[Commercial Break] 100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon

All of us surely know of this household character, Doraemon, right? I'm pretty sure majority of us has ever watched the cartoon before, and some, the comic before. It was my childhood memories, and till date, I still do watch the anime and comics when I still have time. Its my memories I could say.

Doraemon (ドラえもん Doraemon) (also known in some overseas markets as Doraemon: Gadget Cat from the Future) is a Japanese manga series created by Fujiko F. Fujio which later became an anime series and an Asian franchise. The series is about an earless robotic cat named Doraemon, who travels back in time from the 22nd century to aid a schoolboy, Nobita Nobi (野比 のび太 Nobi Nobita).

The series first appeared in December 1969, when it was published simultaneously in six different magazines. In total, 1,344 stories were created in the original series, which are published by Shogakukan under the Tentōmushi (てんとう虫) manga brand, extending to forty-five volumes. The volumes are collected in the Takaoka Central Library in Toyama, Japan, where Fujiko Fujio were born. American media mogul Ted Turner bought the rights to the Doraemon anime series in the mid-1980s for an English-language release, but canceled it without explanation before any episodes were aired. However, Doraemon: Nobita's Dinosaur 2006 (The 26th film in the franchise) got a private screening in Washington, D.C. in November 2008.

A majority of Doraemon episodes are comedies with lessons regarding values such as honesty, perseverance, courage, family and respect for elders. Various environmental issues are often visited, including homeless animals, global warming, endangered species, deforestation, and pollution. Miscellaneous educational topics such as dinosaurs, the flat Earth theory, wormhole traveling, Gulliver's Travels, and the history of Japan are often covered.

Doraemon was awarded the Japan Cartoonists Association Award for excellence in 1973. Doraemon was awarded the first Shogakukan Manga Award for children's manga in 1982, and the first Osamu Tezuka Culture Award in 1997. In March 2008, Japan's Foreign Ministry appointed Doraemon as the nation's first "anime ambassador." Ministry spokesman explained the novel decision as an attempt to help people in other countries to understand Japanese anime better and to deepen their interest in Japanese culture." The Foreign Ministry action confirms that Doraemon has come to be considered a Japanese cultural icon. In 2002, the anime character was acclaimed as an Asian Hero in a special feature survey conducted by Time Asia magazine.

For centuries, (should I use the word, centuries? Hahaha!), we can practically see Doraemon's merchandises, in shopping malls, streets, movies etc etc. Here are just some of the examples we can find around us.

Translated versions of comics and anime, in many languages. 

And then, the "higher class" items: 

Doraemon's design of cell phone!?

Sometimes I really wondered, why isn't there any Doraemon's theme land? If there ever is, I believe all the doraemon's fans, including me, will visit it!

But though there isn't any for the time being, it doesn't mean that someone won't build one in the future! :)

And just then, I received a piece of news from Harbour City in Hong Kong!! And I'm going to share it with all of you out there! Are you ready? :)

Doraemon date of birth is on September 3, 2112, meaning this year in 2012, it'll be the start of the one hundred year countdown to his birthday! This summer from August 14 to September 16, Harbour City will be hosting the “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon” Exhibition. 

This exhibition will be Hong Kong’s largest celebration in honour of this beloved anime character. September 3 marks the exact day 100 years prior to Doraemon's birth. Let’s all gather to reminisce about our childhood Doraemon memories.

“100 Doraemon with 100 Different Secret Gadgets”

In order to celebrate Doraemon’s early birthday (albeit 100 years early), Harbour City has partnered up with Animation International Ltd., supported by Fujiko Pro and ShoPro, and our creative partner, AllRightsReserved.

Together the multi-faceted project will showcase 100 unique Doraemon figures along with 100 different pieces from his well-known repertoire of secret gadgets. This will all be displayed outside Harbour City’s Ocean Terminal, creating one of the most visually rewarding exhibitions ever seen in the city.

“The Famous Scene”

To carry on the campaign's theme of friendship, future and dreams, three famous installations will be set up at different parts of Harbour City including “The Night Before Nobita’s wedding!”, “Goodbye, Doraemon!” and “Memories of Grandma.”

“The Celebration of 100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon” – Concept Expo: Gadgets in the Future

Inspired by Doraemon’s secret gadgets, “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon” is inviting creative parties from around the world to participate. Included are creatives from Hong Kong, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and more, each on hand to specially create and design 30 original gadgets.

Each design has been directly influenced by Doraemon's own futuristic world. All of their specially crafted works will be displayed at the Gallery by the Harbour at Harbour City.

Let’s celebrate the 100 years prior to Doraemon's birth with creativity and dream.

Some of the designers will be in town form Aug 12-15, interviews with appointment are welcome.

Some of the Art Pieces You Will find: 

Born in Tokyo in 1980. Graduated from Joshibi University of Art and Design. Involved in design projects for Shiseido and La Foret Harajuku while at Onuki Design. After a year at Uchu Country, became freelance in 2007. Works range from packaging, products to book design.

This is a projector which could be sticked on the forehead. It could project the image inside the brain of that person.

25TOGO DESIGN, a dynamic design team from Taiwan, embraces the ‘kidult’ spirit of ‘I just like it!’, ‘I will do it myself’, and turns exceptional ideas into functional everyday objects. Being passionate about exploring the fun, the humorous, and the cheerful, we introduce products that tell stories or state a fresh point of view. 

25TOGO DESIGN has launched more than 70 products in international markets since 2007 and is still working enthusiastically on creating products to bring laughter and novelty for the inner child in everyone’s heart.

At times when you are old and regret for not taking enough pictures when you were young, this camera allows you to adjust the age at photo-taking and you will appear younger in your photos regardless of how old you are.

For the duration of the exhibition, the BO-LO’GNE café and bar located inside Harbour City’s LCX will be transformed into a pop-up Doraemon themed café. Besides an immersive experience, there will be dishes prepared specially for the occasion. The new menu items include a Doraemon spaghetti and hamburger set, a delicious dessert set served with a special themed drink and a BO-LO’GNE bun. Fans will also be given the opportunity to buy a limited edition “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon” souvenir plate.

Doraemon the cartoon character has had a lasting impact on people of all generations, from children to adults. During the exhibition period, Harbour City will be hosting workshop sessions at KidX that welcomes parents and their children to participate in creating, designing and decorating their own personalized Doraemon figures.

During the exhibition, limited-edition DORAEMON x AllRightsReserved “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon” premiums such as umbrella, t-shirts and mugs will be available at Gallery by the Harbour.

Harbour City Hotline: (852) 2118 8666 Website:www.harbourcity.com.hk

 “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon” Official Facebook Pagehttp://facebook.com/100doraemon

Doraemon, do you think I am able to grab this chance to go Hong Kong to see you? Time to show grab something out of your pocket and bring me there! ^^