Meet the cast of Chibi Maruko-chan

"Chibi Maruko-chan" is a delightful anime series that centers around the adventures of a precocious 9-year-old girl named Momoko Sakura, who is affectionately nicknamed Maruko. Voiced by TARAKO, Maruko is a charmingly mischievous young girl who often finds herself in amusing situations. Her character resonates with viewers as she navigates the ups and downs of childhood, which include scheming with her grandfather, contemplating how best to utilize her pocket money, and developing a strong aversion to sitting next to less-than-appealing classmates. The show's exploration of childhood innocence and the relatable antics of Maruko offers a refreshing perspective on growing up in a small town in Japan.

As the story unfolds with the commencement of a new school term, we see Maruko return to class alongside her friends. However, her group dynamics shift when she is paired up with two rambunctious boys, leading her to struggle with her role within the group. This arrangement further complicates Maruko’s school life, as she wrestles with the pressures of fitting in while asserting her own identity. Despite the challenges she faces, Maruko's interactions with her classmates showcase the realistic experiences of children as they form friendships and navigate the complexities of social hierarchies.

The heartfelt portrayal of Maruko’s character allows viewers to enjoy both the comedic and more poignant moments throughout the series. With the backdrop of her family life and the support of characters like her mother, voiced by Teiyu Ichiryusai, the storytelling delves deeper into the universal themes of family and the trials of growing up. Ultimately, "Chibi Maruko-chan" remains a beloved classic that resonates with audiences of all ages, offering both laughter and reflection on the simple yet profound moments of childhood.

Full Cast of Chibi Maruko-chan

TARAKO

Momoko Sakura (voice)

Tarako, the stage name of Japanese voice actress and singer Hisako Yoshida, delivers a heartwarming and iconic performance as Momoko Sakura, the titular character in the animated movie "Chibi Maruko-chan." Bringing to life the beloved manga character created by Momoko Sakura herself, Tarako infuses Maruko with an endearing blend of cheeky mischief and genuine innocence that perfectly captures the essence of childhood. Her voice work is nuanced, vividly conveying Maruko's playful antics and emotional depth as she navigates the simple yet profound experiences of a young girl's life in 1970s suburban Japan. Tarako's portrayal resonates with audiences of all ages, as she encapsulates the universal spirit of youth and the nostalgia of growing up, making her rendition of Maruko not only a cornerstone of the character's legacy but also a cherished performance in the landscape of anime cinema.

Teiyu Ichiryusai

Sumire Sakura (voice)

Teiyu Ichiryusai's portrayal of Sumire Sakura in the beloved film "Chibi Maruko-chan" is a testament to her versatility and depth as a voice actress. Sumire, a character known for her mature demeanor and poetic tendencies, is brought to life by Ichiryusai with a nuanced performance that captures the essence of adolescent complexity. Her voice work imbues Sumire with a gentle, introspective quality that contrasts beautifully with the titular character's playful energy. Ichiryusai's delivery of Sumire's often philosophical and dreamy dialogues adds layers of warmth and relatability, endearing the character to audiences of all ages. Her ability to convey the subtleties of Sumire's emotions, from her unrequited feelings to her moments of quiet strength, underscores the emotional core of the movie and contributes to the enduring charm of the "Chibi Maruko-chan" series. Teiyu Ichiryusai's performance is not just voice acting; it is a profound embodiment of a character that resonates with the innocence and complexity of youth.

Kei Tomiyama

Tomozou Sakura (voice)

Kei Tomiyama delivered a memorable performance as Tomozou Sakura, the grandfather in the beloved anime film "Chibi Maruko-chan." His voice acting brought a warm, endearing, and humorous touch to the character, capturing the essence of a kind-hearted and occasionally mischievous elderly figure within the Sakura household. Tomiyama's portrayal of Tomozou was particularly notable for its ability to convey the character's wisdom and playful personality, often serving as a source of comic relief while also providing heartfelt moments of familial tenderness. His interactions with the titular character, Maruko, highlighted a special cross-generational bond, which is a theme central to the film's charm. Tomiyama's nuanced performance resonated with audiences of all ages, contributing significantly to the enduring popularity and emotional depth of "Chibi Maruko-chan." His work exemplified the highest level of voice acting, where the actor becomes inseparable from the character he embodies, making Tomozou Sakura an unforgettable presence in the hearts of fans around the world.

Yuko Sasaki

Kotake Sakura (voice)

Yuko Sasaki delivered a memorable performance as Kotake Sakura in the animated film 'Chibi Maruko-chan', breathing life into the character with her expressive voice work. As Maruko's mother, Sasaki infused Kotake with a warm and nurturing tone that perfectly captured the essence of a caring and sometimes frazzled, but always loving, mother figure. Her ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from affectionate patience to moments of comic exasperation, added depth to the character and resonated with audiences of all ages. Sasaki's interactions with the rest of the voice cast showcased her talent for dialogue and timing, contributing to the heartwarming and humorous dynamics within the Sakura family. Her performance as Kotake was not only a testament to her skills as a voice actress but also played a crucial role in endearing the 'Chibi Maruko-chan' series to fans around the world, making Kotake Sakura an iconic and beloved character in the realm of anime.

Kappei Yamaguchi

Kenichi Oono (voice)

Kappei Yamaguchi delivers a memorable performance as Kenichi Oono in the beloved movie "Chibi Maruko-chan," bringing to life the character with his distinctive voice acting skills. Yamaguchi infuses Kenichi with a warm and endearing personality, capturing the essence of the caring and sometimes bumbling elder brother of the titular character. His portrayal is marked by a natural fluidity and impeccable timing, seamlessly transitioning between Kenichi's comedic mishaps and his genuine moments of sibling affection. Yamaguchi's voice work adds depth to Kenichi's character, making him not only a source of humor but also a relatable figure for audiences. His interactions with the other characters, especially with his younger sister Maruko, highlight the heartwarming family dynamics that are central to the film's appeal. Kappei Yamaguchi's performance is a testament to his talent and range as a voice actor, contributing significantly to the enduring charm of "Chibi Maruko-chan."

Ako Mayama

Satoshi Sugiyama (voice)

Ako Mayama delivered a noteworthy performance as Satoshi Sugiyama in the beloved anime film "Chibi Maruko-chan," her voice work breathing life into the character with a nuanced and authentic portrayal. As Satoshi, Maruko's older brother, Mayama captured the essence of a typical teenage boy with all its complexities—balancing the character's role as a sometimes annoyed sibling with his underlying affection and protectiveness towards his younger sister. Her performance highlighted the subtle dynamics within the Sugiyama family, showcasing Satoshi's typical teenage nonchalance while also conveying his genuine concern and brotherly love. Mayama's vocal inflections and timing added depth to Satoshi's interactions, whether he was teasing Maruko or sharing in her adventures, making the character relatable and endearing to audiences. Ako Mayama's contribution to "Chibi Maruko-chan" enriched the storytelling and helped to cement the film's place as a cherished piece of Japanese animation.