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A movie adaptation has been greenlit for Chibi Maruko-chan, which welcomed the 25th anniversary of its TV anime this year. The title of the movie is Eiga Chibi Maruko-chan (Chibi Maruko-chan the Movie), and it will be released Japan-wide on Dec. 23. The main talking point regarding the movie is that it is being written by series author Momoko Sakura.
This will be the first movie in the series in 23 years, with the previous being 1992’s Chibi Maruko-chan: Watashi no Suki na Uta. Similarly to previous movies, series creator Momoko Sakura is writing the screenplay. For the first time in the series, Maruko will leave Shimizu and travel to Osaka and Kyoto.
Regarding the movie adaptation and the TV anime’s 25th anniversary, Momoko Sakura commented, “Through everyone’s warm support, the Chibi Maruko-chan TV anime has reached its 25th anniversary. I am filled with feelings of gratitude.” She also shared her feelings with fans, saying, “I’ve written this movie wholeheartedly. Please enjoy this 25th year of * Chibi Maruko-chan* that has laughter, tears, and heartache.”
Directing the movie is Jun Takagi who also helped created the TV anime and Coji-Coji. Producing the animation is Nippon Animation.
Chibi Maruko-chan began broadcasting in 1990. The series is number one in recorded viewer ratings with 39.9%, with number two being the currently airing anime Sazae-san. The anime has been viewed more than 11 million times, and the manga is a national treasure with over 32 million copies in print.
The story of Chibi Maruko-chan the Movie begins with kids from five different countries coming to Maruko’s town. A boy from Italy then begins homestaying with Maruko’s family, and this leads to scenes of sudden confessions - “I...like you, Maruko.” Maruko also sets off from the town of Shimizu together with her classmates on a trip to Osaka and Kyoto… Get ready for a story of friendship that transcends age and country borders.
Chibi Maruko-chan the Movie
Releasing Dec. 23 (Wed., holiday), 2015
[Staff]
Original Author/Screenplay Writer: Momoko Sakura
Director: Jun Takagi
Animation Production: Nippon Animation
Distribution: Toho
Source: animeanime
Source article written by Katsunori Takahashi
