Who is The Blind Messeuse from Snow Country and what is their importance?

Shimamura met the blind masseuse on his way to his room after leaving Komako's. He was immediately impressed by her ability to tell time by using a watch with no face, and he questioned her about her life. The blind woman told him that her oldest daughter was twelve, and that she seldom ventured out when the roads were bad. She also complimented Shimamura's physique, saying he "must not have to work," that he obviously does not drink, and that he is not too fat but not too thin.