What is Doraemon?
Doraemon (ドラえもん) is a beloved Japanese manga and anime series created by the duo
1 2
Fujiko F. Fujio (Hiroshi Fujimoto and Motoo Abiko). The main character, Doraemon, is an
earless robotic cat who travels back in time from the 22nd century to help a young, clumsy, and
often unlucky preteen boy named Nobita Nobi.
Doraemon has a four-dimensional pocket on his stomach from which he pulls out a vast array of
futuristic gadgets, inventions, and tools to aid Nobita in his daily struggles, whether it's dealing
3
with bullies, improving his grades, or simply navigating the challenges of childhood. While
Doraemon's gadgets often provide initial solutions, Nobita's tendency to misuse them or
over-rely on them frequently leads to new and humorous complications, often culminating in a
moral lesson.
The series explores themes of friendship, perseverance, the wonders of technology, and the
4
importance of self-reliance, making it resonate with children and adults alike. Doraemon is a
cultural icon in Japan and has gained immense popularity across Asia and other parts of the
5
world.
History of Doraemon
The history of Doraemon spans several decades, starting with its manga debut and evolving
6
into a globally recognized anime phenomenon:
● Manga Creation (1969): The Doraemon manga first appeared simultaneously in six
different monthly elementary school children's magazines in December 1969. The
stories were tailored to the age groups of the magazines, meaning Fujiko F. Fujio was
creating multiple stories each month. This innovative approach helped the character
quickly reach a wide audience.
● First Anime Series (1973): The first anime adaptation of Doraemon premiered in
7
1973. While it lasted only half a year, its existence marked Doraemon's transition to
the animated screen.
●
8
● Second Anime Series (1979 - 2005): A second, more successful anime series began
in 1979, solidifying Doraemon's place in Japanese pop culture. This long-running series
became incredibly popular and introduced the character to generations of viewers.
●
● Manga Collection (1974-1996): The manga chapters were collected into 45 tankōbon
volumes published by Shogakukan from 1974 to 1996, selling over 108 million copies in
9
Japan by 1996.
●
10
● Fujiko F. Fujio's Passing (1996): Hiroshi Fujimoto, one half of the Fujiko F. Fujio
duo, passed away in 1996. However, the Doraemon franchise continued.
●
11
● Third Anime Series (2005 - Present): A new anime series started in 2005 and
12
continues to air today, maintaining Doraemon's relevance for new generations.
●
● Global Recognition and Cultural Impact: Doraemon's influence extends far beyond
13
Japan.
○ In 2008, the character was appointed as Japan's first "anime ambassador" by
14
the country's Foreign Ministry to promote Japanese anime worldwide.
○
○ By 2024, the manga had sold over 300 million copies worldwide.
○ The anime television series is available in over 60 countries and has consistently
15
achieved high ratings in many of them, particularly in Asia.
○
○ Doraemon has also achieved significant commercial success through
merchandise sales and feature films, making it one of the highest-grossing
16
media franchises of all time.
○
Doraemon's enduring appeal lies in its relatable characters, imaginative gadgets, and the
timeless lessons it conveys about human nature and the challenges of growing up.
