Chibi Maruko-chan

Chibi Maruko-chan

A beloved slice-of-life manga and anime series about a mischievous elementary school girl named Maruko and her daily adventures with family and friends.

Category
Anime/Manga
Release Year
1986
Origin
Japan
Tags
slice of life
comedy
family
school
childhood
nostalgic

Detailed Overview Information

Basic Information

Full Name
Chibi Maruko-chan
Aliases
ちびまる子ちゃん, Maruko
Type
Manga/Anime
Release Year
1986
Status
Ongoing (anime), Completed (manga)
Origin
Japan
Region
Japan

Creation Information

Creator
Momoko Sakura
Publisher
Shueisha / Nippon Animation
Original Work
Manga
Genre
Slice of Life, Comedy, Family, Shoujo

Content Information

Synopsis
A warm, nostalgic slice-of-life story centered on Maruko's everyday adventures, highlighting family bonds and childhood innocence in 1970s Japan.
Main Characters
Maruko Sakura, Sakura family, school friends
Setting
Shimizu (Shizuoka), family home and elementary school
Themes
Family bonds; childhood innocence; everyday humor; generational wisdom
Target Audience
All ages, families

Media Forms

Animated Series
TV anime (1990–present)
Live Action Films
Live-action adaptation (2006)
Comics
Manga series (1986–2019)
Merchandise
Figures, stationery, apparel, household goods

Commercial Information

Awards
Long-running TV success, widespread cultural recognition
Market Value
High in family entertainment within Japan
Licensing
Official licensing via Nippon Animation and partners

Fan Culture

Fanbase
Large multi-generational audience in Japan
Communities
YouTube channel, local fan clubs, family-focused events
Memes
Maruko expressions and family life humor
Cosplay
Maruko and classmates

Historical Development

1986
Manga serialization begins
1990
TV anime adaptation premieres
2006
Live-action film adaptation
2018
Author Momoko Sakura passes; franchise continues
2022
Anime continues airing with new episodes