'Chibi Maruko-chan' author dies of breast cancer at 53

Momoko Sakura, the original author of the famous Japanese cartoonist "Chibi Maruko-chan", passed away due to breast cancer at 8:29 p.m. local time on August 15, 2018 at the age of 53. The funeral has been held.

Taiwanese media reported that Momoko Sakura made her debut as a cartoonist in 1984. Her work, "Chibi Maruko-chan," is a story set in the 1970s based on her childhood (1974). The protagonist's name is the same as the author's.

"Chibi Maruko-chan" began serialization in the girls' manga magazine "Ribon" in 1986, and the single volume was published by Shueisha. It was later adapted into animation, games, and TV series. Until now, it still has a large number of fans supporting it.

Sakura Production, which is run by the Sakura family, expressed deep gratitude for the long-term support from all parties and revealed: "I am very grateful to be able to draw a work that everyone can enjoy."