As a woman from a respected family, her entry into the acting profession was considered disreputable, but her success improved the opportunities and social standing of professional actresses in Japan.

[5][6] Mori's choice of an acting career was considered a shocking embarrassment to her family and social circles.

[10] She was inspired by many performers who went before her, including male Peking opera star Mei Lanfang.

[15] In 1916, she played a blind heroine character in a one-act tragedy, Mitsu-no-Kokoro, at the Imperial Theatre.

[13] A Western reviewer described her "interesting" performance in a breeches role in 1918, saying Mori "gets full play for her vivacity and skill.