Sugako began studying Japanese literature at Japan Women's College in Tokyo in 1942 but her education was interrupted by World War II.
Although her family had lost its savings, she was able later to continue her education, transferring to the Department of Art at Waseda University.
This was followed by other successful scripts: the series Tonari no Shibafu (1976–77), Oshin (1983–84), Fūfu (1979), Michi (1980), Onnatachi no Chuushingura (1981) and Dakazoku (1983).
An English-dubbed version of Tonari no Shibafu, The Grass Is Greener on the Other Side, was shown on American cable during the early 1980s.
Hashida is known particularly for writing Oshin, but she can be considered Japan's most successful TV drama script writer.