VI
EN
And in the special animated episode "A Gift: A Trip to Vietnam," broadcast on TV Asahi (Japan) on May 23, 2026, the group of friends embarked on an exemplary cross-Vietnam journey, recreating the regional diversity through exquisite anime artwork.
Instead of using the "Magic Door" to reach their destination in an instant, the gadget malfunctions and is undergoing maintenance, forcing the group to seek assistance from Doremi and other gadget groups, transforming their journey from a mere space "jump" into a genuine exploration.
The characters must experience the geographical diversity sequentially, where Vietnamese culture and landscapes are presented in layers and depth, transforming Shizuka's "wish" into a vivid experiential memory rather than just a superficial sightseeing trip.
That's why Doraemon and his friends' journey of exploring Vietnam becomes feasible and easy to learn from for any ordinary tourist.
In the North, the group of friends arrived first.HanoiStrolling around the lush green Ho Guom Lake, experiencing the bustling city life. The highlight is the experience at a traditional ao dai shop. Shizuka and Dorami appear in perfectly fitting, vibrant ao dai, while Nobita and Doraemon wear conical hats, showing that Japanese filmmakers truly appreciate Vietnam's local culture.
Come toHa Long BayThe group of friends were overwhelmed by the natural wonder of the world, with its magnificent limestone islands rising above the emerald green waters.
Upon reaching central Vietnam,Da NangThe group was greeted by the vibrant energy of the modern city, featuring the Dragon Bridge spewing fire and water, and the ancient town of Hoi An shimmering under lanterns. Shizuka's dream came true with the moment of releasing lanterns on the Hoai River.
At the heart of the episode, the filmmaker's seriousness and meticulousness are clearly evident.Hoi An Old TownThe bridge appears with its distinctive yellow paint, brightly colored lanterns, vibrant and precise. Meanwhile, the Dragon Bridge (Da Nang) features beautiful mechanical movements and lively fire and water effects.
Beyond just admiring the scenery, the group also delved deep into Vietnam's "cultural sidewalks." Doraemon's familiar "Translation Bread" gadget humorously transformed into a "meat sandwich," turning a fictional 22nd-century item into a tangible product, directly connecting it to Vietnam's world-famous "national dish."
Continuing south, the group of friends became even more deeply integrated into daily life.Ho Chi Minh CityThe group of friends checked in at the City Central Post Office, with its classic dome architecture and distinctive yellow paint.
Then came the essential highlight - "indulging in street food," from broken rice dishes, cao lầu noodles, grilled rice paper rolls to rice cakes and vermicelli soup... and constantly exclaiming "So delicious!" in Vietnamese.
The group also experienced the very essence of Vietnamese life, with its bustling motorbikes, small plastic chairs on the sidewalks, simple street vendors' stalls, and unassuming carts carrying goods – all incredibly familiar and authentic.
This joyful journey also includes subtle messages conveyed by Shin-Ei Animation and the team of Vietnamese artists, notably Cao Liem and Nguyen Le Sang. The most touching detail is the sign for the ao dai shop bearing the name "S:HOP".
The letter "S" represents the shape of the country, and the colon (:) is intentionally placed to symbolize the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos. Artist Cao Liem shared that this was a heartfelt act by the Vietnamese team to incorporate a national message into a global brand.
It could be said that the trip in the episode was not only a birthday gift for Shizuka but also a special gift from Doraemon to Vietnam – the third country globally (after Thailand and Spain) chosen as the main setting for this classic anime franchise.
Therefore, this is an invaluable tourism promotion campaign, a model of "soft diplomacy," a sophisticated national branding strategy, and a beautiful symbol of the enduring friendship and cultural exchange between the Japanese and Vietnamese people.
