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Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, as the younger generation increasingly distances itself from traditional cultural values, a familiar "friend" quietly returns – evoking beautiful childhood memories. That friend is Doraemon – the blue robotic cat from the 22nd century, a companion to millions of children worldwide. And now, Doraemon is in Vietnam in a special exhibition, marking the 45th anniversary of the first film's release in Japan in 1980.
The exhibition officially opened at Aeon Mall Long Bien (Hanoi) and will run until International Children's Day on June 1st. More than just an event for children, it's also a nostalgic space for generations of viewers – those who grew up with Doraemon comics, the animated series broadcast on television, and the emotionally charged films.
Doraemon Exhibition Space
Doraemon - a timeless cultural icon
Since its first appearance in a Japanese comic magazine in 1969, Doraemon, created by the duo Fujiko F. Fujio, has quickly captured the hearts of readers of all ages. However, the most significant cinematic milestone was in 1980, when the first film, titled "Doraemon: Nobita's Dinosaur," was screened in Japanese theaters. Since then, the Doraemon franchise has spawned a total of 45 feature films – a symbolic number cleverly incorporated into this exhibition.
For Vietnamese people, Doraemon is more than just a comic book or an animated film. It's a memory of afternoons after school spent engrossed in reading borrowed books from friends, of the joyful laughter whenever Nobita, Shizuka, Suneo, and Jaian get into some comical situation, and of childhood dreams about the magic door, the bamboo propeller, the magic pocket, or the magical donuts.
"When we learned about the Doraemon exhibition, my wife and I were eager to take our child to see it because it's also a part of our childhood. At mealtime, the whole family often plays Doraemon for the child to watch, and they eat quickly because they enjoy it so much," shared Mr. Tung Anh from Hai Ba Trung district.
Drawings submitted by students to the exhibition.
Launched in Vietnam in 1992, Doraemon has become an indispensable part of the childhood of many generations. For many, it even represents their first memories of concepts like "friendship," "responsibility," and "kindness."
The Doraemon exhibition at Aeon Mall Long Bien is not a large-scale event like those held in Japan or other countries, but it is still meticulously designed, colorful, and highly interactive. Open free of charge from 10 am to 8 pm daily, the exhibition becomes an ideal destination for families to have fun, explore, and reminisce together.
Upon entering, visitors will be greeted by a giant Doraemon robot cat with outstretched arms, along with a large banner commemorating 45 years of Doraemon's cinematic history. The interior spaces are divided into several smaller areas, corresponding to memorable milestones in the development of the Doraemon brand – from the first films and famous manga series to models illustrating scenes from the movies.
The visitors to the exhibition were mainly students and families with young children.
A special highlight of the exhibition is the display of 45 Doraemon movie episodes released from 1980 to the present. Each movie poster is placed alongside a brief synopsis, helping viewers easily recall the emotional adventures: from journeys to prehistoric times, to the world of giants, robot planets, or the deep ocean. Whether humorous, touching, or thrilling, each episode carries a humanistic message and profound lessons about friendship, courage, faith, and hope.
Interaction, experience, and emotional connection.
Besides showcasing the exhibits, the exhibition also serves as a place for fans to interact and capture memorable moments. Miniature models recreate prominent scenes such as the bamboo propeller, the magic door, Nobita's study desk, and the familiar neighborhood where the group of friends live – all vividly recreated, creating ideal conditions for taking "check-in" photos.
One fun activity not to be missed is the "gacha" area – where visitors can try their luck to win limited-edition trading cards featuring Doraemon and other familiar characters. For children, this is a reward that makes their eyes light up. For adults, it's the simple joy of briefly returning to being a "child."
The "gacha" area – where visitors can try their luck to win limited-edition trading cards.
"I've been waiting for this day for so long! I'm so excited to be here today to spin the gacha and get these cards. I get to see the real world of Doraemon and also see many different versions of Doraemon from the episodes," shared Ngoc Dung, a student at Ngo Gia Tu Primary School.
In addition, the exhibition also features a display area showcasing paintings submitted by young people as part of the "Your World and Doraemon" competition. The theme, celebrating the power of painting and imagination, has brought fresh, vibrant, and colorful perspectives on the legendary robot cat. There are simple drawings by elementary school students, as well as polished digital works by art students – all together telling a story: Doraemon is not just a comic book, but also an endless source of creative inspiration.
Despite its elaborate organization and emotional value, this Doraemon exhibition still has some limitations. Because it aims for accessibility and primarily caters to families and children, the exhibition is on a "mini" scale, which may leave some fans expecting high-tech experiences or interactive 3D models feeling somewhat disappointed.
Children had the opportunity to experience coloring Doraemon images in the exhibition space.
Some areas are quite small, the amount of information isn't very in-depth, or the reenactment of details from the stories/films isn't as complete as expected. However, it is precisely this simplicity, lightness, and accessibility that makes the exhibition a suitable destination for weekend strolls, reunions that evoke childhood memories, or for parents to take their children to explore their own childhood world.
The appearance of the Doraemon exhibition in Vietnam is not simply an entertainment event. It is also an affirmation that the humanistic, simple, and enduring values in the stories of Doraemon remain vibrant and alive. 45 years have passed, and the chubby cat is still as plump as ever, still patiently listening to Nobita's complaints, still taking out strange gadgets from his magic pocket to help his friend overcome difficulties. And no matter how many generations of viewers grow up, or how many new entertainment trends emerge, Doraemon remains a special friend that no one wants to part with.
With an exhibition that evokes memories, connects people, and fosters sharing like this one, Doraemon once again proves that whether in comics, on screen, or in real life, the robotic cat remains a symbol of innocence, faith, and genuine friendship.
