In celebration of Chinese New Year, GUCCI launched a new collection in collaboration with the famous Japanese manga series Doraemon as selected by the brand’s Creative Director Alessandro Michele.

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GUCCI recruited photographer Angelo Pennetta to create playful photoshoot for the collection which features smiling models accompanied by Doraemon inside a retro house.

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©Fujiko-Pro

The exclusive collection features over 50 items from T-shirts to hoodies, shoes, bags, headwear, a suitcase, and more. Each item combines the stylish design of GUCCI and the colourful blue and white colour of the iconic manga character.

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©Fujiko-Pro

Every item in the line-up arrives in sustainable packaging made from 100% recycled materials. GUCCI stores in Japan, Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam will also welcome figures and prints inspired by the cities in these countries. The Shanghai and Hong Kong GUCCI art walls will also feature Doraemon against a GG backdrop.

The collection was released on GUCCI’s official website worldwide and will drop in-store in Japan on January 20. The GUCCI store in Shibuya PARCO will plaster up promo posters and the Ginza, Aoyama, Shinjuku, and Nagoya branches will feature recreation’s of the iconic Anywhere Door from the manga series.

Official HIGE DANdism dropped a teaser for their new Universe single on Wednesday, the newest single from the pop band which is set for release on February 24, 2021.

The new song features as the main theme for the upcoming anime film Doraemon: Nobita’s Little Star Wars 2021 which is hitting Japanese theatres on March 5, 2021. The song is an ode to the little alien Papi and the grand adventures of Doraemon and co in the film.

Official HIGE DANdism – “Universe” Music Video Teaser

The full music video, directed by Takuto Shimpo who has directed numerous of the band’s videos, will premiere on YouTube on January 9, 2021 at 18:00 (JST). Save the premiere video link below.

Official HIGE DANdism – “Universe” Music Video Premiere Link

Universe will be released in three editions: the CD-Only Edition, CD+Live Blu-ray Edition, and CD+Live DVD Edition. The DVD and Blu-ray editions come with the full footage of Official HIGE DANdism’s online concert “Official HIGE DANdism ONLINE LIVE 2020 – Arena Travelers -” which was watched by 120,000 fans on September 26, 2020.

Universe will hit major music streaming and download services earlier than the physical release on January 9, 2021.

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Doraemon’s official shop Doraemon Future Department Store, which is located in Odaiba, Tokyo, is celebrating its 1st anniversary of opening this December by opening two limited-time shops in Osaka and Nagoya this month and January respectively. Fans can get their hands on a selection of exclusive merchandise and more.

Customise Service

The pop-up shops will offer a customisation service which lets customers have different embroideries put into the T-shirts, tote bags, and other merch they buy. The work is done on the spot by hand so you can see the result of what will be a very special item of which only one exists in the world. Perfect for Doraemon fans and gifts to friends and family.

Post Office

The shop will offer a postal service for sending off Doraemon letters and postcards with original Doraemon stamps.

Bonus Items

1st Anniversary Postcard

Mini Tote Bag

Those who buy anything from the department stores will receive a free 1st anniversary postcard. And for every ¥5,000 spent (tax included) they’ll get a mini tote bag. These are all limited in stock so you’ll want to get them while they’re hot.

If you’re in Osaka or Nagoya over the New Year be sure to pay a visit to the Doraemon Future Department Store pop-up shops.

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Customisable watch brand UNDONE released a new collection of wristwatches in Japan on Tuesday (December 15).

Special Doraemon 50th Anniversary Series

The celebratory line-up commemorates Doraemon’s 50th anniversary and includes limited quantity models, customisable made-to-order models, and more, each with references to the beloved series.

50TH ANNIVERSARY

50TH ANNIVERSARY (Limited to 150 models) | ¥39,600 (Tax Included)

The ’50TH ANNIVERSARY’ model features an illustration of Doraemon as seen in the early days of the manga series.

The early artwork of Doraemon is nothing short of adorable

Back of wristwatch features vintage style design

FRIENDSHIP

FRIENDSHIP (Limited to 150 models) | ¥39,600 (Tax Included)

Best friends Nobita and Doraemon come together for this special design.

Spot Doraemon’s tiny bell at 12-o’clock

Doraemon and Nobita on the back side

The watch has simple white dials, and it has a function where it lights up at night to reveal Doraemon and Nobita. The design captures the beauty of the pair’s everlasting friendship.

THE BELL

THE BELL (Customisable Model) | ¥29,700 (Tax Included)

This cute watch just screams Doraemon’s design with its colouring and his iconic bell in the centre.

The bell turns as the hands go around

Doraemons everywhere on the back side

This watch is customisable with various different designs. If you look closely at the 50-minute mark you’ll see a red dot representing Doraemon’s tail. It’s also a nod to his 50th anniversary.

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To celebrate Doraemon’s 50th anniversary, Japanese bag brand PORTER is releasing a collection of exclusive collaborative items.

Tote Bag ¥35,500

Long Wallet ¥24,000 | Multi-Wallet ¥17,000 | Pouch ¥16,000

PORTER’s line-up of original items feature inkjet printing with a navy base along Doraemon pictures and Doraemon’s logo in PORTER’s orange branding.

The inside of the items bear Doraemon’s iconic colouring along with a carabiner ring with a Doraemon bell on it.

T-Shirts (2 Designs/4 Sizes) ¥6,500

Bandanas (2 Colours) | ¥1,900

As well as bags, PORTER has created a selection of other original items too like t-shirts and bandanas. The collection will be sold exclusively at PORTER stores in Omotesando, Marunouchi, and Osaka, as well as PORTER STAND stores in Shinagawa Station, Tokyo Station, Kyoto, and their official website.

Shogakukan released the January 2021 issue of the women’s fashion magazine Oggi on November 27, 2020.

Vocals: Masaki Suda / Lyrics & Composition: Huwie Ishizaki

The 3D CG anime film Stand by Me Doraemon 2 was released in Japan on November 20, 2020. Japanese actor and singer Masaki Suda who sings the film’s main theme features in the January 2021 issue of the women’s fashion magazine Oggi in a talk with Huwie Ishizaki who wrote and composed the song.

Ishizaki has worked with Suda on numerous occasions, including writing songs for him, which is what led to him calling Suda on board once more.

“Once again, Nobita shows in this film just how hopeless he really is,” Suda explains. “But seeing him try his hardest like that, desperate and trying to protect someone really just gives you courage. Of course, Huwie was the first person I thought of when going to sing about something like that.”

About a year has passed since Suda made the request to Ishizaki who had been sending him lyrics and melodies during that time. This is a film centred on the marriage between Nobita and Shizuka, and so the main theme was written as a wedding song with frank and honest lyrics.

Their facial expressions and poses are a must-see

“I worked on a song with Suda on his album ‘LOVE,’ and he also let me cover his song ‘Ito’ before. With this song, I wanted to create something that expresses bonds. A story of two people. A word that made sense to me was ‘rainbow,’ something that suspends these feelings between people. Rainbow was the only choice.”

The full talk goes into detail about how Suda and Ishizaki met, their mutual respect for each other, and more. There’s also a series of photos the two of them took together while having fun with an instant camera.

Stand by Me Doraemon 2 is being shown at Toho theatres across Japan.

To see more of Suda and Ishizaki, you’ll need to pick up a copy of Oggi’s January 2021 edition, now on sale in Japan.

Last week, McDonald’s Japan revealed Part One of its Doraemon collaboration in celebration of the series’s 50th anniversary which included a collection of Happy Meal toys. They have now revealed Part Two of the McDonald’s Doraemon Festival which will see the arrival of yogurt flavoured McShakes® on August 19 at most McDonald’s restaurants in Japan.

The Doraemon McShake® in Japanese is named “Yogurudo,” a portmanteau of “yogurt” and “Doraemon.” Its refreshing yogurt flavour is perfect for summertime. Small size cups feature original illustrations of characters from the series, such as Doraemon himself and Nobita. These cups are already being served for vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate flavoured McShakes®.

Don’t forget about the science-themed Happy Meal sets either which come with one of nine toys. That includes a secret toy which you have to get in your Happy Meal to find out what it is.

McDonald’s Japan is also holding a Twitter campaign for 100 random people to win a ¥2,000 McCard. All you need to do is be in Japan, follow their official Twitter account, and retweet this Tweet with the hashtag #ヨーグル_ドでドひんやり and comment how you want to cool down this summer. The campaign is running until August 18 at 23:59 (JST).

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McDonald’s Japan will begin serving Happy Meals with science-themed Doraemon toys in them starting from August 14 for “Part 1” their McDonald’s Doraemon Festival which is being held to celebrate Doraemon’s 50th anniversary.

There are nine toys in the science series, and that includes a secret toy which you have to get in your Happy Meal to find out what it is.

The toy line-up includes Doraemon with his Take-copter which spins when you press a button, a mysterious torch which shines shapes when you turn it on, an artist tool that lets you draw Doraemon’s face, and many more fun items.

All toys come with a leaflet that explains how to use them. And on August 15 and 16, those who order a Doraemon Happy Meal can sign up to win a special Doraemon DVD.

In “Part 2” of McDonald’s Japan’s Doraemon collaboration, they will serve up some Doraemon-inspired desserts.

To promote the upcoming 3D CG anime film Stand By Me Doraemon 2, USJ is opening its second-ever Doraemon themed XR ride on August 4 which will run until January 6, 2021.

Doraemon fans will be able to get their hands on a whole range of exclusive merchandise as well as tuck into themed food.

STAND BY ME Doraemon 2 XR Ride

The Stand By Me Doraemon 2 XR Ride will be a high-speed sensory explosion that makes use of VR technology to send riders on a VR coaster time travel experience through the past, present, and future. The ride will feature a completely original story that ties into the upcoming movie. Park guests will board the Time Coaster to travel through time and chase after Nobita-kun.

Doraemon Plate Set | ¥2,100 (Tax Included)

A special food menu inspired by the new movie will be served from August 4 for a limited time. The “Doraemon Plate Set” will have you salivating for the roast chicken topped with a demi-glace sauce and mushroom sauce and surrounded with a bed of vegetables and potato wedges. The plate is also appropriately topped with characters from the movie.

Doraemon Kid’s Set | ¥1,200 (Tax Included)

Doraemon’s Pass Loop Cake | ¥800 (Tax Included)

The Doraemon Kid’s Set features nods to the robot cat’s secret gadgets, like the Take-copter and Time Cloth, while the adorable Pass Loop Cake is inspired by Doraemon’s Pass Loop.

Popcorn Bucket | ¥3,800 (Tax Included)

The Popcorn Bucket is fun to look at and even better to eat from, featuring a special Anywhere Door mechanic. Dorayaki is Doraemon’s favourite food, and guests can enjoy dorayaki flavoured popcorn.

Doraemon Dango | ¥650 (Tax Included)

Doraemon Frozen | ¥900 (Tax Included)

Guests can also get their hands on a range of drinks and desserts too.

T-Shirts (Navy/White) | Folder Set | Mug
Sold At: Space Fantasy Station

A range of Doraemon merchandise will also roll out from August 28, including ticket holders, key rings, plush toys, and more. Pre-orders are available at Space Fantasy Station from August 4 to 27.

Follow Doraemon on an exciting journey on the STAND BY ME Doraemon 2 XR Ride!

©Fujiko Pro/2020 STAND BY ME Doraemon 2 Film Partners

Japanese company Benelic has revealed that it will begin taking limited pre-sales of the new “BE@RBRICK Doraemon 1000%” Doraemon bear made in collaboration with MediCom Toy’s “BE@RBRICK” series. Sales will take place at Doraemon Future Department Store on July 31, 2020.

BE@RBRICK is a collectable toy line created by MediCom Toy. Its minimal design has allowed for a wide variety of collaborations with artists from around the world, anime series, films, and more.

BE@RBRICK  Doraemon 1000%: ¥58,000 (Before Tax)

The Doraemon toy stands at a 1000% towering 70cm tall. The limited pre-sales are being allocated to random people who sign up over on MEDICOM TOY OFFICIAL BLOG. Lucky winners can pick their toy up at Doraemon Future Department Store from July 31, 2020. A perfect addition to any anime merch collection or as interior decoration.

Benelic officially opened Doraemon Future Department Store’s online shop on July 17, 2020 at 14:00 (JST).

What is the Doraemon Future Department Store?

The Doraemon Future Department Store is the world’s first official Doraemon shop. Located on the second floor of DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, the outside of the shop is made up of bricks, while the interior is like that of a European department store. It’s a playground for all fans of Doraemon with a wide range of merchandise, the chance to try out some of Doraemon’s secret gadgets, and more.

At Tokyo Teleport Station, which you arrive at when travelling to DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, there’s a Doraemon clock called “Suntory Doraemon Time Square” which was set up last year. When the clock strikes noon, it plays the Doraemon anime theme song and puts on a fun show for people to watch.

Doraemon Future Department Store Online: The World’s First Official Doraemon Online Shop

Doraemon Future Department Store Online opened on July 17. There, fans can get their hands on a wealth of Doraemon goods, including the 100 Years Doraemon collector’s set of all 45 manga volumes which was released to celebrate Doraemon’s 50th anniversary, other celebratory merchandise, exclusive online goodies, pre-sales, and more.

The shop and website also sell around 250 pieces of original Doraemon Future Department Store merchandise, like Doraemon’s secret gadgets, interior design items, and more. When you order online, items are packaged in an original box.

To promote the 50th anniversary anime film Doraemon: Nobita’s New Dinosaur, which is set for release in Japan on August 14, 2020, Doraemon himself is making appearances right now at Jurassic Park in Universal Studios Japan until July 22, 2020. Additionally, in promotion of the upcoming 3D CG anime film Stand By Me Doraemon 2, USJ is opening its second-ever Doraemon themed XR ride on August 4 which will run until January 6, 2021.

It will be a fast-paced Stand By Me Doraemon 2 themed XR ride and sensory explosion that makes use of VR technology to send riders on a VR coaster time travel experience through the past, present, and future.

Stand By Me Doraemon was released in 2014 as the first 3D CG animated Doraemon film and was a huge hit for the quality of its animation and moving story. The staff have returned to work on its sequel, Stand By Me Doraemon 2, including writers and directors Takashi Yamazaki and Ryuichi Yagi. The XR ride will feature an original story that is connected to the sequel film which itself will be based on the Doraemon short film Doraemon: A Grandmother’s Recollections.

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