'Doraemon' animation conquers audiences for more than half a century

The Doraemon movies have become a sensation among Asian audiences thanks to their faithful adaptation of the comic book, which emphasizes friendship and courage.

According to a box office monitoring website. Kogyo Tsushin , project number 44 Doraemon: Nobita's Art World Tales ( Doraemon: Nobita and the Adventure into the Picture World ) - released on March 7th - topped the Japanese box office charts for two consecutive weeks. The film attracted 1.14 million viewers, and its total revenue currently exceeds 1.4 billion yen (over $9.3 million USD).

Many of the films about the robotic cat have become a sensation among Asian audiences, including Vietnam. In 2024, the 43rd film was released. Doraemon: Nobita and the Symphony of the Earth It grossed over 147 billion VND, becoming the highest-grossing anime film ever in the domestic market. In Japan, the project earned 4.31 billion yen (29 million USD).

Following the popularity of the comic book version, the animated films have been well-received by audiences since their first release in 1973. (According to the website) After its initial appearance in 1969, the story and image of the blue robotic cat quickly became a source of entertainment for many people, especially children, and a symbol of Japanese popular culture.

The film's success stems from its heartwarming story about friendship. Doraemon is not just an ordinary robot, but a symbol of loyalty and hope. With his round shape, cheerful expressions, and numerous gadgets to solve problems, Doraemon becomes Nobita's ideal companion.

Nobita's friends, Shizuka, Suneo, and Jaian, have different personalities but play important roles in the stories. (According to the website) Medium , the interactions between the group of friends and those around them offer lessons on interpersonal skills and the beauty of forgiveness.

Doraemon the robot cat and his best friend Nobita. Photo: Toho

The advantage of adapting a manga brand into an animation is the availability of a ready-made script. Author Fujiko F. Fujio has created 16 long stories. In each episode, Nobita and his friends embark on an adventure to new worlds, facing greater challenges instead of the typical school or family problems found in the manga. The storylines are not significantly different from those of adventure or science fiction films. When producing, directors rarely change the plot much from the original.

The franchise also succeeds in creating magical worlds. Audiences follow Nobita and his friends as they travel through time and space, from ancient times to the present, from underground to the deep sea and even outer space. The author also blends many elements from various cultures, making the films accessible to international audiences. Doraemon: Nobita and the Little Space Battle 2021 , a project inspired by the brand. Star Wars American classic. Some details are borrowed from the part. Return of the Jedi . However, the script is completely different from the story by American director George Lucas.

The team constantly innovates the storyline, bringing rich and fresh themes to the audience. Part 43, directed by Kazuaki Imai, conveys the importance of music to humanity. In director Yukiyo Teramoto's latest project, the power of art and unity are interwoven throughout the film. Through this, viewers not only enjoy vivid visuals but are also inspired by positive values.

Trailer for "Doraemon: Nobita and the Earth Symphony". Video: CGV

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Hai - Content Director of CJ CGV Vietnam - commented that the brand is popular because it has no age restrictions for screening, is suitable for Vietnamese culture, and is chosen by many families to enjoy. In addition, the action sequences are enhanced with many effects and special effects to increase their appeal.

According to the website Nation Thailand , among the animated series broadcast on television and online in Thailand, Doraemon It is the only work that attracts audiences of all ages. Phatiyuth Jaiswang, acting chairman of the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Thailand, said the series' popularity stems from its ability to convey meaningful messages in each episode.

Comic Doraemon First appearing in 1969, the series was created by Fujiko F. Fujio, the joint pseudonym of artists Hiroshi Fujimoto and Motoo Abiko from 1954 to 1987. The story follows a robotic cat born in the 22nd century who travels back to the 20th century to help Nobita, a clumsy elementary school student, escape various awkward situations. Besides everyday stories, the group of friends embark on many exciting adventures.

After more than five decades, Doraemon Maintaining its appeal, with 250 million copies sold, it ranks among the top 10 best-selling manga of all time. In 2008, the character was appointed as Japan's first animation cultural ambassador. In 2012, on the occasion... birthday of the "minus 100" (Doraemon's birth year is 2112), the robotic cat becomes a citizen of Kawasaki City, where the two authors live and which is the setting of the story.

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