About “Little Miss Maruko” in a few words:

“Chibi Maruko-chan” is a delightful Japanese animated series that chronicles the life of Maruko, a third-grade student, and her hilarious encounters with friends, family, and various situations in her daily life. With its light-hearted storytelling and relatable characters, the series offers a glimpse into the simpler times of childhood, weaving tales that resonate with both kids and adults alike.

Meet the characters from Little Miss Maruko

Maruko

Maruko is the beating, messy heart of the group — equal parts daydreamer and tiny hurricane. She’ll dawdle, eat snacks, and complain about homework but then make everyone laugh with the most ridiculous imitation of the teacher (seriously, she nails it). Stubborn as heck and strangely sentimental (that ribbon means something, I swear), she cares fiercely about family even when she pretends not to; also she loses things constantly. Not a perfect hero — selfish sometimes, forgetful, easily bored — but that makes her honest and totally lovable. Also, she hoards stationery? maybe? — little contradictions, I know, but that’s Maruko.

Tama-chan

Tama-chan is the kind-hearted, slightly dreamy friend who probably knows more about people than he lets on. Quiet and gentle, he drifts through days like a calm river — reliable when things get awkward and always ready with a soft, earnest smile. He can be shy and a bit passive, but then he’ll surprise you with a burst of courage (and also forget his homework because he was staring at a cloud). Loves small nature stuff — snails, apples, that sort of thing — and would defend a friend without a second thought, even if he’d rather take a nap afterwards. Also, rumor has it he can whistle insanely loud, or not; I might be making that up.

Hanawa-kun

Hanawa-kun is the polished, impossibly well-mannered kid who looks like he irons his socks before breakfast (I swear). Suave, smart, and annoyingly classy, but not a villain — more like a very tidy lighthouse of manners who gives good advice. He likes cultural things (concerts, classical music, the whole brand-name chaos) and will help you with etiquette or a math problem while quietly eating instant noodles at midnight like a normal human. Kind of proud but genuinely kind; there’s a softness under the etiquette that’s easy to miss if you’re distracted by his spotless handkerchief. He probably collects stamps or antique teacups, or both — fancy, with a slightly goofy obsession.

Fujiki

Fujiki is the quiet, no-nonsense type who gives off serious-business vibes even while doodling bizarre monsters in the margins. Stoic, a little broody, and annoyingly logical, he can school you on anything from history to how to tie a knot, but also laughs at the worst puns (don’t ask why). He seems distant but he’s reliable — the friend who shows up with a calmly prepared plan and a packed lunch (he might not share, which is annoying). Surprisingly sentimental sometimes; don’t be fooled by the poker face, he pretends not to cry at old movies but his eyes get weird. Also has a weird keychain collection? or maybe that’s someone else; details are fuzzy but the vibe is real.

Noguchi-san

Noguchi-san is the loud, brash spark who will challenge you to a race and then apologize with a goofy grin five minutes later. A total bundle of energy — sports, pranks, bragging — yet somehow super thoughtful when something actually matters (he notices the tiny stuff, shockingly). Quick to anger, quicker to forgive, and honestly a softie once you get past the loud exterior; also dramatic, like soap-opera dramatic sometimes. Probably hates homework but will help you “strategically” cheat with a tactical plan that’s actually impressive, and he loves ramen more than is strictly healthy. He claims to dislike poetry but secretly scribbles lines in the margins; contradictions are his love language.