TARAKO, the longtime seiyuu for “Chibi Maruko-chan’s “Maruko” has passed away

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TARAKO, the voice actress who played the main character Maruko in the national anime “Chibi Maruko-chan,” passed away in the early hours of March 4th. She was 63 years old. Her agency, Troubadour Music Office, made the announcement on March 9th.

The agency announced, “TARAKO passed away in the early hours of Monday, March 4, 2024. He had been working while battling illness since the beginning of this year, but his condition suddenly deteriorated and she passed away”. She has already announced that a family funeral was held with only her close relatives and that she is considering holding a farewell party.

TARAKO played the role of “Maruko” for 34 years since the first episode of “Chibi Maruko-chan”, which began broadcasting on January 7, 1990.

The last episode in which TARAKO will appear as scheduled to be broadcast on March 24th, and “Other than this episode, from March 10th (Sunday) onwards, we will be replaying previously broadcasted works for the time being”. In addition to announcing the measures, they also stated that they are “currently considering measures” regarding a replacement voice actor.

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