Is Chibi Maruko-chan based on a true story?

Yes, it is semi-autobiographical, based on the author Momoko Sakura's childhood in Shimizu City during the 1970s. Many characters are based on real family members and friends.

Why is she called Chibi Maruko?

"Chibi" means small or little, and "Maruko" is a nickname derived from her real name Momoko, implying she is small and round-faced.

How long has the anime been running?

The anime has been running almost continuously since 1990 (with a short break between the first and second series), making it one of the longest-running anime series in history with over 1,500 episodes.

Who is Momoko Sakura?

Momoko Sakura was the creator of Chibi Maruko-chan. She wrote the manga based on her own life. Sadly, she passed away in 2018, but her work continues to be beloved worldwide.

Where does the story take place?

The story takes place in Shimizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The setting is a faithful recreation of the author's hometown in the mid-1970s.

Is the series popular in Japan?

Extremely. It is a cultural icon in Japan, consistently ranking among the top-rated animated shows. It is often considered a Sunday evening tradition for families.

What is Chibi Maruko-chan Land?

Chibi Maruko-chan Land is a museum and theme park located in S-Pulse Dream Plaza in Shizuoka City. It features recreations of the Sakura household, the classroom, and displays of original artwork.

What is the famous theme song?

The ending theme "Odoru Pompokorin" is one of the most famous anime songs in Japan. It won the Japan Record Award in 1990 and has been covered by many artists.

Are all the characters based on real people?

Most of the family members and some classmates (like Tama-chan and Hamaji) are based on real people. However, the author stated that some characters were created or altered for the story.

Can I watch Chibi Maruko-chan outside Japan?

Yes, the series has been broadcast in many countries, particularly in Asia (Taiwan, Hong Kong, China). Some episodes are also available on streaming platforms like Youtube with subtitles.

Overview Characters Weapons & Gear Media Collectibles Places & Experiences

Chibi Maruko-chan Characters

Full character index for Chibi Maruko-chan, including roles, relationships, factions, and key story moments.

Character List

Filter the list by faction

Occupation: Teacher

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Elementary school, teaching profession

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: 35

Hanawa-sensei

Chibi Maruko-chanteacher

Maruko's kind and patient homeroom teacher who tries to guide her students with wisdom and care.

Occupation: Teacher

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Elementary school, teaching profession

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: 35

Personality

MysteriousPatientKindUnderstandingDedicated

Abilities

TeachingPatienceUnderstandingGuidance

Notable Items

Teaching materialsGrade bookClassroom supplies

Quote:

Now, now, let's all get along.

character

Hanawa-sensei – Chibi Maruko-chan character profile

Occupation: Homemaker

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Sakura family, company

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: 38

Hiroshi Sakura

Chibi Maruko-chanfather

Maruko's father, a typical salaryman who works hard to support his family.

Occupation: Homemaker

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Sakura family, company

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: 38

Personality

MysteriousHardworkingResponsiblePatientCaring

Abilities

Office workResponsibilityFamily supportPatience

Notable Items

Business suitBriefcaseNewspaper

Quote:

Maruko, listen to your mother.

character

Hiroshi Sakura – Chibi Maruko-chan character profile

Occupation: Salaryman

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Sakura family

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: 62

Kotake Sakura (Grandma)

Chibi Maruko-changrandmother

Maruko's practical and sometimes stern grandmother who keeps the family in line.

Occupation: Salaryman

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Sakura family

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: 62

Personality

MysteriousPracticalSternCaringHardworking

Abilities

Household managementDisciplineCookingBudgeting

Notable Items

Cooking utensilsHousehold budget bookCleaning supplies

Quote:

Maruko! Stop being so lazy!

character

Kotake Sakura (Grandma) – Chibi Maruko-chan character profile

Occupation: Grandmother

Race: Unknown

Gender: Unknown

Age: Unknown

Kotake Sakura (Grandma)

Chibi Maruko-changrandmother

Maruko's practical and sometimes stern grandmother who keeps the family in line....

Occupation: Grandmother

Race: Unknown

Gender: Unknown

Age: Unknown

grandmother

Kotake Sakura (Grandma) – Chibi Maruko-chan character profile

Occupation: Protagonist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Sakura family, elementary school class

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: 9

Maruko Sakura (Momoko)

Chibi Maruko-chanprotagonist

The protagonist, a lazy but lovable third-grade girl who often gets into trouble but has a good heart.

Occupation: Protagonist

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Sakura family, elementary school class

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: 9

Personality

MysteriousLazyMischievousKind-heartedImaginative

Abilities

Mischief makingCreative thinkingFriendshipGetting out of trouble

Notable Items

School bag (randoseru)DiaryFavorite chopsticks

Quote:

Eh~ I don't want to do it!

character

Maruko Sakura (Momoko) – Chibi Maruko-chan character profile

Occupation: Protagonist

Race: Unknown

Gender: Unknown

Age: Unknown

Maruko Sakura (Momoko)

Chibi Maruko-chanprotagonist

The protagonist, a lazy but lovable third-grade girl who often gets into trouble but has a good hear...

Occupation: Protagonist

Race: Unknown

Gender: Unknown

Age: Unknown

protagonist

Maruko Sakura (Momoko) – Chibi Maruko-chan character profile

Occupation: Homemaker

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Sakura family

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: 35

Sumire Sakura

Chibi Maruko-chanmother

Maruko's mother who tries to balance being caring and discipliry.

Occupation: Homemaker

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Sakura family

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: 35

Personality

MysteriousCaringResponsibleSometimes strictLoving

Abilities

Household managementChild careCookingFamily coordination

Notable Items

ApronCooking utensilsFamily photos

Quote:

Maruko, you need to be more responsible!

character

Sumire Sakura – Chibi Maruko-chan character profile

Occupation: Best friend

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Elementary school class, wealthy family

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: 9

Tamae Honami

Chibi Maruko-chanbest friend

Maruko's best friend, a wealthy and well-mannered girl who is the opposite of Maruko in many ways.

Occupation: Best friend

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Elementary school class, wealthy family

Race: Human

Gender: Female

Age: 9

Personality

MysteriousPoliteIntelligentWealthyKind

Abilities

Good mannersAcademic excellenceKindnessPatience

Notable Items

Expensive school suppliesFancy lunch boxDesigner clothes

Quote:

Maruko-chan, that's not proper!

character

Tamae Honami – Chibi Maruko-chan character profile

Occupation: Retired grandfather

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Sakura family

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: 65

Tomozou Sakura (Grandpa)

Chibi Maruko-changrandfather

Maruko's beloved grandfather who spoils her and shares her love of simple pleasures.

Occupation: Retired grandfather

Debut: Episode 1

Affiliation: Sakura family

Race: Human

Gender: Male

Age: 65

Personality

MysteriousGentleWisePatientLoving

Abilities

StorytellingPatienceWisdomTea appreciation

Notable Items

Traditional tea setReading glassesNewspaper

Quote:

Maruko, let's have some tea together.

character

Tomozou Sakura (Grandpa) – Chibi Maruko-chan character profile

Occupation: Grandfather

Race: Unknown

Gender: Unknown

Age: Unknown

Tomozou Sakura (Grandpa)

Chibi Maruko-changrandfather

Maruko's beloved grandfather who spoils her and shares her love of simple pleasures....

Occupation: Grandfather

Race: Unknown

Gender: Unknown

Age: Unknown

grandfather

Tomozou Sakura (Grandpa) – Chibi Maruko-chan character profile

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