Born in Japan, Mitsuko Suiko Maruyama came to California at age 15. Her family settled in Fremont where she completed her schooling. She then worked in the banking profession for 28 years, the last five of which she managed a branch of the bank.

In 1971 Mitsuko began ikebana studies with Grandmaster Suiyo Fujimoto and she continues her studies to this day. Mitsuko has earned successive Ohara degrees and in May 2008 she was awarded Ohara's 1^st degree. She has been an active member of several ikebana organizations and is currently President of Ohara Northern California Chapter. She is a Past President of the Ikebana Teachers Federation and Past President of Ikebana International San Francisco Bay Area Chapter and remains active in each of these groups.

She frequently demonstrates and exhibits at flower shows presented by the Suiyo Flower Club, the Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco, and Ikebana International.