In a somber turn of events, the beloved voice actor TARAKO, renowned for bringing the iconic character Maruko to life in the Chibi Maruko-chan anime, passed away on March 4, 2024, at the age of 63. The cause of death was not disclosed at the time of reporting.
The official statements from the Chibi Maruko-chan website and Nippon Animation conveyed deep sorrow at the loss and extended condolences to TARAKO for her significant contribution to the long-running show.
The last episode featuring TARAKO, titled “Maruko, Do You Know the Taste of Water?” will air on Sunday, March 24, during a one-hour broadcast.
Subsequent to this episode, previously aired ones will be broadcast until further notice, as discussions regarding her replacement and the restart of the show are underway.
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The Maruko-chan anime staff shared heartfelt sentiments, emphasizing TARAKO’s pivotal role in shaping the essence of Chibi Maruko-chan for over three decades.
Describing her as warm, cheerful, and considerate, they revealed TARAKO’s unwavering dedication, even recording from a hospital ward until the end.
Messages from fellow Chibi Maruko-chan voice actors, including Yusaku Yara, Teiyu Ichiryusai, Bin Shimada, Yuko Sasaki, Machiko Toyoshima, and Naoko Watanabe, expressed their grief and gratitude for TARAKO’s enduring support.
The official studio of Chibi Maruko-chan artist Momoko Sakura also released a poignant statement and illustration in response to the news.
TARAKO’s illustrious career began in 1981 with Urusei Yatsura and extended to various roles, including Alice in Alice in Wonderland (1983) and Taruruto in Magical Taruruto-kun (1990).
Recent roles, such as Zazie the Beast in TRIGUN STAMPEDE and Debeko in the upcoming Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction anime films, showcased the breadth of her talent.
TARAKO’s legacy as a voice-acting pioneer and her enduring impact on the anime industry will be cherished and remembered by fans worldwide.
Full Statement on TARAKO’s passing by The official Chibi Maruko-chan website, along with Nippon Animation
“We regret to inform you that TARAKO-san, who had played the role of Maruko in Chibi Maruko-chan, passed away on Monday, March 4 in the early hours of the morning. We would like to express our sincere condolences and gratitude to her for her great contribution to the show.
The last episode of TARAKO-san’s appearance on Chibi Maruko-chan, “Maruko, Do You Know the Taste of Water?” will air on Sunday, March 24 during the one-hour broadcast. Except for this episode, we will air the previously aired episodes from March 10 onward for the time being. We are currently discussing her replacement voice actor and broadcast restart timing.”
A statement from the Maruko-chan anime staff follows:
“For 34 years since its broadcast, TARAKO-san, who played Maruko, was the very essence of Chibi Maruko-chan. TARAKO-san was always considerate of others, warm, cheerful, and energetic. She was just like “Chibi Maruko-chan,” the innocent girl who was 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 performed by TARAKO-san. TARAKO-san, thank you so much for your long-time support. We pray from the bottom of our hearts for your souls.”
