Shopping Guide
The movie Eiga Chibi Maruko-chan: Italy kara Kita Shonen (Working English title: Chibi Maruko-chan: A Boy from Italy) will be released throughout Japan on Dec. 23. Speaking of Chibi Maruko-chan, the movie is based on the popular manga by manga artist Momoko Sakura that is serialized in the shojo manga magazine Ribon. As of this September the series has over 32 million copies in print. It’s safe to call it a national treasure of Japan.
The TV anime began back in 1990, meaning this year is its 25th anniversary. The movie is being produced in celebration of this memorial year. It will be the first theatrical movie in the series in 23 years. Seeing as it’s such a big project, there are no doubt many fans interested to learn more.
In answer to such fans, a trailer has been released. In addition to being available on the official site, the trailer will also be screened in theaters across Japan. At a length of 90 seconds, the trailer packs in the movie’s charms. What is, of course, of interest here are the new characters who will have a role in the movie. The story is about kids from five countries who come to Japan for a homestay. Even Maruko’s family takes in an Italian boy named Andrea, and this is depicted in the trailer. Andrea even has interesting lines in the trailer including “I like you, Maruko” and “I want to know you more.”
The story will also include Andrea’s reason for coming to Japan, and will depict their farewell to each other that comes all too soon. The movie’s shaping up to have a different dynamic than that of the TV series.
Author Momoko Sakura is handling the movie’s script. In the trailer you can also hear the insert song “I Won’t Forget You” by Sakurako Ohara and the theme song “Ooi!!” by Ulfuls. Before seeing it in theaters, prepare yourself by checking out the trailer first.
Chibi Maruko-chan: A Boy from Italy
Releasing Dec. 23 (Wed., holiday)
© 2015 Sakura Production Co., Ltd. / Fuji TV Network Inc., Nippon Animation, Toho, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners, Yomiko Advertising Inc., FNS 27
Source: animeanime
