Although they manage to get by for the time being with the money Maruko had secretly prepared just in case, her father sighs, “I just can’t relax here. I really don’t like places like this.” Even when the dishes are served one by one, Maruko innocently asks “Hey, what’s this?” while the adults fidget, saying “It doesn’t matter what it is, just eat quietly,” “Each bite probably costs about 100 yen...” The contrast between the two sides is hilarious, but watching it again as an adult, you might find yourself empathizing with the parents and feeling their pain...

The anime “Chibi Maruko-chan,” which is being streamed in a marathon, is based on the manga by Momoko Sakura, and first aired in 1990. The comedy depicts the daily life of third-grader Maruko and her family and friends in Shimizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture (present-day Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture). While some voice actors have changed over the years, it remains a beloved long-running series, having celebrated its 35th anniversary in January 2025.

 (C)さくらプロダクション／日本アニメーション

English