What Was Nobita's Original Future Without Doraemon's Help?
Okay, this question actually marks the very beginning of the entire Doraemon story, clearly explained in the first episode of both the manga and anime.
So, this isn't our speculation; it's the official setting!
Without Doraemon, Nobita's future can be described as quite "miserable"
Simply put, the reason Doraemon came to Nobita from the 22nd century is that Nobita's original future was so terrible that it negatively impacted several generations of his descendants. His great-great-grandson, Sewashi, couldn't bear it anymore and sent Doraemon to help.
Specifically, Nobita's original future was like this:
1. Utter Failure in Career
- Failed University Entrance: Due to his usual laziness and lack of interest in studying, Nobita naturally failed to get into any university.
- Started His Own Company: Unable to find a good job, he chose to start his own business.
- Company Bankruptcy: Unfortunately, in 1988, his company burned down in a fire caused by fireworks, leading to his bankruptcy and leaving him saddled with massive debt.
(This is one of the future photos Sewashi showed Nobita in the first episode)
2. Changes in Marriage and Family
- Married Jaiko: With his life in shambles, he ultimately failed to marry Shizuka, whom he had a crush on, and instead married Gian's sister – Jaiko.
- Many Children: He and Jaiko had at least 6 children, further straining their already impoverished family.
It's important to clarify here that the story isn't saying Jaiko is bad. In fact, in later stories, we see that Jaiko is a talented and hardworking manga artist. However, in Nobita's original future, this marriage occurred at the lowest point of his life and became part of his misfortune.
3. Massive Debt and Impact on Descendants
- Debt Passed to Descendants: The worst part is that the debt he incurred was so enormous that he couldn't repay it in his lifetime.
- Descendants Remained Poor: This debt was passed down from generation to generation. By the time it reached Sewashi in the 22nd century, his family was still paying off their ancestor Nobita's debt, living in poverty.
- Sewashi's Meager New Year's Money: Sewashi complains in the first episode that because his family is so poor, his annual New Year's money (Otoshidama) is only 50 yen (equivalent to a few RMB), not even enough to buy a decent model kit.
To Summarize: A Vicious Cycle
Therefore, Nobita's original future was a classic vicious cycle:
Laziness, Poor Grades → Failed University Entrance → Couldn't Find a Good Job → Business Failure → Massive Debt → Married Jaiko (as a result of life failure) → Lived in Poverty → Debt Passed to Descendants → Descendants Suffered
Doraemon's mission is to break this cycle. By helping Nobita become more confident and diligent, he aims to change the critical turning points in Nobita's life (like getting into university and marrying Shizuka), ultimately ensuring a happier future for Nobita and his descendants.
So, for Nobita, Doraemon truly is a life-changing savior!