“Cool Episodes” Broadcast
(C) Sakura Production/Nippon Animation
The TV anime “Chibi Maruko-chan” will air “Five Weeks in a Row! Maruko’s Slightly Scary and Mysterious Summer Stories” for five weeks starting August 3rd. The series will feature “Cool Episodes to Help You Feel a Little Cooler During the Hot Summer.”
The first half of the series will feature typical “Chibi Maruko-chan” episodes, while the second half will feature “slightly scary and mysterious stories.” Program producer Yasunari Maeda commented, “This year, we’ve prepared a summer-only episode that’s ‘unique to this season.’ We’ll be bringing you five consecutive weeks of slightly mysterious summer stories with a slightly different feel from the usual Chibi Maruko-chan stories. We hope you enjoy!”
The broadcast schedule and synopsis for “Five Weeks in a Row! Maruko’s Slightly Scary and Mysterious Summer Stories” are as follows:
■Aired August 3rd: Episode 1491, “Maruko Wants to Make a Tsukumogami”
(C) Sakura Production/Nippon Animation
(C) Sakura Production/Nippon Animation
After learning that tools used for 100 years can turn into yokai (spirits) called “tsukumogami,” Maruko names her grandmother’s old pencil case “Sumire-chan” and sets out to raise the tsukumogami.
■ Episode 1492, “Maruko Gets Lost in a Parallel World,” airs August 10.
(C) Sakura Production/Nippon Animation
(C) Sakura Production/Nippon Animation
After learning about “what if” worlds (parallel worlds) from Hanawa-kun, Maruko begins imagining various parallel worlds, and before she knows it…
■Episode 1493, “Hamaji Picks Up a Cursed Notepad?” aired August 17th
Hamaji and Butaro were playing catch in the park when they picked up a purple notepad, which Hamaji brought home. That night, Hamaji, plagued by a nightmare, looked inside and found a mysterious code written inside.
■Episode 1494, “The Pillow-Back Monster Appears!?” aired August 24th
Maruko’s cousins, Hiroaki and Akemi-chan, come to visit. After hearing about the monsters from Hiroaki, Maruko gradually becomes more and more frightened, even though she doesn’t believe there’s any way they could appear.
Episode 1495, “The Disappearing Ventriloquist Doll,” aired August 31.
Maruko heard that objects have souls. When she told Tama-chan about this, she learned that she had once offered a memorial service for an old doll. Fujiki also confided in her own worries about a doll he owns.
A Chilling Yet Charming Summer Tale for the Whole Family
For five consecutive weeks starting August 3rd, “Chibi Maruko-chan” will dive into a special summer arc featuring slightly scary and mysterious stories. This is a refreshing twist for a series known for its nostalgic slice-of-life charm. The decision to explore spooky themes reflects Japan’s tradition of ghost stories during the summer season, known as kaidan. It’s a clever way to entertain both kids and adults, blending humor, mystery, and a dash of chill into the warm summer evenings. Fans of Maruko can look forward to a different side of the show, while newcomers might find this the perfect time to tune in.
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