The regular episode broadcast on the 14th marked the final appearance of TARAKO's voice as Maruko in the Fuji TV anime "Chibi Maruko-chan" (every Sunday at 6:00 PM).

The next episode preview did not feature the voice of successor Kokoro Kikuchi but announced the special series "Seasons of Sakura Momoko: Original Manga Festival Throughout the Seasons" starting from the broadcast on May 21st to celebrate the anime's 35th anniversary. The announcement promised, "Chibi Maruko-chan will continue to bring fun stories!"

This episode, a rerun of "Maruko and Tama-chan's Adventure," featured Maruko and Tama-chan venturing to a bookstore in the next town to buy a Hideki photo collection. The episode concluded with Maruko tearfully apologizing to her sister, a scene that brought many on social media to tears as well. The opening song "Yume Ippai" and the ending song "Odoru Pompokolin" were played.

Fans expressed their gratitude through social media, saying, "Thank you very much, TARAKO," and remarked on the use of original early visuals in the ending, confirming it as TARAKO's final episode, and pondering whether it was also the last time TARAKO would read the sponsor credits.

TARAKO, who had voiced Maruko for 34 years, passed away on March 4 this year. The last new episode aired on March 24, and reruns have been aired since. Kokoro Kikuchi has been announced as the successor, making her debut in the episode airing next week on April 21.

Fans are encouraging the new voice actress, saying, "Please do your best as the second-generation Maruko, Kokoro Kikuchi starting next week," and expressing curiosity about how she will perform.

Kokoro Kikuchi is known for her roles as Sarada Uchiha in "BORUTO -Naruto Next Generations" (TV Tokyo) and Toko in "One Piece" (Fuji TV). She previously appeared in "Chibi Maruko-chan" as "Ohana-chan" in the episode aired on August 12, 2018, "Maruko Helps a Ghost."

Taking over the role cultivated by TARAKO, Kikuchi commented, "It's honestly daunting to take on 'Maruko,' a character so lovingly portrayed by TARAKO. However, I cherish my love for 'Chibi Maruko-chan' and will devote myself earnestly. It might take some time to get used to my voice, but I would be grateful if you could watch over me with patience."