Chibi Maruko-chan (1990)
Japan's most enduring animated comedy — a timeless slice-of-life series about one unforgettable little girl and the everyday magic of growing up.
Chibi Maruko-chan - Series Information
- Original Title: ちびまる子ちゃん
- First Air Year: 1990
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 1629
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: January 7, 1990 (United States - TV-G), January 7, 1990 (South Korea - ALL)
- Networks: Fuji TV
- Alternative Titles: 치비마루코쨩 (KR), 樱桃小丸子 (CN), หนูน้อยจอมฮา..มารูโกะจัง (TH), ماروكو الصغيرة (AE)
- Production Companies: Onkyo Eizo System Co., Ltd., Nippon Animation, Sakura Production
- Production Countries: Japan
Chibi Maruko-chan - Plot
Meet Maruko, a sweet schoolgirl with a hefty dose of curiosity (and occasional laziness!). She sails through life in a cozy town alongside her loving parents, grandparents, and sister. Maruko has a band of loyal friends, including her closest pal, Tama-chan, but her playful and doting grandpa is at the heart of it all. Life is never dull in this charming series.
Chibi Maruko-chan - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for Maruko's wonderfully ordinary world:
Where to Watch Chibi Maruko-chan
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Chibi Maruko-chan - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- TARAKO
- Yusaku Yara
- Teiyu Ichiryusai
- Yuko Mizutani
- Yuko Sasaki
- Takeshi Aono
- Naoko Watanabe
- Masami Kikuchi
- Keaton Yamada
- Nobuo Tobita
Writers
- Momoko Sakura
- Hisako Tajima
- Ritsuko Nosaka
- Mariko Murakami
- Miyako Sugimori
Chibi Maruko-chan - FAQs
Is Chibi Maruko-chan based on a manga?
Yes, Chibi Maruko-chan is directly adapted from the manga series by Momoko Sakura, first published in 1986 in Ribon magazine. The manga drew heavily from Sakura's own childhood memories growing up in Shizuoka, Japan, lending the series its warm, autobiographical charm.
Where can I watch Chibi Maruko-chan online?
Chibi Maruko-chan is available to stream on select platforms depending on your region. You can check JustWatch for a full, up-to-date list of streaming services, rental options, and purchase links available in your area.
Who voices the main character Maruko?
The iconic role of Momoko 'Maruko' Sakura was voiced by TARAKO from the series' debut in 1990 until her passing in March 2024. TARAKO's warm, expressive delivery became inseparable from the character and remains one of the most beloved voice performances in anime history.
What is Chibi Maruko-chan about?
Chibi Maruko-chan follows Maruko, a cheerful and occasionally lazy third-grade girl living in 1970s Shizuoka, Japan. Each episode captures the small joys and gentle mishaps of her daily life with family and friends, offering a nostalgic, heartwarming portrait of childhood.
How many episodes does Chibi Maruko-chan have?
Chibi Maruko-chan has aired 1,629 episodes across two main seasons, plus 32 special episodes. Season 1 ran for 142 episodes, while Season 2 has continued since 1995 with over 1,487 episodes, making it one of the longest-running anime series in television history.
When did Chibi Maruko-chan first air?
Chibi Maruko-chan premiered on January 7, 1990, on Fuji TV in Japan. The series has broadcast continuously every Sunday evening since then, becoming a cherished fixture of Japanese family television for over three decades.
Is Chibi Maruko-chan still airing new episodes?
Yes, Chibi Maruko-chan is currently a returning series and remains in production. New episodes continue to air on Fuji TV, making it one of the few animated series in the world to have broadcast new content consistently for more than 35 years.
What is the content rating for Chibi Maruko-chan?
Chibi Maruko-chan carries a TV-G content rating in the United States, indicating it is suitable for all audiences. Its gentle humor, family-centered stories, and absence of mature themes make it an ideal choice for viewers of all ages, including young children.
More About Chibi Maruko-chan
Explore further details about the series through these authoritative resources: