Unveiling the Untold Reasons Behind the Surprising Failure of this Classic Anime in America

There have been numerous anime series that have achieved great success in America. Even among older individuals, titles like Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Dragon Ball Z are as recognizable as iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse, Woody Woodpecker, and Bugs Bunny. However, not all shows manage to connect with audiences. Sometimes, despite being a massive hit in its home country, a show fails to gain popularity when introduced to American audiences. Doraemon is one such example.

Interestingly, Doraemon is widely regarded as one of Japan's most popular shows and is considered a quintessential anime from the country. When you visit Japan, it's impossible to find a person who is unfamiliar with Doraemon. People of all ages enthusiastically watch the show and its movies, and the character itself is considered a source of national pride. Despite this immense love and admiration, Doraemon did not manage to capture the attention of American viewers. But why?

What is Doraemon?

Doraemon, created by the esteemed manga author Fujiko F. Fujio, is an immensely popular Japanese manga and anime series. The heartwarming story centers around a robotic cat named Doraemon, who traverses time from the 22nd century to aid a young boy named Nobita Nobi. Nobita's great-great-grandson sent Doraemon to enhance Nobita's life and prevent him from making detrimental choices that may adversely affect his future. Doraemon diligently works on improving Nobita's manners, providing life advice, and assisting him in pursuing his crush at school.

The series beautifully delves into themes of friendship, resilience, and the repercussions of one's actions. Although primarily targeted towards children, parents can also appreciate the thoughtful storytelling. With its delightful humor, inventive gadgets, and a touch of wit, the series has garnered praise from critics over the years. It's not hard for viewers of all ages to understand the appeal and charm of the show.

How Popular is Doraemon?

Doraemon, which first debuted in 1969, has become an immensely popular and enduring cultural phenomenon in Japan. It holds a special place in Japanese pop culture as one of the most beloved franchises. The manga series was serialized for over four decades in the children's magazine Weekly Shonen Sunday, from 1969 to 1996. Tragically, the author passed away, bringing an end to its publication. However, the anime adaptation has been consistently on air since 1979, with no indication of stopping.

The popularity of Doraemon extends beyond just manga and anime. It has expanded into various areas such as movies, merchandise, video games, and even theme parks. Throughout Japan, there are Doraemon-themed attractions that can be found, including the Fujiko F. Fujio Museum in Kawasaki, dedicated to the works of the series creator. In addition, pop up cafes featuring Doraemon-themed treats and drinks make regular appearances on a yearly basis.

The character is a beloved icon in Japanese pop culture, and its endearing characters and memorable catchphrases have become synonymous with the franchise. Both children and adults continue to embrace the brand, eagerly awaiting new episodes and movies, including the recent release of its groundbreaking CGI 3D film a couple of years ago.

Did Doraemon Air in America?

Indeed, Doraemon made its way to the screens in the United States. Back in 2016, an English-dubbed version of the beloved series was broadcasted on Disney XD. The dubbing process was carefully handled by the talented team at Bang Zoom! Entertainment, aiming to introduce this iconic character to American viewers. Initial feedback from those who tuned in to watch was generally positive, as they seemed to find delight in the show. Nevertheless, despite the efforts put into it, the series failed to capture a significant audience and was eventually taken off the air due to its low ratings (a fate quite similar to another anime that Disney XD opted to air).

The low ratings for the show can be attributed to several factors. One of the main reasons is that Disney gave the series unfavorable time slots when compared to their own original shows. Additionally, since the dubbing of the series was not done in collaboration with Disney, the company did not have much financial incentive to promote its success. As a result, it is understandable that executives did not put much effort into promoting the show, instead focusing on in-house productions like Phineas & Ferb. Although they would not have complained had the series become a hit, there was no motivation for them to actively promote it themselves.

Doraemon's Popularity Lives on

Despite the limited success of the English dub, Doraemon still has a loyal fan base in the US who prefer watching the original Japanese version of the series on various streaming platforms (although most fans have to use a VPN). Netflix has localized a few movies, allowing fans to enjoy them without language barriers. In Japan, the show continues to enjoy immense popularity, with new movies being produced even today. However, the manga remains untranslated for American audiences, and the handful of English episodes created for Disney XD remain unavailable on streaming platforms or physical media. While a few videos can be found on Netflix, Doraemon, a timeless anime, still awaits discovery by a wider audience in America.

Watch Doraemon: Stand By Me on Netflix.