1990年冬アニメ
ちびまる子ちゃん
日本アニメーション
日常ホームドラマコメディ
1990年1月7日放送開始（放送中）
Chibi Maruko-chan is a TV anime produced by Nippon Animation based on Momoko Sakura's manga of the same name, which began airing on Fuji TV on January 7, 1990. Set in 1970s Shimizu City, Shizuoka, it follows the everyday life of third-grader Momoko Sakura (nicknamed Maruko) as she lives with her father Hiroshi, mother Sumire, older sister Sakiko, grandfather Tomozo, and grandmother Kotake, surrounded by colorful friends like Tamae and Kazuhiko Hanawa. Although the first series ended in June 1992, the show returned as a second series in January 1995 and has continued airing every Sunday evening for more than 30 years since, becoming one of Japan's most beloved national anime.
📝 Highlights
👥 Characters
💫 Foreshadowing & Quotes
❓ FAQ
🌟 Featured Comments
📝 Highlights & Appeal Light spoilers
01① On air since 1990, still a national favorite
The show began on January 7, 1990, and remains a flagship Sunday evening program to this day.
02② Set in 1970s Shimizu City, Shizuoka
The story unfolds in 1970s Shimizu City, with its nostalgic Showa-era streets and lifestyle forming the backdrop of everyday life.
03③ Maruko's warm, chaotic family life
Life with father Hiroshi, mother Sumire, sister Sakiko, grandfather Tomozo, and grandmother Kotake is full of laughs and small squabbles — the heart of the show.
04④ A colorful cast of classmates like Tamae and Hanawa
Best friend Tamae, wealthy and pretentious Hanawa, model student Maruo — each classmate's personality sparks its own little drama.
05⑤ ED song "Odoru Pompokolin" won Japan's top record award
The original ED theme "Odoru Pompokolin," performed by B.B. Queens, was a massive hit that won the 1990 Japan Record Award.
06⑥ Covered by a parade of famous artists over the years
"Odoru Pompokolin" has been covered by a rotating lineup of artists over the decades, including Kaela Kimura and E-girls.
07⑦ Annual specials are a fan favorite
New Year's and other special episodes bring extra-long, extra-fun stories that fans look forward to every year.
08⑧ Ado took over the opening theme in late 2025
Since December 28, 2025, singer Ado has taken over as the new voice behind "Odoru Pompokolin" for the opening theme.
💡 Key Points & Predictions Some spoilers
The fun of the show lies in seeing what small incidents from Maruko's school life and family interactions will spark laughter or heartfelt nods each week. Episodes featuring grandfather Tomozo's haiku are often especially touching.
🧾 Story So Far Contains spoilers
There's no single overarching story — instead, set in 1970s Shimizu City, the show stacks up self-contained episodes about Maruko's school life, friendships, and family in an omnibus format. This basic style has remained consistent from the first series in 1990 through the ongoing second series since 1995.
✅ Recommended Viewing Points
One of Japan's most beloved national anime, cherished for more than 30 years since its 1990 debut. Recommended for anyone who wants a dose of nostalgic Showa-era life and warm, timeless stories about family and friendship.
👀 Trivia & Fun Facts
The original manga by Momoko Sakura began serialization in the shojo magazine Ribbon in 1986. TARAKO, the voice of Maruko since the 1990 premiere, continued in the role for 34 years until her passing in March 2024 at age 63. Since December 28, 2025, singer Ado has been the new voice behind the opening theme.
Momoko "Maruko" Sakura (CV: TARAKO → Kokoro Kikuchi)
The show's protagonist, a third-grader in Shimizu City who's lazy and easily flustered, but impossible not to love.
Father Hiroshi Sakura (CV: Yusaku Yara)
Maruko's father — boisterous and a bit rough around the edges, but a devoted family man at heart.
Mother Sumire Sakura (CV: Sadatomo Ichiryusai)
Maruko's mother, the level-headed glue of the Sakura household who's always calling out Maruko and Tomozo.
Sister Sakiko Sakura (CV: Machiko Toyoshima)
Maruko's older sister by three years — responsible, bossy, and every bit the classic older sibling.
Grandfather Tomozo Sakura (CV: Bin Shimada)
Maruko's doting grandfather, famous for the little haiku poems he recites at unexpected moments.
Grandmother Kotake Sakura (CV: Yuko Sasaki)
Maruko's grandmother, who bickers often with Tomozo but quietly watches over the whole family.
Tamae "Tama-chan" Honami (CV: Naoko Watanabe)
Maruko's best friend, a gentle, glasses-wearing girl who's always ready to listen.
Kazuhiko Hanawa (CV: Masami Kikuchi)
The son of an extremely wealthy family, known for his pretentious way of speaking but genuinely gentlemanly and dependable underneath.
Sueo Maruo (CV: Nobuo Tobita)
The class representative and model student, known for his formal speech and strong sense of justice.
Noritaka "Hamaji" Hamazaki (CV: Tsutomu Kashiwakura)
A sun-tanned classmate of Maruko's, known for his down-to-earth, friendly personality.
💫 Unresolved Foreshadowing Contains spoilers
- Grandfather Tomozo's haiku often quietly sum up the theme of that episode.
- The full extent of the Hanawa family's wealth comes up often but is never fully revealed.
- Special episodes occasionally show what Maruko might look like as an adult.
💌 Predicted Viral Quotes for Next Season
"No need to rush — I'll grow up eventually." — Maruko's laid-back inner monologue, capturing the show's relaxed spirit.
"There I go again, old lady." — Tomozo's signature line after reciting one of his haiku.
"Odango-paan!" — Maruko's memorable exclamation whenever she's startled.
What kind of anime is “Chibi Maruko-chan”?
Chibi Maruko-chan is a TV anime produced by Nippon Animation based on Momoko Sakura's manga of the same name, which began airing on Fuji TV on January 7, 1990. Set in 1970s Shimizu City, Shizuoka, it…
What are the theme songs (OP/ED) of “Chibi Maruko-chan”?
You can find the theme songs of “Chibi Maruko-chan” ranked by view count in the anime song ranking on the homepage. Each song’s page also shows a chart of its view-count history.
How can I rate or comment on “Chibi Maruko-chan”?
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