Sakura Sumire

Maruko's mother

Mother of Chibi Maruko-chan and a full-time housewife. Native of Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. She used to work in the past but now supports the household.

Quotes

  • Mom is strong. Maruko, pull yourself together.
  • Family is important no matter what happens.
  • Mom will always be on your side.
  • Tomorrow will be a fun day too, Maruko.
  • You don't have to push yourself too hard; sometimes take it easy.

Trivia

  • Sumire's maiden name is 'Kobayashi' and she is from Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
  • Although a full-time housewife, she has work experience from her youth.
  • The voice actor change in March 2024 was due to the passing of TARAKO, who had voiced her for many years.
  • Ichiryūsai Teiyū has voiced the mother role in the anime for a long time.
  • Depicted as a dependable pillar in the family.
  • In the live-action drama, Michiko Shimizu played the role.

Alternate names

Sumire-san Mom

Tags

Chibi Maruko-chan Sumire Sakura Mother character Family National anime Fuji TV series Manga original Nippon Animation Tokyo Housewife

Profile

Species
Human
Gender
Female
Birth year
Late 1950s

Appearance

Overall appearance
A woman with black hair, characterized by a gentle expression, typical appearance of a homely housewife.
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Black
Distinguishing features
  • Homely clothing
  • Black straight hair
Iconic items
  • Apron
  • Kitchen utensils
  • Handkerchief

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Kind
Detailed personality
A warm and dependable mother who prioritizes her family. She sometimes scolds Maruko or the family, but fundamentally she is full of understanding and love. A diligent worker with past workplace experience.
Keywords
  • Motherliness
  • Kindness
  • Homely
  • Dependable
  • Somewhat stubborn
  • Even-tempered
Talents
  • All housework
  • Cooking
  • Reading the family's feelings
Skills
  • Child-rearing
  • Household budget management
  • Flexibility in responding to difficulties
Motivation
To protect the family's happiness and support Maruko's growth.
Habits
She can get irritated on busy days, but quickly returns to being a gentle mother.
Favorite foods
Japanese food, Miso soup, Rice, Tamagoyaki, Mandarin oranges
Hobbies
Knitting, Gardening
Disliked situations
Family quarrels, Wasteful spending

History

Backstory
Her maiden name is Kobayashi. Born and raised in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, she worked as a working adult before marriage and became a full-time housewife. She warmly raises Maruko while supporting the family.
Debut date
August 1, 1986
Work title
Chibi Maruko-chan
Media type
Manga

Anime adaptation

Significant event
Anime adaptation
Description
It was adapted into a TV anime in 1990 and became a nationally popular anime.

Anime broadcast continuation

Significant event
Anime broadcast continuation
Description
The anime broadcast continues even after the original author Momoko Sakura passed away.

Voice actor change

Significant event
Voice actor change
Description
In March 2024, TARAKO, who had voiced the role for many years, passed away, and Kokoro Kikuchi was newly cast.

Relationships

Sakura Hiroshi

Spouse

Husband. Soft personality but a dependable family man.

Sakura Momoko (Maruko)

Child

Daughter. A motherly presence who understands Maruko while sometimes scolding her.

Sakura Sakiko

Sibling

Daughter. Maruko's older sister. A peaceful relationship as family members.

Sakura Tomozou

Guardian

Husband's father. A warm presence as grandfather to the family.

Sakura Kotake

Guardian

Husband's mother. Connected to the family as grandmother.

Honami Tamae

Best friend

Maruko's best friend and always a supportive presence.

Hanawa Kazuhiko

Friend

Wealthy friend with family-wide connections.

Sakura Family

Sakura Family: unknown

Media appearances

Chibi Maruko-chan

Manga / Protagonist

August 1986 issue - Irregular serialization

Chibi Maruko-chan

Anime / Supporting

January 7, 1990 - Ongoing

Chibi Maruko-chan: The Boy from Italy

Movie / Supporting

December 23, 2015

Voice cast and creators

Ichiryūsai Teiyū

Voice actor
Ichiryūsai Teiyū
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV anime version

Toyoshima Machiko

Voice actor
Toyoshima Machiko
Language
Japanese
Version or series
TV anime version (after mother role change)

Ichiryūsai Teiyū

Voice actor
Ichiryūsai Teiyū
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Movies and others

Sakura Momoko

Creator name
Sakura Momoko
Role
Original author

Shueisha

Creator name
Shueisha
Role
Publisher

Nippon Animation

Creator name
Nippon Animation
Role
Animation Studio

Fuji Television

Creator name
Fuji Television
Role
Licensee

Related goods

Chibi Maruko-chan Train Wrapping Goods

Item name
Chibi Maruko-chan Train Wrapping Goods
Category
Accessory
Availability
Limited

Morinaga Cocoa Chibi Maruko-chan Package

Item name
Morinaga Cocoa Chibi Maruko-chan Package
Category
Food
Availability
Regular