Japan Appoints Cartoon Ambassador: Doraemon

by ScrumYummy
Mar 20, 2008 6:26 PM | 23 Comments

The Japanese government has officially created a position to promote anime and Japanese culture, and as of yesterday appointed its first official: Doraemon. With the appointment, Japanese officials hope to spread Japanese ideals and diplomacy and teach about the Japanese lifestyle through their popular culture.

This is one of many recent efforts to harness the potential of Japanese pop culture, which also includes the creation of an International Manga Award (likened to a Nobel Peace Prize for artists), and the appointment of Astro Boy last November as ambassador for overseas safety.

For more information: Yahoo!

20 of 23 Comments Recent Comments

I saw this before, it was hilarious fun. xD

Mar 25, 2008 1:19 AM by SY_IS_DEAD_IRL

gotta love doraemon. he was pretty much one of the first anime characters/shows i knewabout besides the stuff that was shown on american tv at the time (sailormoon, dbz, etc). how can you not love a cat that got his ears eaten by mice??

Mar 25, 2008 12:37 AM by katsup

joking right? This is like a bad joke

Mar 24, 2008 5:34 PM by Cortez321

Iri said:

rozekruez said:
ITS ONE OF THEIR PLANS TO TAKE OVER THE WURLD!!!

I, for one, welcome our new blue robo-cat overlords.

Oh, how I LOL'd :3

Mar 22, 2008 4:08 PM by the_seventh_l

chryseis said:
wow, lol.

next thing i know, when i hit graduate school, there will be degrees for the study of anime and manga!!

lol

Mar 22, 2008 2:03 AM by Friendlysoul

rozekruez said:
ITS ONE OF THEIR PLANS TO TAKE OVER THE WURLD!!!

I, for one, welcome our new blue robo-cat overlords.

Mar 21, 2008 5:57 PM by Iri

rozekruez said:
ITS ONE OF THEIR PLANS TO TAKE OVER THE WURLD!!! jk x[ but still, I dont really like their idea of spreading their culture =

I think "spread" here means "publicize" not "forcing" or "imposing" Japanese culture onto other countries.

Mar 21, 2008 5:44 PM by dtshyk

ITS ONE OF THEIR PLANS TO TAKE OVER THE WURLD!!! jk x[ but still, I dont really like their idea of spreading their culture =\

Mar 21, 2008 2:42 PM by neverest

kasumisama said:
You can take anime studies class at universities now.

I personally refuse, although it would count for my degree.

Haha…that's cool, it might help towards my career choice………somewhat.

Mar 21, 2008 1:18 PM by YoshikoHatake

Brian333 said:
They need to appoint a Loli Ambassador.

It may come true in the near future. The Japan fundation (one of the Japanese administrative institutions) chose a loli character as a mascot for the Venezia-biennale 9th International Architecture Exhibition.

The other example is a local public office in Nishimuro, which is famous for the world herritage "Kii mountain range" assigned Fuko from CLANNAD as a mascot character.

Mar 21, 2008 5:15 AM by dtshyk

Brian333 said:
They need to appoint a Loli Ambassador.

Moar like tentacle Ambassador!

=P

Mar 21, 2008 3:35 AM by Echelon

They need to appoint a Loli Ambassador.

and toss in a Tsundere Ambassador, too.

and appoint Goku from Dragon Ball as the World Peace Ambassador.

Mar 21, 2008 3:35 AM by removed-user

kasumisama said:
You can take anime studies class at universities now.

I personally refuse, although it would count for my degree.

Interesting, I'll have to see if my community college offers anything like this next semester.

As for the news, with my current and insane anime obsession I guess I have to say ... sweet!? :P

Mar 21, 2008 3:35 AM by Echelon

Wow so Doraemon huh. I guess he needed a comeback or something.

Mar 20, 2008 9:39 PM by Darkreaper70

chryseis said:
wow, really? that's pretty nuts. is there a list of universities somewhere that offer this? i'd definitely take it as an elective...beats other crap that universities offer.

Mine is offering one on Graphic Novels >.> Must take it next semester!

Mar 20, 2008 9:30 PM by edythemighty

I think most the average folk in English speaking countries have no idea who that character is.

Mar 20, 2008 8:39 PM by Casual_Toast

sweet nano desu~!

Mar 20, 2008 8:22 PM by Corpse69

Sugoi!!!

Mar 20, 2008 8:18 PM by nandoacoelho

nice

Mar 20, 2008 8:17 PM by Davison

ScrumYummy said:
and the appointment of Astro Boy last November as ambassador for overseas safety.

Since when has someone with rockets strapped to their boots inspired safety?