Reminisce Over Some Childhood Memories Via The 100 Doraemon Secret Gadget Expo At Johor Bahru City Square

What’s there not to love of this adorable robotic cat, Doraemon? For most of us, Doraemon symbolizes our childhood and we can’t help but feel nostalgic whenever we see him. Many of us grew up with the Doraemon manga and anime series. Originally illustrated by the manga writing team Fujiko Fujio, the series was adapted into a successful anime series and media franchise. The story revolves around a robotic cat named Doraemon, who travels back in time from the 22nd century to aid a pre-teen boy named Nobita Nobi. I guess when you were a kid, you probably long to own one of Doraemon’s gadgets. 

Despite the changes in time, Doraemon remains one of the best-selling manga in the world, with over 100 million copies sold. The stories are simple and easily relatable. The characters are iconic and unforgettable. There is really nothing not to love about Doraemon. I watched Doraemon when I was growing up in the 80s and 90s. It is a cultural and entertainment icon which is truly timeless.

Back in December 2012, i had attended the 100 years before the birth of Doraemon exhibition held in Taipei (see link here). When i learnt that the exhibition has been brought to City Square in Johor Bahru, I know i must attend it and I'm glad i did!

Doraemon was sent back in time by a young boy named Sewashi Nobi to improve the circumstances of his great grandfather, Nobita so that his descendants may enjoy a better future.  Doraemon's date of birth is on 3 Sept 2112, meaning from 2012 onwards, it will be the start of the one hundred year countdown to his birthday!

Doraemon’s magical bottomless pouch is a wonderful bag of memories and wonders. From the magical “Hopter” and wondrous “Time Machine”, everything that has come out from that pouch has been a beautiful and unforgettable part of our childhood memories. Throughout these years, Fujiko’s creation has represented our friendship, future and also shaped our dreams and imagination.

Next, there are 100 Doraemon figurines to take pictures with, each with a different gadget:

How many gadgets can you identify? I overheard many visitors reminiscing about their favourite gadgets and what each of the gadget can presumedly do, reliving their childhood memories. Totally priceless.

Here's a chance to see a yellow Doraemon with ears. Do you know how Doraemon looks like originally? His ears were bitten off by rats which scared him blue as a result. This explains Doraemon’s morbid fear of rats thereafter.

Turning blue in shock after losing his ears.

There are walls with props for visitors to take pictures and pose with: i did for 100 Doraemon glasses! 

We all need a Doraemon in our life. There are many things that revolve Doraemon.

People from all generations, age 1 year old to 100 years old would love to own this earless robotic cat because of Doraemon's pocket from which he produces many gadgets, medicines, and tools from the future!

Some of the gadgets are based on real Japanese household devices with fanciful twists, but most are completely science fiction (although some may be based on folklore or religious stories). Thousands of gadgets have been featured in Doraemon. 

What is your favorite gadget? Doko demo do a (Anywhere-Door) which can brings you to anywhere from the past to the future in split seconds or Takekoputa (Flying device) where you simply need to put it on your head and you can fly! 

Don’t miss the special Doraemon cafe on the 5th floor. Over there, you can buy Doraemon chocolate and snacks for gifts as well as enjoy some Doraemon-themed food.

Most of us have good memories of watching cartoons when we were young. We have a lot of memories watching them, and it’s always fun to go back down memory lane whereby in those days when there weren’t much responsibilities to make and all we need to do is eat, sleep and watch cartoons.

Thinking back on those childhood days, some of these cartoon characters we had grew up with as a kid and others we had gotten to know and love as an adult.

Doraemon has always been my favorite cartoon since my younger time. He always amazed me with his gadgets, brought me to the secret wonderland that could fulfill whatever wishes that I wanted. Of course, this was only existing in my deepest imagination. In real life, we all had to work hard to get what we wanted.

Once again, here's the link to browse the Doraemon exhibition held in Taipei which i had visited in 2012:
http://www.jenniferteophotography.com/thats-life-blog/-taipei-100-years-before-the-birth-of-doraemon-reminisce-over-some-childhood-nostalgia-a100