Chibimaruko-chan" Cast Members' Comments on TARAKO's Memorial Service - TARAKO's last episode will be a one-hour special broadcast on March 24 (Sunday).

Further news regarding TARAKO, who passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024, has been received.

Nippon Animation announced that Mr. Tarako passed away before dawn on Monday, March 4, 2024.
⇒TARAKO passed away suddenly - he dominated the world with "Chibi Maruko-chan". He was 63 years old.

The last episode in which TARAKO will appear in "Chibi Maruko-chan" will be "Maruko, Can You Taste the Water? This episode will be shown in a one-hour special scheduled to air on Sunday, March 24, 2024. Except for this episode, other episodes aired in the past will be rebroadcast from March 10 (Sun.) onward for the time being.
The company is currently considering the voice actors to replace them and the timing of the start of the broadcast by their successors.

In addition, comments from the co-stars and staff of "Chibi Maruko-chan" were announced in response to the passing of Mr. Tarako. （The following comments were made by all the co-stars and staff of "Chibi Maruko-chan.)

◆Yusaku Yara (father)
Tara-chan, we are stunned to hear of your sudden passing. Until recently, we used to see you in the studio every time we recorded every week. For a long time, you led us as the chairperson of the program, stout, gentle, and flexible, no matter what the circumstances were. We will never see that bright and mischievous smile of yours again, but it will always remain with many memories in our hearts. Tara, thank you so much for all you have done for us! Please rest in peace.

◆Sadatomo Ichiryuusai (mother)
The one and only one has departed. Tara-chan was a master of caring who always looked out for everyone. I can't find any way to fill this sense of loss.

◆Toshi Shimada (Grandpa)
"I couldn't say 'What is it, Maruko? I couldn't say "What is it, Maruko?
Tomozo: "Haiku from the heart dedicated to Tara-chan.

Yuko Sasaki (Grandma)
She was a cheerful and fun-loving person who lavished her love on people, animals and everything that lived. But to see her pass away so suddenly and unexpectedly before Grandma...that's the one thing I have no filial piety for, Maruko..." ◆Machiko Toyoshima (as Grandma)

◆Machiko Toyoshima (as Sis)
I am still in a state of disbelief at the sudden departure of my favorite TARAKO-san. During the recording session, I was encouraged by her kind voice with a warm smile saying, "It's fun, isn't it? There were so many things I wanted to talk about and do together. The time I spent with "Maruko" as "big sister" is still not going to be a memory. Instead of "good-bye," I would like to say TARAKO's favorite words. Thank you, see you~!"

◆Naiko Watanabe (Tama-chan)
I spent a lot of time with Mr. TARAKO, both publicly and privately, as if we were Maru-chan and Tamae in the show, and we were very close. The precious time we shared still sparkles brightly in my mind. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I pray that he may rest in peace.

All the staff of "Chibi Maruko-chan
TARAKO-san, who played Maruko for 34 years from the beginning of the broadcast, was the very essence of "Chibi Maruko-chan". She was the very image of "Chibi Maruko-chan," the innocent and loved by her family and friends. She was eager to record even in the hospital ward until the very end and faced "Chibi Maruko-chan" with great affection. We cannot hide our surprise at the sudden news of her passing, but we will continue to warmly and carefully portray "Chibi Maruko-chan" as she played the role of Ms. Tarako. Thank you very much for your long years of work, TARAKO, and we pray for your soulful rest.

© Sakura Productions/Nippon Animation