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Graduation Song Written by Chibi Maruko-chan Creator Released
posted on by Lynzee Loveridge
A previously unpublished song written by Chibi Maruko-chan creator Momoko Sakura prior to her passing was released for the first time on Thursday. Sakura wrote the graduation song "Haru no Uta" (Song of Spring) in 2015 with composer Yoh Yamazaki and singer Kecori.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, graduation ceremonies across Japan have shrunk is size or were cancelled all together to help prevent infection. Staff that knew about the song decided to release it as a way to celebrate graduating students. The song was posted on LINE BLOG with a posthumous statement by Sakura. The manga creator said at the time of the song's creation that she "always wanted to make a song that would be sung at a graduation ceremony."
Momoko Sakura passed away on August 15, 2018 due to breast cancer. The The Chibi Maruko-chan anime based on her manga regularly ranks in the top 10 anime in terms of weekly television ratings. An exhibit celebrating the Chibi Maruko-chan anime's 30th anniversary opened last year with roughly 350 pieces of artwork from the anime, as well as a "Memories of Momoko Sakura" corner, which shows off various objects and drawings the manga artist kept at her home and work.
