Doraemon

Doraemon (ドラえもん) is a globally acclaimed Japanese media franchise that originated as a manga series. It has since expanded into one of the most successful and iconic anime series and media franchises of all time, beloved by generations across the world.

Franchise Overview

Doraemon is primarily categorized as a Manga and Anime Franchise. The story revolves around Doraemon, a blue robotic cat from the 22nd century, who is sent back in time by a young boy named Sewashi Nobi to aid his great-great-grandfather, Nobita Nobi. Doraemon's purpose is to help the clumsy, lazy, and unlucky Nobita navigate the challenges of childhood, using a variety of futuristic gadgets from his four-dimensional pocket, in hopes of improving Nobita's future and thus the fortunes of his descendants.

Manga Series (Origin)

The franchise began as a manga, which remains the foundational work for all subsequent adaptations.

Publication Details: The manga was first serialized in several children's magazines simultaneously. The original series was later collected into 45 tankōbon (standard book) volumes. The stories are typically episodic, focusing on the comedic and often chaotic consequences of Nobita using Doraemon's gadgets to solve his everyday problems, such as poor grades, bullying, or unrequited love.

Awards for the Manga:

• 1973: Japan Cartoonists Association Award (Award for Excellence)
• 1982: Shogakukan Manga Award (for children's manga)
• 1997: The first Osamu Tezuka Culture Award (Grand Prize)

Anime & Film Series

The anime adaptations are arguably the most famous part of the franchise, cementing Doraemon's status as a cultural icon.

Television Series

There have been three major anime series:

1. 1973 Series: A brief, 26-episode run produced by Nippon Tele-Movie Productions. It is less known and has a different visual style.
2. 1979 Series: The most iconic and long-running series, produced by Shin-Ei Animation. It aired on TV Asahi from April 2, 1979, to March 18, 2005, with over 1,787 episodes. This series defined the look, voice, and feel of the characters for decades.
3. 2005 Series: A reboot of the series, also by Shin-Ei Animation and airing on TV Asahi. It began on April 15, 2005, and is still ongoing. This version features updated character designs, new voice actors, and modern animation, adapting both original manga chapters and new stories.

Feature Films

A hallmark of the franchise is its annual release of a feature-length animated film, a tradition that began in 1980.

• Production Studio: Primarily Shin-Ei Animation.
• Directors: Various directors have helmed the films over the decades, including Tsutomu Shibayama and Kozo Kusuba.
• Notable Films:
  • Doraemon: Nobita's Dinosaur (1980): The first feature film.
  • Doraemon: Nobita's Great Adventure into the Underworld (1984): A fan-favorite known for its darker themes and epic scale.
  • Stand by Me Doraemon (2014): The first 3D CG animated film in the franchise, a massive critical and commercial success that retold several classic stories to form a cohesive narrative. It won the Japan Academy Film Prize for Animation of the Year.
  • Stand by Me Doraemon 2 (2020): The sequel to the successful 3D film.

Main Characters

Cultural Impact and Legacy

• Cultural Icon: Doraemon is a household name in Japan and many other parts of Asia. He is as recognizable as Mickey Mouse is in the West.
• Anime Ambassador: In 2008, the Japanese Foreign Ministry appointed Doraemon as the country's first-ever "anime ambassador" to promote Japanese culture and animation worldwide.
• Themes: The series explores timeless themes of friendship, family, courage, environmentalism, and the ethical use of technology. It teaches children valuable lessons about responsibility and the consequences of their actions.
• Enduring Popularity: The franchise's ability to continually reinvent itself with new anime series and films has kept it relevant for over 50 years, creating a fan base that spans multiple generations.