Chibi Maruko-chan

Chibi Maruko-chan

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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

Characters

Maruko Sakura (Momoko)
protagonistfemale9

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

Abilities: mischief making, creative thinking, friendship...
Quotes:
"Eh~ I don't want to do it!"
"Grandpa is the best!"
"That's not fair!"
character
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Tomozou Sakura (Grandpa)
grandfathermale65

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

Abilities: storytelling, patience, wisdom...
Quotes:
"Maruko, let's have some tea together."
"In my day..."
"Family is the most important thing."
character
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Kotake Sakura (Grandma)
grandmotherfemale62

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

Abilities: household management, discipline, cooking...
Quotes:
"Maruko! Stop being so lazy!"
"Money doesn't grow on trees!"
"You need to study harder!"
character
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Tamae Honami
best friendfemale9

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

Abilities: good manners, academic excellence, kindness...
Quotes:
"Maruko-chan, that's not proper!"
"My father says..."
"Would you like to come to my house?"
character
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Hanawa-sensei
teachermale35

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

Abilities: teaching, patience, understanding...
Quotes:
"Now, now, let's all get along."
"Education is important for your future."
"Let's think about this together."
character
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Hiroshi Sakura
fathermale38

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

Abilities: office work, responsibility, family support...
Quotes:
"Maruko, listen to your mother."
"Work is important."
"Family comes first."
character
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Sumire Sakura
motherfemale35

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

Abilities: household management, child care, cooking...
Quotes:
"Maruko, you need to be more responsible!"
"Family dinner is important."
"Listen to your grandparents."
character
View Details

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
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