For adults of a certain age, this might evoke a wave of nostalgia, but for children living in the Reiwa era, it could very well be an utterly baffling sight! In a classic episode of the beloved anime Chibi Maruko-chan, specifically the 29th episode of its first season, our cheerful protagonist Maruko (voiced by TARAKO) and her older sister (voiced by Mizutani Yuuko) stumble upon a rather peculiar scene: an old man engaging in highly dubious business with children right on their school commute.
The episode, aptly titled “O-chan’s Magic Cards” (where “O-chan” is a colloquial and somewhat familiar term for the old man in question), unfolds as Maruko and her sister are making their way home from school. They notice a crowd of children gathered around an old man, seemingly captivated by whatever he is presenting.
The Mystical “Magic Cards”
It quickly becomes apparent that this enigmatic old man is peddling what he refers to as “magic cards.” With a theatrical flourish, he chants a mysterious incantation: “Ajara~ Ajara~ Chichinpui-pui!” And just like that, a card adorned with a girl’s image magically transforms into one featuring a boy! The old man, putting on an air of great generosity, declares, “This card is actually worth a whopping 10,000 yen, but just for today, I’ll sell it to you for a special price of only 80 yen!” Naturally, the children are swept up in the excitement, exclaiming, “That’s obviously a steal!” and eagerly shouting, “Give me one!”
Then vs. Now: A Retro Relic in the Reiwa Era
This particular old man certainly cut a suspicious figure. He possessed sharp, piercing eyes, a distinct scar on his cheek, and a cigarette perpetually dangling from his mouth, completing his undeniably shady appearance. The calm, observant narration by Keaton Yamada (CV: Keaton Yamada) mused, “It was common to see old men like this, who in no way looked like good people, selling strange things by the roadside on the way home from school.” This line often elicits a knowing nod and a resounding “I know right!” from many adults who grew up in that era. However, it’s clear that this kind of questionable character would likely be reported to authorities immediately in the present-day Reiwa era.
About Chibi Maruko-chan: A Timeless Classic
Chibi Maruko-chan, the anime series currently available for binge-watching, is based on the popular manga by Sakura Momoko. It first graced the airwaves in 1990. The series is a heartwarming and humorous comedy, set in Shimizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture (now Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture). It charmingly portrays the everyday adventures and misadventures of Maruko, a third-grade elementary school student, along with her lively family and beloved companions. Despite several changes in its voice cast over the decades, Chibi Maruko-chan has remained a cherished long-running series, celebrating a remarkable 35th anniversary in January 2025 since its initial broadcast.
(C) Sakura Production / Nippon Animation
Source: ABEMA TIMES
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