Doraemon, Japan’s Anime Ambassador, is coming to the 15th Annual Honolulu Festival!

Doraemon is a character in a Japanese manga (cartoon) series. Doraemon is a robotic cat who travels back in time from the 22nd century to befriend a young boy named Nobita Nobi. This series of cartoons for magazines, television and movie was created by Fujiko Fujio, the pen name of two anime artists, in 1969. The main theme of the story is about Doraemon helping Nobi in his everyday struggles at school and at home. Nobi is always asking Doraemon for advice in dealing with his problems. Doraemon has a large pocket from which he produces many gadgets from the future. Nobi, looking for an easy way out, gets Doraemon to produce a gadget that will solve his problem quickly. Of course that leads to bigger problems such as the gadget being misused by Nobi’s friends. But the story usually ends where “the bad guys” are taught a lesson.















(c) FUJIKO-PRO, SHOGAKUKAN, TV ASAHI, SHIN-EI ANIMATION, ASATSU-DK 2006

The plot line is simple but has appeal to many because the moral lessons are about values such as integrity, perseverance, courage, family and respect for elders. Environmental issues such as pollution and deforestation are also subjects.
Doraemon was selected as “The Cuddliest Hero in Asia” in the special issue of Asian Hero in TIME Magazine in April 2002. And to top that off in March 2008 Doraemon was appointed Japan’s first “anime ambassador” by Japan’s Foreign Ministry. This was done so that people in other countries will deepen their interest in Japanese culture, such as the anime culture. Doraemon is Japan’s anime culture icon. His character is used in television commercials and various promotions. Doraemon toys and novelties are very popular in Japan. His many gadgets are sold at toy stores throughout Japan.
The Honolulu Festival is looking forward to have Doraemon part of the Festival. Schedule of events are to include showing the Doraemon movie at the Hawaii Convention Center on March 14, Saturday, and March 15, Sunday. The children will definitely enjoy that. Stay tuned for detailed information on Doraemon’s appearances at the 15th Annual Honolulu Festival!






Honolulu Festival Foundation