When I was a kid, I liked math and science. I loved reading the Doraemon series.
Coming to America, I was surprised that Doraemon is popular in foreign countries. Many people said to me that they became interested in Japan or started learning Japanese after watching the Doraemon anime.
Doraemon is a robotic cat. He came from the future (September 3, 2112) and lives with Nobita. He is known as an iconic blue and round-shaped character, but originally he was yellow and cat-shaped. While he was taking a nap, a mouse bit his ear. He rushed to the hospital, but the doctor got the size of his ear wrong. He was crying from sadness, and his body turned blue. Since then, he has been terrified of mice.
As a kid, I wondered why a robot would have emotions. It is still my question. I have not changed my personality…😅
I have books here. They were published between 1992 and 1994. Japanese is complicated. Japanese people read from left to right (horizontal) and top to bottom (vertical).
- Math (horizontal)
- Science (vertical)
- Quotes (vertical)
Photos by LILI
24 responses to “What’s a book that completely surprised you?”
Wow! Amazing!!
Do you know Doraemon? Did you watch?
Yes, we used to have animation series on television. My son used to watch it.
Nice!😊
I watched Doraemon too 😊
I did
What a beautiful and nostalgic post! 😊
I loved how you connected childhood curiosity, science, language, and culture through Doraemon. It’s amazing that a simple anime character inspired so many people around the world to learn about Japan and even study Japanese. That truly shows the power of stories.
Someone told me that Doraemon is popular in India as well. After a long time, I have been reading Japanese books. I feel a little uncomfortable reading vertically. Horizontal is ok…😅
Haha, that’s actually very relatable 😄
Yes, Doraemon is quite popular in India too—many people grew up watching it, so it feels almost nostalgic for a whole generation.
And don’t worry about the vertical reading part at all 😅 Japanese writing can feel a bit unusual at first if you’re used to horizontal text. It’s just a different rhythm, like adjusting your eyes to a new direction. With a little time, it starts feeling more natural.
Beautiful memories.
Thank you!😊
Any pictures from your home 🏠
I will post new photos soon 😉
I had a pair of Doreamon fuzzy slippers in college Lili-san! I wish they made better quality ones because I really liked the colors 🙂 Mike
Wow! I had phone charms, but they broke. In general, the quality of character merchandise is not good (not durable). The price is expensive.
I think Doraemon’s face has not changed. Some characters have changed little by little…😅
It’s popular here in Malaysia as well. It’s honestly a part of my childhood as well.
Really? I am glad to hear that. Doraemon is a long-running manga series😊
Love 😍
Thank you!😊
My pleasure ❤️
Lili, it’s amazing how Doraemon can bring back childhood memories while making us think deeply about emotions, dreams, and curiosity at the same time.
Thank you 🙏 I am a middle-aged woman in the reminiscence bump stage now. I remember good and bad memories.
I am very much surprised that you are keeping Doraemon books from your childhood!!
こんにちは☆ いつもブログ読んでます♪ 英語でのメッセージ、ありがとうございます。私は日本人なので、日本語で書きますね。そうなんです…1992年から1994年頃に出版された本なので、30年以上前のものでしょうか。ドラえもんは、アジアの国々で人気なことは知ってましたけど、欧米でも知ってる人が多いです。あと、ドラゴンボール、スラムダンク、セーラームーン、犬夜叉、ワンピースとか、私世代の方達だとこの辺りかな。今のマンガとかアニメは、私もよく知らないので…今実家にいるので、掃除をすると、昔のものとかいっぱい出てきそう…(笑)😅