Chibi Maruko-chan

ちびまる子ちゃん

120 chapters

15 volumes

1986 – 2009

The manga "Chibi Maruko-chan" first appeared in the August 1986 issue of the shoujo manga magazine Ribon. Before that, semi-autobiographical works by the creator were published in Ribon and Ribon Original between 1984 and 1985, later collected into the first "Chibi Maruko-chan" tankōbon released in 1987. The mangaka started creating and submitting her comic strips during her final year of senior high school, but it took over a year for Shueisha, which publishes both Ribon and Ribon Original, to approve serialization. The goal was to produce "essays through manga." Many episodes are based on real events from her life, and several characters are inspired by her family members and friends. The series' sentimental, sincere, and reflective tone contributed to its growing appeal among a broader audience.