Doraemon (1973)
The original anime adaptation of the iconic manga, following a robotic cat from the future on a mission to rescue one very unlucky boy.
Doraemon - Series Information
- Original Title: ドラえもん
- First Air Year: 1973
- Last Air Year: 1973
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Action, Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Kids, Family
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 26
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: April 1, 1973 (United States - TV-PG)
- Networks: Nippon TV
- Alternative Titles: Дораемон: Котка робот (BG), โดเรม่อน (TH), عبقور (SA), Doraemon: El Gato Cosmico (ES), Doraemon (1973) (JP)
- Production Companies: Nippon TV Video
- Production Countries: Japan
Doraemon - Plot
Nobita Nobi is so hapless that his 22nd century decendants are still impoverished as a result of his 20th century bumbling. In a bid to raise their social status, their servant, a robotic cat named Doraemon, decides to travel back in time and guide Nobita on the proper path to fortune. Unfortunately Doraemon, a dysfunctional robot that the familly acquired by accident (but chose to keep nonetheless), isn't much better off than Nobita. The robot leads Nobita on many adventures, and while Nobita's life certainly is more exciting with the robot cat from the future, it is questionable if it is in fact better in the way that Doraemon planned.
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Doraemon - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kosei Tomita
- Masako Nozawa
- Yoshiko Ohta
- Masako Ebisu
- Kaneta Kimotsuki
- Shun Yashiro
- Noriko Ohara
- Noriko Tsukase
Doraemon - FAQs
Is Doraemon based on a manga?
The 1973 anime is directly adapted from the beloved manga series created by the duo Fujiko F. Fujio, which began serialization in 1969. The manga became one of Japan's most iconic comics, spawning multiple anime adaptations and inspiring generations of readers and viewers worldwide.
Why is the 1973 Doraemon considered rare?
The original 1973 series ran for just 26 episodes before being cancelled due to low ratings, and most episodes were never officially preserved or released. It remains largely lost media, making it a fascinating curiosity for anime historians and Doraemon fans eager to trace the franchise's origins.
Where can you watch Doraemon (1973)?
Streaming availability for the 1973 series is extremely limited given its rare status. You can check current viewing options and regional availability on JustWatch, which tracks streaming, rental, and purchase options across platforms in your area.
Who voiced Doraemon in the original 1973 series?
Kosei Tomita provided the voice of Doraemon in the original 1973 production, with Masako Nozawa taking over for a second voice role. Yoshiko Ohta voiced Nobita Nobi, while Masako Ebisu brought Shizuka Minamoto to life. The cast was assembled by Nippon TV for this pioneering adaptation.
How does the 1973 Doraemon differ from later versions?
The 1973 series predates the far more successful 1979 reboot and features a distinctly rougher visual style and a different voice cast. Produced by Nippon TV Video, it has a rawer, experimental quality compared to the polished long-running version most audiences know, making it a unique historical artifact.
What is Doraemon (1973) about?
Nobita Nobi is such a hopeless underachiever that his 22nd-century descendants remain impoverished because of him. To fix this, a robotic cat named Doraemon travels back in time to guide Nobita toward a better future — though the well-meaning but dysfunctional robot often makes things more chaotic than planned.
How many episodes does Doraemon (1973) have?
The 1973 series consists of a single season of 26 episodes, each running approximately 25 minutes. The show was cancelled after this initial run, but the concept proved enduring enough that a new production studio revived it in 1979, launching what became one of anime's longest-running franchises.
What anime series are similar to Doraemon?
Fans of Doraemon often enjoy the 1979 and 2005 revivals of the same franchise. Beyond that, Astro Boy (1980) offers a similar blend of science fiction and heartfelt adventure aimed at younger audiences. Yo-kai Watch and Chobits also share themes of quirky non-human companions navigating everyday human life.
More About Doraemon
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