Momoko Sakura started the 'Chibi Maruko-chan' series in the August 1986 issue of the monthly manga magazine Ribbon.
Momoko Sakura, the creator of the much-loved Chibi Maruko-chan manga and anime series about a little girl called Maruko, died of breast cancer on Aug 15, her company said Monday. She was 53.
The funeral has been already held, with only family members and close friends in attendance, the firm said in a statement posted on its website together with an illustration of Maruko and her friends.
