Why is Doraemon So Popular in India?

Doraemon is a robotic cat from the 22nd century who travels back in time to help Nobita Nobi, an unmotivated elementary school kid with bad grades and bullies. He helps with his teleportation, dokodemo-door, a time machine and other innovative gadgets.
Fujiko F Fujio’s manga has become one of Japan’s most popular children’s series. But why?
1. It’s Animated
Doraemon is an animated cartoon series about a robot cat from the 22nd century. He lives with the Nobi family and helps them out with his innovative gadgets. It’s a funny and light-hearted show that teaches kids about life through its stories.
Almost three decades after manga artists Hiroshi Fujimoto and Motoo Abiko first debuted the drooling gadget cat in Japan, he made his premiere on American televisionnote in 2014, thanks to Disney XD. The English dub starred voice actors such as Albert and Sydney, and aired five days a week in elementary school classrooms.
The series was a hit, and it continues to be a beloved children’s anime classic. However, it hasn’t been without its controversy. In 2014, a Chinese newspaper accused the character of political subversion in the midst of the country’s territorial dispute with Japan over the Senkaku Islands.
Regardless of the controversies, the show has maintained its reputation as a fun, educational, and entertaining children’s anime classic. The plots of each episode often touch upon a bit of educational science, moral teaching, or a hint of conservationism. The characters also have a good sense of humor, and they never take themselves too seriously. The episodes are funny, and the dialogue is fast-paced and well-written.
2. It’s Translated
Japan and India have a lot in common, including a love for cartoons. Doraemon, the chubby blue robot cat from Japan, has become a favorite of children in both countries. But now some critics are claiming that the cartoon is harmful to kids, and they are campaigning to have it banned from television.
The premise of the show is that Doraemon, a robotic cat from the 22nd century, travels back in time to help Nobita Nobi, a slacker kid with bad grades and undesirable feelings like jealousy and melancholy. Doraemon uses his time-travelling “yogigen-pocket” to give Nobita gadgets that help him overcome these problems. Among them are an invisibility cloak, medical micro robots, and a device that allows Nobita to see others’ dreams.
In addition to solving problems, the cartoon teaches kids moral lessons and basic science. It also features stories about the importance of friendship and cooperation. The shows are laced with slapstick humor, but the writers avoid overusing it. In fact, the series has won many awards for its quality.
As a result of its popularity, Doraemon has spread to many different countries. It is broadcast in a number of languages, including Hindi. It is also a staple of children’s television around the world. Time Asia magazine even praised the character as an Asian hero in 2002.
3. It’s Relevant
As a cartoon, Doraemon appeals to kids as they relate to its story. It also teaches them to keep on trying even when they fail. Besides, they find it entertaining to watch and are eager to learn more.
Children can also learn from the character’s positive traits such as resolving problems, teamwork and valuing diversity. Unlike Chhota Bheem, which has a female protagonist, Doraemon features several male characters and is more gender-neutral. This makes it a more popular choice for Indian kids and parents.
Although the anime and manga series have a lighthearted tone, they occasionally tackle serious topics such as bullying, drug abuse, child neglect and death. Moreover, the characters in the show are well-developed and the storylines are captivating.
For instance, in the 2007 movie, Nobita’s New Great Adventure into the Underworld, a woman sacrifices her daughter to save her husband, which is a shocking tonal shift from farting yourself off the ground and is sure to make adults squirm. In addition, the stories are woven with interesting subplots such as Shizuka’s alcoholic father and Mii-chan’s recurring dream of becoming an actress. While kids might not notice, these details are essential to the series’ success.
4. It’s Fun
When Japanese manga creators Hiroshi Fujimoto and Motoo Abiko first introduced the chubby blue robot cat Doraemon in 1969, they probably couldn’t have imagined that their creation would become one of the most popular cartoon characters in India. But the character hasn’t been without controversy. In fact, some politicians and social activists are campaigning to ban Doraemon on television because they believe it corrupts children.
The controversy is centered on the belief that the series encourages kids to use gadgets instead of solving their problems themselves. Some critics also claim that the cartoon is promoting un-healthy lifestyles, including junk food and excessive drinking. Others say the show has a negative influence on children’s school performances.
But the critics are missing the point. The popularity of the show is due to its humor. It’s a perfect encapsulation of Japanese humor styles like manzai, which relies on mean-spirited humour.
In addition to its slapstick, there are plenty of puns and wordplay. One of the most famous gags involves a gadget called the “pun gun” that allows you to turn any object into whatever word you shout at it. For example, it can make a statue into a vampire cucumber when you call it “Dracucumber!”
And while the critics may be right that some of the jokes aren’t appropriate for young viewers, most parents don’t agree with them. The truth is that Doraemon and Nobita are funny and they help kids have a good time.