"A Message from Doraemon You Realize as an Adult" Yoshiaki Ito (President, Fujiko F. Fujio Productions)

Doraemon, now beloved not only in Japan but across Asia, the world, and across generations. On August 8th this year, the first-ever 3DCG Doraemon movie, "STAND BY ME" (Production: Doraemon the Movie Production Committee, Distribution: Toho), will premiere nationwide. Ahead of its release, we spoke with Yoshiaki Ito, who nurtured Doraemon alongside its creator, Fujiko F. Fujio, about the character's appeal and about Fujiko himself.

 

A Film That Resonates Especially with the Generation That Grew Up with the Original

The first 3DCG Doraemon film, "STAND BY ME Doraemon," opens this August 8th. Directing it are Takashi Yamazaki, known for "ALWAYS: Sunset on Third Street" and "The Eternal Zero," and Ryuichi Yagi, who co-directed with Yamazaki on "friends: The Cry of the Mononoke Island."

Before "ALWAYS: Sunset on Third Street," Yamazaki directed a film called "Juvenile." Its end credits included the dedication "for Mr. Fujiko F. Fujio." He held the master in the highest regard. It was this same Yamazaki who came to me with a proposal for "STAND BY ME Doraemon," saying he wanted to create "a nostalgic film that adults would find deeply satisfying." Based on seven of the most celebrated stories from the original manga, it incorporates new elements and has become a truly moving work that I sincerely hope the adult generation, who were once cheered by Doraemon, will see. I'm sure it will make you cry.

To be honest, since it was our first 3DCG project, I wasn't without anxiety before production began. What would Fujiko F. Fujio sensei say? When something troubles me, I often visit the grave of the sensei who passed away 18 years ago, but usually, he doesn't say anything (laughs). Still, I had a conviction. I felt certain he was telling me, "It'll be okay."

Dreams and courage still live on within readers today. Dreams and courage still live on within readers today. A pure world.

Three years ago—as the opening of the Fujiko F. Fujio Museum in Kawasaki City drew near, I was filled with tension and anxiety. We aimed to create a facility worthy of adult appreciation, yet some held the perception that "Doraemon is a work for children." My unease only grew as the opening date approached.

But it was a needless worry. Not only did we have visitors with children, but many adults came alone. Even now, three years later, visitor numbers haven't declined. Research shows over 70% of visitors are adults. This trend of adult support is also evident in the "Fujiko F. Fujio Exhibition" held nationwide since last year to commemorate his 80th birthday. Again, 70% of attendees are adults.

No matter how old we get, we want to remember "those days" that gave us dreams and courage, and cherish the purity that remains somewhere in our hearts. Isn't that what adult Doraemon fans feel? A nostalgia for that pure world that draws us in, even as adults. I believe that's precisely why Doraemon continues to be loved for so long.

The world of Doraemon's works cannot be discussed without mentioning the character of Fujiko F. Fujio himself. While possessing the passion and rigor of a manga artist, at home he was the picture-perfect "good dad." He had three daughters, and no matter how busy he was, he would rise at 7 a.m. to have breakfast with them. At those times, he would spread butter, jam, chocolate, and other toppings on their bread. Moreover, he would meticulously divide the spreads into checkerboard or striped patterns according to each daughter's specific request. This anecdote, shared by his wife, speaks volumes about his earnest and gentle nature.

His character and philosophy naturally overlapped with the world of Doraemon. Naoki Prize-winning author Mizuki Tsujimura, a huge Doraemon fan, said, "Fujiko F. Fujio's work is like a letter." It's a letter that conveys warm feelings and tells you to laugh off the world's absurdities, but as a child, you don't realize that. When you reread them as an adult, you realize, "Ah, so that's what it meant." That's the kind of letter it is. I thought, "That makes sense."

The creator's warm heart reaches the next generation of creators and audiences

In the creative world, many people tell me they were influenced by Doraemon, bringing interesting projects and ideas. Director Yamazaki mentioned earlier is one such person. The young people who handled the promotion for STAND BY ME Doraemon also deeply understood Doraemon's worldview while structuring the campaign.

Supported by such creators, I believe Doraemon will continue to send out all kinds of "letters" in the future. Last year, Doraemon also cooperated as a special ambassador for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games bid. I hope that in six years, in 2020, he can help out again in some form.

Everyone, how old will you be in 2020? I hope we can all receive a letter from Doraemon together.

 

"STAND BY ME Doraemon" Official Website
http://doraemon-3d.com

Kawasaki City Fujiko F. Fujio Museum
http://fujiko-museum.com

Doraemon Channel
http://dora-world.com/index.html