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This year is the milestone 25th anniversary of the TV anime Chibi Maruko-chan. In celebration, the event “Chibi Maruko-chan 25th Anniversary Special Exhibit” is coming to Taiwan. The event will be held two cities: Taipei from June 19 to Sept. 13, and Kaohsiung at the start of next year from Jan. 1 to April 4. This will be the first large-scale event held in Taiwan where visitors can experience the world of Chibi Maruko-chan.
Chibi Maruko-chan began broadcasting in Japan in 1990, and four years later in 1994 broadcasts also began in Taiwan. From there, it spread all across East Asia. It gained a following for its fun portrayal of Japanese daily life, and it became hugely popular not just in Japan but all across Asia. However, this upcoming event will be the first of its kind held in Taiwan. It will be an unprecedented experience that will likely be crowded with throngs of fans.
A planned part of the exhibit sure to be a highlight is a booth in which visitors can take commemorative photos. This incorporates the popular trend in Taiwan of using Selfie Sticks and other devices to take photos and extends this into the world of Chibi Maruko-chan.
The event will be divided into seven zones. In the Sakura Household zone will be recreations of Maruko’s well-known room and the foyer of the house. There will also be a recreation of the salon from episode 936, an episode that is hugely popular in Taiwan.
A huge volume of other content is in store as well, including an exhibit of the very best haikus from the heart and soul of Maruko’s grandfather, Tomozou, an exhibit of key frames by author Momoko Sakura, and more.
The merchandise area will have a lineup of over 100 items. There will also be limited items including original merchandise with artwork developed for the overseas event that are worth looking forward to.
Another event for the series was held this year from April to June and recorded attendance at approximately 59,000 people. Big success such as this is expected for the Taiwan event as well. The series Chibi Maruko-chan is said to have commercial market scale that is at current 3 billion yen between just three areas: China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. It seems a variety of events like this one will spring forth from here on as the series’ expansion into these markets continues.
Chibi Maruko-chan 25th Anniversary Special Exhibit
Venues: Taipei / Huashan 1914, Creative Park | Kaohsiung, The Pier-2 Art Center
Dates: Taipei - June 19 (Fri.) to Sept. 13 (Sun.) | Kaohsiung - Jan. 1 (Fri.) to April 4 (Mon.)
Source: animeanime
Source article written by Katsunori Takahashi
© SAKURA PRODUCTION / NIPPON ANIMATION
