While Maruo-kun enthusiastically announces, “Now, we’ll start the encouragement party for Nagasawa-kun, whose house burned down yesterday!” Nagasawa-kun sits in a daze, his head hung low. Prompted by Maruo-kun, the students reluctantly try to say words of encouragement to Nagasawa-kun. With everyone feeling awkward, only Maruo-kun remains upbeat, and even leads everyone in singing an “Nagasawa-kun Encouragement Song.”

At the end, Maruo-kun asks, “So, how was it? Do you feel a little better?” to which Nagasawa-kun slowly raises his head and replies with words that render even the overly perky Maruo-kun speechless.

There’s no exaggeration in calling this episode legendary: “Nagasawa-kun’s House Catches Fire.” Whether it’s “so horrible you can’t even laugh,” or “so horrible you have no choice but to laugh,” depends on the viewer.

The anime “Chibi Maruko-chan,” currently available for streaming, is based on the manga by Momoko Sakura and first aired in 1990. Set in Shimizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture (now Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture), the comedy depicts the daily life of third grader Maruko, her family, and friends. The series has continued to be beloved over the years, with some voice actors changing, and will celebrate 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

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