Doraemon: The cultural icon

After Doraemon’s creation, it has spawned anime series and movies, capturing the hearts and minds of audiences around the world.

On April 22, 2002, TIME Magazine selected Doraemon as one of its 22 Asian Heroes. As it was the only anime character to make the cut, it also earned the title of ‘The Cuddliest Hero in Asia’.

In March 2008, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially appointed Doraemon as its first anime cultural ambassador. They explained that the rationale behind their choice was to let the people of the world understand anime better and hence develop a stronger interest in the Japanese culture.