Why did Nobita end up marrying Shizuka instead of the chubby girl from his destined fate? Does this imply that fate can be changed?

Okay, let's talk about this really interesting topic from Doraemon.

Why Did Nobita End Up Marrying Shizuka Instead of Jaiko as Originally Fated? Does This Mean Fate Can Be Changed?

Hey, that question hits the nail on the head! This is arguably the core driving force of the entire Doraemon story and a very heartwarming message that author Fujiko F. Fujio wanted to convey to us.

We can understand this from two angles:

1. Why Shizuka, Not Jaiko?

First, we need to clarify what the "original fate" actually was.

In the very first episode, Sewashi, Nobita's descendant from the 22nd century, shows Nobita a "future photo album." The album reveals that if left alone, Nobita's life path would be:

Failing to get into a good university, starting a business that burns down.
Ending up deeply in debt and impoverished.
Marrying Gian's sister, Jaiko (her official name).
This misfortune continuing down to his descendants, leaving even Sewashi with very little New Year's money.

Therefore, Doraemon's mission is to correct this "tragic future." "Marrying Shizuka" isn't the ultimate goal; it's more like a symbolic result indicating Nobita has achieved "success and happiness in life."

So, how was this result achieved?

Doraemon's "External Assistance" This is straightforward. Doraemon's various magical gadgets gave Nobita countless opportunities for "do-overs" and "shortcuts." Without these tools, Nobita himself might have struggled even to be friends with Shizuka normally. The gadgets gave him the "possibility" to change.
Nobita's Own "Internal Change" This is the most crucial point! If Nobita relied solely on the gadgets, he could never truly win Shizuka's heart. Throughout countless stories, we see that although Nobita is lazy and cowardly, he is fundamentally a very kind person.
- He feels sad about others' misfortunes.
- He finds the courage at critical moments to protect his friends, even through tears.
- The most classic example is the episode "Nobita's the Night Before a Wedding" (or "Romance on the Mountain"). Future Nobita is in danger on a snowy mountain, and Shizuka, deeply worried, insists on rescuing him. In that harsh environment, Shizuka sees Nobita's kind and responsible side, leading her to utter the famous line: "If I'm not by his side, he'll be in too much danger. I just can't bear to see it!"
See? Shizuka chooses Nobita not because he became exceptionally talented or wealthy, but because she saw his unique, kind heart. This is something Nobita earned through his own "inner qualities," something Doraemon's gadgets couldn't provide.
Shizuka's Own "Free Will" Shizuka isn't a "prize" to be won just because Nobita improved. In the story, Shizuka has her own judgment and choices. She admires Dekisugi's intelligence and knowledge, but ultimately, she is moved by Nobita's unwavering kindness and sincerity. On the eve of their wedding, Shizuka's father tells her: "Choosing Nobita was the right decision. He can share in others' happiness and sorrow. That is the most important quality a person can have."

Therefore, Nobita marrying Shizuka is the result of a combination of external help + his own effort + her choice.

2. Does This Mean Fate Can Be Changed?

The answer is: Absolutely, yes. This is one of the core ideas Doraemon wants to convey to us.

Think of "fate" as the "main channel" of a great river. Following the original current (Nobita's flaws and bad habits), his little boat would naturally drift downstream towards the destination of "marrying Jaiko and bankruptcy."

Doraemon's arrival is like equipping Nobita's boat with a powerful engine, giving him the strength to go against the current or carve out a new path.
Nobita's own efforts, kindness, and perseverance represent him learning to steer. Even with the best engine, if he steered recklessly, he could still hit rocks. It was precisely because he strived towards "kindness" and "helping friends" that he ultimately steered the boat to the new harbor of "marrying Shizuka and having a happy future."

So, "fate" in Doraemon isn't a script set in stone; it's more like a "default setting." Every choice you make, every effort you exert, every act of kindness, is modifying this setting and writing your own new script.

A Quick Note: What About Jaiko? What Happened to Her Fate?

This is another gentle touch from the author. In the altered future, Jaiko doesn't become unhappy. On the contrary, because she didn't marry Nobita, she was able to focus on pursuing her dream—drawing manga. She even met an editor who appreciated her talent and eventually became a moderately successful manga artist.

This shows that changing fate isn't a zero-sum game. Nobita's happiness isn't built on Jaiko's misfortune. Through effort, everyone can find their own, better future.

To Summarize:

Nobita ending up with Shizuka is the result of him using Doraemon's help, combined with his own efforts and kindness, ultimately winning Shizuka's heart. This entire story is the most vivid illustration of the idea that "fate can be changed." It tells us that the future isn't distant, unchangeable, or fixed. It lies in your hands right now, shaped by every action and choice you make.