Does Doraemon's Arrival Make Nobita More Independent or More Dependent?

Okay, let's talk about this classic question.

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Doraemon's Arrival: Creating a "Helpless Dependent" or a "Catalyst for Growth"?

This is arguably one of the core discussions surrounding the work Doraemon. In my view, the answer isn't a simple "yes" or "no," but rather a dynamic process of change.

Simply put: In the short term, Doraemon makes Nobita more dependent; but looking at the entire story and its ultimate purpose, Doraemon's arrival is meant to guide Nobita towards independence.

We can understand this from two perspectives.

I. Surface Level & Short Term: Doraemon Makes Nobita More Dependent

This is very obvious and forms the pattern for most of the daily stories:

1. "Prop Dependency": This is the most direct manifestation. Whenever Nobita encounters trouble, his first reaction is never to think of a solution himself, but to run home crying to Doraemon: "Doraemon, help me!"

   • Fails a test? Wants "Memory Bread."
   • Bullied by Takeshi (Gian)? Wants a powerful weapon to fight back.
   • Wants to show off in front of Suneo? Asks Doraemon for the latest gadget.
   • Wants to ask Shizuka out? Uses the "Anywhere Door" for a shortcut.

   This "on-demand" mode undoubtedly encourages Nobita's bad habits of laziness and seeking shortcuts. He treats Doraemon's pocket as a magic key to solve all problems, rather than relying on his own efforts.

2. Emotional Dependence: Doraemon isn't just a provider of gadgets; he's Nobita's emotional pillar. Whenever Nobita feels wronged or lonely, Doraemon is always there to comfort and encourage him. While this is heartwarming, it also means that for a long time, Nobita lacks the courage to face negative emotions on his own.

From this angle, Doraemon is like a "crutch." Nobita walks easier with it, but consequently neglects to strengthen his own legs.

II. Core & Long Term: Doraemon's Ultimate Goal is Nobita's Independence

But if we take a long-term view, looking at the overall story arc, especially the feature-length movies, we see another side.

1. "Learning Through Trial and Error": Are Doraemon's gadgets useful? Absolutely. But notice how almost every time Nobita misuses a gadget, things backfire spectacularly, often leading to bigger trouble.

   • Uses the "What-If Phone Booth" to create a world without exams, only to lose the joy of learning and knowledge.
   • Uses "Multiplier Liquid" to increase snacks, nearly causing a disaster that floods the Earth.

   These failures are actually Doraemon (or rather, author Fujiko F. Fujio) gently teaching Nobita a lesson: shortcuts come with a price. The process of cleaning up the mess after each failure is a valuable lesson, making him understand the importance of "effort" and "responsibility."

2. Unlocking Inner Strengths: In daily life, Nobita is a loser. But in grand adventures (like the movies), when Doraemon's gadgets fail or are unavailable, Nobita's truly valuable qualities shine through.

   • Kindness: He will risk everything to save a friend he barely knows.
   • Courage: When his friends face real danger, the usually timid Nobita is often the first to step up.
   • Responsibility: He will exert all his strength to make amends for his own mistakes.
   • Unique Talents: His skill with cat's cradle (kendama) and his uncanny marksmanship always prove crucial at critical moments.

   In these moments, Nobita doesn't rely on Doraemon at all. He fights with his own will and character. Doraemon's presence seems more like providing a stage for him to discover, "Wow, I can actually be this amazing!"

3. The Classic Proof: "Bye Bye, Doraemon" In this episode, Doraemon must return to the future. To allow Doraemon to leave with peace of mind, Nobita challenges Takeshi alone. He gets knocked down again and again, but keeps getting up. Covered in bruises, he refuses to give up, finally defeating Takeshi through sheer willpower. He proves to Doraemon through his actions: "Even without you, I can take care of myself." This is arguably the pinnacle moment of Nobita's "declaration of independence" in the entire series.

Conclusion: A Spiral of Growth from "Dependence" to "Independence"

Therefore, my perspective is:

Doraemon's arrival is like providing a pair of training wheels for a child learning to walk.

• Initially, the child heavily relies on the training wheels, even feeling unable to walk without them. This is Nobita's "Dependence Phase."
• But during this process, he constantly tries, falls, and gets back up. The strength in his legs grows imperceptibly. This is Nobita's "Trial-and-Error Growth Phase," learning consequences through gadget misuse.
• Finally, when the training wheels (Doraemon) are truly about to be removed, he feels fear and reluctance. But he ultimately discovers he already has the strength to walk independently. This is Nobita's "Independence Phase."

What Doraemon gives Nobita is not a permanent nanny to depend on, but a form of "companionship-based education." Through countless gadgets and endless patience, he gives Nobita the opportunity to make mistakes and grow. The ultimate goal is to transform the originally timid, lazy Nobi Nobita into a capable young man who can stand on his own and build a happy future.