There is no question that most of our childhood was spent watching Doreamon, where it was not only about a futuristic cat robot with gadgets, but rather touches a root that runs deeper, with stories of friendship, generosity, and unity.

Doreamon was introduced to us in our childhood as a 22nd-century cat robot sent to a boy named Nobita as a companion to guide him on his path in his early teenage years. However, in the later stories, we did come to know about the birth of Doraemon and how he was also a troubled robot due to a malfunction in the factory, yet he found a home with Nobita, who saw him as a best friend regardless. It played a significant role in our lives while growing up, since it taught us the price of friendship and compassion. Doraemon also discussed deeper topics that we were too young to comprehend. There were glimpses of bullying that weren’t there for mere entertainment, but rather to build resilience and the ability to stand up again. Moreover, we cannot forget Nobita’s character. He wasn’t perfect, not the brightest student or athlete, yet we liked him because he was kind and compassionate (Shizuka also liked him!). So it was a reminder to us that marks or your achievements didn’t matter, but your character does. Furthermore, along with the stories, we also grasped the differences in the lives of other characters. Everyone had a story, and it was shared with us.

Even now, we try to reminisce about these moments by going back to our old cat robot, but I want to ask you, do you feel the same excitement to watch it as before? Some of you may or may not notice, others may have stopped watching completely, and that’s completely alright. I am trying to convey the fact that our childhood Doraemon may not feel the same as before, and there’s nothing to feel guilty about.

We still watch it out of emotion, not to make memories like we used to during our childhood but to reminisce. This may remind you of a line said by adult Nobita to young Nobita in the ‘Stand By Me Doraemon’ movie, and I quote, “Doraemon is amazing but he belongs with you as part of our childhood. Cherish the moments you have because they’re priceless.”

The lines run deeper as it also possesses the meaning that Doraemon is everyone’s childhood part, which is meaningful and holds a place in our hearts, and it cannot be rebuilt in adulthood.

We share many memories with Doraemon, crying during the ‘Doraemon: Nobita and Steel Troops’ movie and thrilled during the ‘Doraemon: Nobita’s New Great Adventure into the Underworld’.

We used to mark dates on calendars for the movie marathons on television or waiting for the release of new movies. They held emotions and excitement. The era of our lives with Doraemon was beautiful and cherishable.

And sometimes it’s still fine to get back in your childhood and make some time to rewatch these movies and relive your childhood (I am pretty sure we will still cry in the ending of the Steel Troops movie).

So let’s celebrate Doraemon’s Birthday with our memories and thank him for making our childhood amazing. Happy 87th Birthday, our favourite Cat Robot!