects.

A former manga publishing writer who is now stuck in an unhappy marriage. Pressured by her husband's demands to conform to an Americanized standard of beauty and fertility, she suffers from bulimia and low self-esteem. She is tasked with watching *My American Wife!* and cooking the meat-heavy recipes shown on screen.

Often called John, he is a representative for the BEEF-EX meat company and Akiko's husband. He is obsessed with traditional American beauty standards, American meat consumption, and fathering a child. He uses his position to control both his wife's physical appearance and Jane's creative direction on the documentary series.

A traveling musician from Chicago who develops an ongoing relationship with Jane. He plays a postmodern brand of jazz and frequently shows up in the various American cities where Jane's crew is filming.

Jane's former boss who hires her as a coordinator for *My American Wife!*. He is primarily concerned with delivering a television product that meets the strict specifications of their corporate sponsor, focusing on conservative family structures.

A Japanese woman living in the American Midwest. She is matter-of-fact and shows her care for Jane through traditional cooking and action rather than verbal affection. She holds somewhat prejudiced views but remains deeply concerned about her daughter's well-being.

One of the revolving directors for *My American Wife!*. He is insensitive to the subjects of the documentary, treating them as material for his vision rather than as actual people.

The soundman for Jane's documentary film crew. He is a quiet, steady presence who works closely with Jane and enjoys interacting with children and animals during their various shoots.

The cameraman for Jane's film crew. While he has a fondness for American commercialism and adult entertainment, he is fiercely loyal to Jane and supports her creative vision over the demands of their bosses.

An active, vocal member of her Massachusetts community who lives with her partner, Lara. As a vegetarian, she represents a lifestyle directly opposed to the meat company's goals.

The partner of Dyann. Together, they manage their household and maintain a vegetarian lifestyle, providing an alternative model of the American family for Jane's show.

A blonde Texas mother who initially appears to fit a specific stereotype of an American wife. Beneath her heavily styled exterior, she is perceptive, honest, and completely dedicated to protecting her young daughter, Rosie.

Bunny's elderly husband and the patriarch of the Dunn family. He expresses skepticism about modern farming practices and the methods used by his son, Gale, to manage the feedlot.

The shy, five-year-old daughter of Bunny and John Dunn. Her physical development is unusually accelerated due to environmental exposure, prompting deep concern from her mother.

John Dunn's son from a previous marriage who manages the daily operations of the family feedlot. He is defensive about his modern, chemical-heavy agricultural techniques and exhibits troubling behavior.

A perceptive nurse who attends to Akiko. She quickly notices the inconsistencies in Akiko's injuries and offers her a safe space, demonstrating a compassionate and open-minded nature.

An American wife featured on the television show who uses her cheerful exterior to mask deep sadness. She participates in the program hoping to repair her failing marriage, only to face emotional difficulties on set.

Suzie's husband, whose on-camera admission of an affair devastates his wife during the filming of their episode.

A British-Japanese producer who works alongside Jane. He handles the administrative cleanup for the show, prioritizing damage control over artistic integrity.

A Louisiana father who, along with his wife, has adopted ten children from Korea. He is enthusiastic about learning to cultivate the kudzu on his property rather than fighting it.

Vern's wife, who shares his commitment to limiting biological reproduction through adoption. She runs a bustling household and offers advice to Jane regarding motherhood.

A college-aged driver who is deeply invested in environmental causes. He spends his time educating Jane about the detrimental effects of the cattle industry on the American environment.

A mother of nine who welcomes the film crew and Joichi into her home. She is warm and comforting, providing an unexpected moment of emotional solace for Joichi during his visit.

A young woman who recovered from being run over by a truck thanks to her community's financial support. Her story inspires her family to open a facility for others in need.