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The Edo-Tokyo Museum’s reopening is happening soon after four long years, but until that fateful day, here’s another exhibition to check out. Earlier today, March 27, saw the debut of ‘100% Doraemon & Friends’ at the newly opened Tokyo Dream Park in Ariake.
The expansive exhibition is the largest in the franchise’s 56-year history, bringing together manga panels, animation, sculptures, limited-edition merch and a themed food menu all starring the world’s favourite blue robot cat.
The exhibition launched in Hong Kong in July 2024, attracting over five million visitors during its month-long run. Since then, it has continued to captivate fans across Asia, making its way through several cities including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Bangkok, and Kaohsiung in Taiwan.
In addition to showcasing the content from the previous cities, the Tokyo exhibition also features Japan-exclusive works. Here you can see Doraemon transformed into a shiba inu, a sumo wrestler and a few other forms inspired by Japanese culture, as well as view two original animations not seen elsewhere.
Fans of the manga won’t be disappointed, as the venue is decked out with wall panels, 3D projectors and life-size models displaying iconic scenes from all 45 volumes. Plus, get a glimpse of the cool cat’s humble beginnings with a recreation of Doraemon creator Fujiko Fujio’s workspace.
The exhibition space contains over 100 distinct Doraemon figures, each with its own expression and costume. For those familiar with the series and Doraemon’s many gadgets, have a look to see how many of his quirky gizmos you can find.
The outdoor area on the sixth floor terrace is one of several sculpture parks dotted throughout the exhibition. This particular sculpture park’s got an impressive 12m-tall inflatable Doraemon surrounded by smaller variations of the feline. There’s not much else to it, but you can get a photo op with your favourite version of the cuddly character.
Doraemon-themed food and merch await, natch. Choose from the sushi bowl (¥1,100) or egg sandwich with a side soup (¥1,000) as a savoury option, or for a sweet treat, get the vanilla soft serve (¥600). The sizable merch collection offers everything from plushies and handbags to stationery and tableware, so take your pick.
‘100% Doraemon & Friends’ runs until September 30 and is open from 10am to 6pm daily (last entry 5.30pm). Tickets start from ¥2,400 for adults, ¥1,800 for primary and secondary school students and ¥1,600 for children four years old and below – purchase yours here. As an added bonus, upon arrival exhibition visitors receive one of nine Doraemon-themed acrylic pins and one of four promotional cards (both chosen at random).
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