China's Obsession with the "Chubby Blue Guy"

Notice his trademark bell and pocket

He's a giant celebrity in Asia, particularly China.  Not bad considering the piss-poor state of Sino-Japanese relations.  He's been a staple of television for over 40 years and is merchandized on almost everything from pajamas to cellphone cases.  He's Doraemon.  The lovable, robotic cat from the 22nd century.  Usually known in China by his Chinese name, Xiao Ding Dang, Doraemon is loved by billions, that's right billions, of fans.

Though relatively unknown in the United States, Doraemon cartoons and comics have been a staple of the Asian continent since 1969.  Today he seems more popular than ever.  A visitor to the Chinese mainland might mistake him for a Chinese creation, because of the locals' massive love of all things Doraemon.  However, Doraeomon originated in the Land of the Rising Sun.  I found myself slightly disappointed to find the relative Japanese apathy towards their homegrown anime hero compared with the Chinese.

Karate Doraemon

An entire store dedicated to Doraemon exists just one block from my apartment.  Dubbed the "Doraeshop", this establishment sells every conceivable Doraemon product.  This robotic cat and his time machine pocket allow him to get into all kinds of wacky misadventures.  From his pocket, Doraemon pulls out an array of problem solving, and problem causing, gadgets to help his owner.  He also loves eating this Japanese pancake/pie thing.

Doraemon merchandise

However Doraemon is not without his distractors.  A Chinese newspaper recently told its readers that Doraemon was an attempt by the Japanese government to distract from its wartime atrocities.  It advised its readers to "beware the chubby blue guy".   Even the government knows that this robotic cat's charms are hard to resist.  Remember to beware the chubby blue guy.   

I'll spare you any longwinded discussions about the implications and meaning of this cartoon character regarding China and its image of itself.  When I asked my girlfriend what Doraemon meant to her and China she said just one word, "Childhood."