Chibi Maruko-chan is ... Draws a life in Shimizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture around 1974. The main character, Maruko, is in the third grade of elementary school. The earlier part of the story is the author's actual experience. Best-selling in "Ribon" magazine (more than 30 million copies). In 1991, this product made the first blockbuster hit in Japan with humanoid character goods. Serialized mainly in "Ribon" in 1986-96, 2002-16. TV animation has been on-air since 1990. Released in 1986.