The long-running anime series "Chibi Maruko-chan" will be made into a live-action drama series this spring. Based on the original manga by Momoko Sakura, the show has already been adapted into two drama specials which aired last year, starring Ei Morisako as the title character. Morisako will no longer play the role for the new drama series, though she will serve as a special judge during the auditions for the new Maruko-chan.

The program is tentatively titled "Marumaru Zenbu Chibi Maruko-chan" and will occupy an hour-long time slot. The first half will be an episode based on the original work, while the second half will be set aside for variety segments relating to the episodes.

Fuyuki Moto and Yoshie Ichige will return in their roles as Maruko-chan's grandparents, while the rest of the cast has yet to be decided. The show begins on April 19 in the Thursday 7:00pm time slot on Fuji TV.