Ado to Perform New Opening Theme “Odoru Ponpokorin” for “Chibi Maruko-chan”! Appears in OP Video with Maruko and Friends! [Joyful Comment from Ado Arrives]

Since its broadcast began in 1990, the beloved national anime Chibi Maruko-chan has captivated generations. Now, it’s been decided that the artist performing the opening theme song “Odoru Ponpokorin” will change for the first time in 6 years and 8 months. And who’s taking over? None other than Ado, known for her powerful vocals and wide expressive range!

The Legacy of “Odoru Ponpokorin”

“Odoru Ponpokorin” was initially used as the ending theme song when the show started, with B.B.Queens‘ original version becoming a social phenomenon hit. Later, it became the opening theme and has been covered by many artists, including ManaKana & Izumiya Shigeru, Kimura Kaera, E-girls, and Golden Bomber.

A New Era for the Theme Song

From April 2019, Momoiro Clover Z had been handling the song as the opening theme. However, to mark the conclusion of the anime’s 35th anniversary and kick off a new start, the change will take effect from the broadcast on December 28.

Ado shared her joy about this cover, saying, “I’m really, really happy to be able to sing for my favorite ‘Chibi Maruko-chan’, and especially ‘Odoru Ponpokorin’.” She mentioned watching the series since childhood and expressed, “Now that I’m an adult, I’m filled with happiness to be able to sing ‘Odoru Ponpokorin’ for ‘Chibi Maruko-chan’ like this.”

For the singing, she aimed to inherit the playful spirit of the original “Odoru Ponpokorin” and sang as if enjoying the arrangement by Hyadain. While respecting B.B.Queens, she consciously tried to express the fun of Sakura Momoko-san and Maruko-chan’s character through her vocals. This marks a new frontier for Ado and is sure to generate buzz.

Ado’s version of “Odoru Ponpokorin” will start streaming on various distribution sites from December 28 at 24:00 (December 29 at 0:00).

New Opening Video Highlights

The new opening video features a “beat” concept with production inspired by Ado’s live stage. Animated Ado makes an appearance, and the co-starring with familiar characters like Maruko-chan is a key highlight.

Producer Takeeda Yoshinori (Fuji TV Anime Production Department) commented, “We hope you look forward to enjoying ‘Odoru Ponpokorin’ with Ado-san’s high expressiveness and powerful singing voice.” He expressed expectations for a bright, fun, and rhythmically engaging opening.

“Chibi Maruko-chan” will enter its 36th year of animation in January 2026. The new “Odoru Ponpokorin” will start in the final broadcast of the 35th anniversary year.

Ado’s Exclusive Comments

What was your reaction when you received the offer to sing the opening theme “Odoru Ponpokorin” for ‘Chibi Maruko-chan’?
Ado: I’m really, really happy to be able to sing for my favorite ‘Chibi Maruko-chan’, and especially “Odoru Ponpokorin”. I’ve been watching ‘Chibi Maruko-chan’ since I was little, so now that I’m an adult, I’m filled with happiness to be able to sing “Odoru Ponpokorin” for ‘Chibi Maruko-chan’ like this.

Are there any points you paid attention to or parts you want listeners to focus on when singing “Odoru Ponpokorin”?
Ado: When singing “Odoru Ponpokorin”, I thought it would be more interesting if I could directly express through my singing the lyrics, the enjoyment of the work ‘Chibi Maruko-chan’ and Sakura Momoko-san, or Maruko-chan’s character—that peppy, lively feel. While respecting B.B.Queens’ “Odoru Ponpokorin”, I hope it becomes a “Odoru Ponpokorin” that listeners can enjoy nostalgically.

What are your impressions of the anime ‘Chibi Maruko-chan’?
Ado: I really love ‘Chibi Maruko-chan’, and there are so many episodes I remember. I like the episode where Maruko-chan goes abroad alone and becomes friends with Pussadi, and I also love the “Chii Chikin” episode. Plus, the episode where she writes “otoshidama” as “otoomu”, and the flow including Hanawa-kun having his butler write “otoshidama”—really, there are too many to talk about… I have so, so many favorite episodes. I’m very happy to be able to sing the anime opening like this.

Please share a message for the viewers.
Ado: I hope it becomes a “Odoru Ponpokorin” that is nostalgic, fun, and interesting for all the fans of ‘Chibi Maruko-chan’, Sakura Momoko-san’s fans, and my fans!

Broadcast and Song Details

《Anime! Anime!》

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