Doraemon is easily one of Japan's most beloved and enduring cultural icons. A fictional, robotic, and earless cat from the 22nd century, Doraemon and his tales embody a perfect blend of universal themes like humor, friendship, and perseverance that make it easy for people to love.
Designed by the manga artist Fujiko F. Fujio, the character Doraemon first appeared in a manga series published in December 1969. In 1973, Fujiko's manga has become a well-known television anime.
The titular story revolves around Doraemon, who travels back in time to help a young boy named Nobita Nobi navigate life's challenges. Doraemon's primary mission is simple: make Nobita a better person and prevent Nobita's disastrous future.
Over the years, Doraemon has become a staple in Japanese popular culture, extending its influence through television series, movies, exhibits, and merchandise.
Doraemon's Characters
From the manga, TV anime series, and movies, people have the chance to explore Doraemon's memorable characters. Each character in this classic narrative brings unique traits and dynamics to the world of Doraemon.
Here are six key Doraemon characters that you should know:
Doraemon
On top of the list is the titular character, Doraemon. Roughly translated, Doraemon means 'a stray cat.' He is a blue robotic cat from the 22nd Century who comes back to the 20th Century to help Nobita Nobi with futuristic gadgets that he pulls from his four-dimensional and magical pocket.
A picture of Doraemon as depicted in the majority of the Doraemon franchise. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
At an initial glance, Doraemon is a lovable character raised free from stress. However, before coming to Nobita's world, Doraemon had his share of unfortunate events. For instance, a robot mouse gnawed off Doraemon's ears, causing his fear of mice. Moreover, Doraemon fell into depression. Instead of getting healed through a happiness potion, he mistakenly drank the 'sadness' one.
Not to forget, he is often mistaken as a raccoon dog, which became a running joke throughout several Doraemon media.
Nonetheless, much of Doraemon's characteristics progressed through his mission with Nobita. He makes use of his highly advanced gadgets (e.g. The Anywhere Door, Bamboo Copter, and Time Machine) to help Nobita.
Despite his numerous inventions, he often finds himself in comedic predicaments due to Nobita's antics. Still, Doraemon remained extremely kind, helpful, and friendly.
Nobita Nobi
Nobita Nobi is a clumsy and academically poor student. He is bad at sports, so he often gets bullied by other characters. Also, he heavily depends on Doraemon's gadgets to solve most of his problems.
A picture of Nobita Nobi in his typical attire and his notable eyeglasses. Photo courtesy of Doraemon Wiki.
Nobita's lazy and timid nature often lands him in trouble, but his heart is always in the right place. He stands up for his friends; he is known to be kind to stray animals.
Despite his challenges in academics, Nobita's main strength is his creativity. His out-of-the-box ideas often lead him to utilize Doraemon's gadgets for fun and practical purposes. Moreover, Nobita occasionally translated such creativity even in his academic tests, which helped him get by the challenges of school.
Nobita's ultimate dream in life is to be the husband of Shizuka Minamoto.
Shizuka Minamoto
Shizuka is Nobita's childhood friend and intelligent classmate. Throughout the Doraemon franchise, Shizuka is notably kind. She is well-mannered, excels in academics, and has a strong sense of justice. This made her a positive influence on Nobita.
A picture of Shizuka Minamoto in her typical attire. Photo courtesy of Love Interest Wiki.
Though Shizuka and Nobita started as friends, she became Nobita's love interest. In the future, they will end up marrying each other and have a child named, Nobisuke.
Takeshi "Gian" Gouda
A picture of the 1979 Takeshi Gouda version. Photo courtesy of Heroes Wiki.
Gian (to sound like a giant) is Nobita's neighborhood bully. He is passionate about singing, despite his clear lack of talent. His aggressive nature often puts him at odds with Nobita, but deep down, he cares for his friends.
Suneo Honekawa
Suneo Honekawa as depicted in the 2005 Doraemon anime series. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
Suneo is a cunning and boastful boy. who enjoys flaunting his wealth and latest gadgets. Although he sometimes bullies Nobita and even Doraemon, he values his friendships and often shows a softer side.
Hidetoshi Dekisugi
Hidetoshi Dekisugi as depicted in the 2005 Doraemon anime series. Photo courtesy of Doraemon Fandom Wiki.
Hidetoshi is Nobita's eternal rival for many reasons. For one, he appears to be Nobita's complete opposite---athletic and academically talented. Above all, Hidetoshi shares a friendship with Nobita's love interest, Shizuka. Later on though, Nobita's jealousy for Hidetoshi gradually dissipated.
Other notable Doraemon Characters also include:
- Tamako Nobi- Nobita's mother
- Nobisuke Nobi- Nobita's father
- Sensei- Nobita's teacher
- Dorami- Doraemon's younger sister
Full List of Doraemon Movies
The Doraemon franchise has produced numerous films. These are both feature-length and short films based on the original manga material and even the TV anime series.
Also Read: 5 BEST KIDS ANIME THAT EVERY ADULT SHOULD WATCH
Most films are distinct storylines often featuring grand adventures that take Nobita and his friends to fantastical worlds. A good number are also worthwhile remakes.
Poster of Doraemon: Nobita's Dinosaur (1980). Photo courtesy of IMDB.
Here is a comprehensive list of Doraemon movies:
- Doraemon: Nobita's Dinosaur (1980)
- Doraemon: The Records of Nobita, Spaceblazer (1981)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Haunts of Evil (1982)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil (1983)
- Doraemon: Nobita's Great Adventure into the Underworld (1984)
- Doraemon: Nobita's Little Star Wars (1985)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Steel Troops (1986)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Knights on Dinosaurs (1987)
- Doraemon: Nobita's Parallel "Journey to the West" (1988)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Birth of Japan (1989)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Animal Planet (1990)
- Doraemon: Nobita in Dorabian Nights (1991)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Kingdom of Clouds (1992)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Tin Labyrinth (1993)
- Doraemon: Nobita's Three Visionary Swordsmen (1994)
- Doraemon: Nobita's Diary on the Creation of the World (1995)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Galaxy Super-express (1996)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Spiral City (1997)
- Doraemon: Nobita's Great Adventure in the South Seas (1998)
- Doraemon: Nobita Drifts in the Universe (1999)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Legend of the Sun King (2000)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Winged Braves (2001)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Robot Kingdom (2002)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Windmasters (2003)
- Doraemon: Nobita in the Wan-Nyan Spacetime Odyssey (2004)
- Doraemon: Nobita's Dinosaur 2006 (2006)
- Doraemon: Nobita's New Great Adventure into the Underworld (2007)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Green Giant Legend (2008)
- Doraemon: The New Record of Nobita: Spaceblazer (2009)
- Doraemon: Nobita's Great Battle of the Mermaid King (2010)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the New Steel Troops---Winged Angels (2011)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Island of Miracles---Animal Adventure (2012)
- Doraemon: Nobita's Secret Gadget Museum (2013)
- Doraemon: Nobita in the New Haunts of Evil---Peko and the Five Explorers (2014)
- Doraemon: Nobita's Space Heroes (2015)
- Doraemon: Nobita and the Birth of Japan 2016 (2016)
- Doraemon: Nobita's Great Adventure in the Antarctic Kachi Kochi (2017)
- Doraemon: Nobita's Treasure Island (2018)
- Doraemon: Nobita's Chronicle of the Moon Exploration (2019)
- Doraemon: Nobita's New Dinosaur (2020)
- Doraemon: Nobita's Little Star Wars 2021 (2021)
- Doraemon: Nobita's Sky Utopia (2023)
- Doraemon: Nobita's Earth Symphony (2024)
Sources: Wikipedia and IMDb
More recently, two CGI animation-based Doraemon films were released. First is Stand by Me Doraemon (2014) which became the highest-grossing film in the Doraemon franchise, and it's sure to tug into your heartstrings. It was followed by its sequel Stand by Me Doraemon 2 (2020).
Shop for your DVD copy of Stand By Me Doraemon here!
Out of the many Doraemon films, some of the most highly recommended films are Nobita and the Birth of Japan 2016 (2016), Doraemon: Nobita's Dinosaur (1980), Nobita's Great Adventure into the Underworld (1984).
Where to Buy Doraemon Merchandise
Doraemon merchandise is highly sought after by fans worldwide.
From plush toys to stationery, there's something for every fan. Whether you're in Japan or from any part of the world, know that
Here are some popular places to buy Doraemon merchandise:
- Specialty and Department Stores
Stores like Kinokuniya and other Japanese specialty shops often carry Doraemon merchandise including exclusive items. In most department stores, you'll easily find Doraemon-themed products.
- Official Stores
If you're also in for the experience, then you have to visit official Doraemon stores in Japan. One is the Fujiko F. Fujio Museum in Kawasaki, Kanagawa.
The store offers a variety of high-quality and authentic Doraemon merchandise. More importantly, you'll get to see the works of Doraemon's creator plus experience everything cool about Doraemon.
A life-size statue of Doraemon at the Fujiko F. Fujio Museum in Kawasaki, Kanagawa. Photo courtesy of Japan National Tourism Organization
More recently in Odaiba, Tokyo, Doraemon Future Department Store officially opened. It's Japan's biggest official Doraemon store, and it's worth a visit, too.
Doraemon Future Department Store | DiverCity Tokyo Plaza Odaiba. Video courtesy of KawaiiGuy's official YouTube channel.
- Conventions and Events
Anime conventions and events often have booths selling exclusive Doraemon merchandise that's hard to find elsewhere. This is also a great way to connect with other Doraemon fans.
Aside from large venues that host such events, you may want to check out these 20 Themed Cafes in Japan and meet anime enthusiasts.
- Online Retailers and Proxy Shopping Services
There are plenty of websites that offer a wide range of authentic Doraemon products, from figures to clothing. Unfortunately, purchasing Doraemon products from online Japanese stores can be challenging.
That's why we highly recommend using ZenMarket's services to get your hands on Doraemon merchandise straight from Japan in the most convenient and possible ways.
Shop Doraemon merchandise on ZenMarket Now!
Conclusion
Doraemon has captured the hearts of millions and continues to be a source of joy and inspiration for people of all ages. Through his adventures with Nobita and other characters, people are reminded of the importance of friendship, creativity, and perseverance.
Doraemon's rich history has penetrated the fabric of modern Japanese culture as seen in many products like films, events, and merchandise. Whether you're looking for a collectible figure, an exhibit, or a t-shirt featuring your favorite Doraemon character, there's no shortage of options for fans to explore and enjoy.