On April 12, Nippon Animation announced that Kokoro Kikuchi will take over as the voice of the protagonist Maruko in "Chibi Maruko-chan," a role that has been performed by TARAKO since the show's debut in 1990. Kikuchi was selected after multiple rounds of auditions.

Kikuchi expressed her feelings about the role, stating, "Taking over the role of Maruko, cherished by TARAKO, is honestly daunting. However, I love 'Chibi Maruko-chan' and will dedicate myself fully to this role. It might take some time for audiences to get used to my voice, but I hope they will continue to support me."

Kikuchi has a substantial track record, having voiced characters such as Sarada Uchiha in "BORUTO - NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS" on TV Tokyo and Toco in "One Piece" on the Fuji TV network. She has also appeared in "Chibi Maruko-chan" before, in the role of "Ohanahan" in the episode "Maruko Helps a Ghost," broadcast on August 12, 2018, establishing a connection with the show.

Taking over the role of Maruko cultivated by TARAKO, Kikuchi will start her portrayal on the episode airing on April 21.

In celebration of the anime's 35th anniversary, "Chibi Maruko-chan" will host a "Seasons Full! Sakura Momoko Original Work Festival" from April 21 to June 9, featuring nostalgic masterpieces that promise to bring laughter, along with the new voice of Maruko.

Q&A with Kokoro Kikuchi

What were your feelings when you were chosen for the role of Maruko?

Kikuchi: "I was stunned when my manager called to say 'You got it,' and I could hardly remember anything we talked about afterward. I was overwhelmed with a mix of happiness, relief, anxiety, and other complicated emotions."

What is your impression of the anime "Chibi Maruko-chan"?

Kikuchi: "Turning on the TV at 6 PM on Sundays always brings a comforting sight of the familiar characters. Despite being just about the ordinary life of a third grader, each episode is interesting and loved by all ages, a remarkable feat for over 30 years. The narration and the character's simplistic facial lines are now iconic, but they were quite innovative at the time. Also, seeing Maruko in her 'face T-shirt' always signals the arrival of summer."

What is your approach moving forward?

Kikuchi: "I have been watching 'Chibi Maruko-chan,' which I love, every week since it started. Six years ago, I had the opportunity to participate in the production just once. Everyone in the cast and staff was cheerful and positive, with TARAKO at the heart of it all, always smiling and responding kindly to greetings, laughing and engaging with co-stars' ad-libs. Since that day, my love for the show has grown even more. I'm honestly a bit scared, but I cherish my love for 'Chibi Maruko-chan' and will put my all into this role. It may take a while for audiences to get used to my voice, but I deeply appreciate their continued support."