A 29–year-old officer within the TERRA organization, Haruka Shitow is partially responsible for aiding Ayato in leaving Tokyo Jupiter. Originally a major in the Intelligence Division, she is promoted to captain in the Tactical Division.

Haruka is shown to have very strong feelings for Ayato, and struggles at maintaining a relationship with him for many reasons. Her position within TERRA makes Ayato think that she is only using him because of his ability to pilot the RahXephon. Ayato's own personal struggles also create barriers for their relationship.