Known in Japanese as Doraemon and in Mandarin as Jīqì Māo (机器猫, "Robot Cat") or Tóngmèng (哆啦A梦, the phonetic translation), the 22nd-century robotic cat has become a multi-billion dollar cultural force in China. However, Doraemon’s history in China is not a simple story of cute merchandise. It is a complex narrative of delayed entry, forbidden love, political censorship, and aggressive corporate revival.
"It was a form of escapism," says Li Wei, a 32-year-old marketing executive in Beijing. "Nobita was weak, lazy, and clumsy. We saw ourselves in him. But Doraemon loved him unconditionally. It taught us that even if you aren't perfect, you deserve love." doraemon china
What specific aspect of Doraemon's presence in China are you most interested in? Box office performance of the recent theatrical films Known in Japanese as Doraemon and in Mandarin