The upcoming 2025 Doraemon movie, “Doraemon: Nobita’s Art World Tales,” is generating buzz with the announcement that the popular Japanese comedy duo, Sandwich Man, will be joining the cast as guest voice actors. This marks the 44th film in the beloved Doraemon franchise and promises a fresh dose of humor alongside its trademark blend of adventure and heart. The film is set to premiere in Japan on March 7th, 2025, commemorating the 45th anniversary of Doraemon movies.
Sandwich Man Takes on Royal and Critical Roles
Mikio Date, one half of Sandwich Man, will lend his voice to the character of the king of the Artoria kingdom. Date, known for his tsukkomi (straight man) persona in the duo, will portray a regal figure within the film’s medieval European setting. Meanwhile, Takeshi Tomizawa, the boke (funny man) of Sandwich Man, will play a critic, adding a touch of sardonic wit to the animated world. The casting of the duo has already excited fans, eager to see how their comedic talents will translate to the animated screen.
Sandwich Man is a well-known comedy duo (or owarai kombi) consisting of Mikio Date and Takeshi Tomizawa. They hail from Sendai, in the Miyagi Prefecture, and formed in 1998. They are celebrated for their unique style of comedy and were the champions of the M-1 Grand Prix in 2007, as well as the runners-up in the King of Conte in 2009. Beyond their stand-up routines, they are well-loved TV personalities, even voted number one most beloved TV personalities for three years in a row, and are known for their support of the Tohoku area’s recovery from the 2011 earthquake.
“Doraemon: Nobita’s Art World Tales”: A Journey into a Painting
The film’s story revolves around Doraemon, Nobita, and their friends as they embark on an adventure into a medieval European world depicted within a painting. This imaginative premise sees the gang encountering two children from the kingdom of Artoria, named Claire and Milo. They also meet a small, winged demon named Chai. Together, they face off against a formidable enemy in a quest for a legendary jewel.
The movie is directed by Yukiyo Teramoto, who has helmed previous Doraemon series and films, and the screenplay is written by Satoshi Itō, a veteran writer for the franchise. The film also features other notable guest stars including singer Miki Fujimoto who plays the queen consort of Artoria and actor Ōji Suzuka who will play a mysterious art dealer. The ending theme song, “Sketch,” is performed by Aimyon, who has a personal connection to the Doraemon voice cast.
The Enduring Legacy of Doraemon
Doraemon, created by Fujiko F. Fujio, is a cultural icon in Japan and enjoys international popularity. The manga series was first serialized in 1969, and the story follows a robotic cat from the 22nd century who travels back in time to help a young boy named Nobita. The series has been adapted into multiple anime television series, with the most recent iteration beginning in 2005. The franchise also includes over forty animated feature films. The first theatrical version of Doraemon, Jingu’s Dinosaur Expedition, was released on March 15, 1980 and since then, the series has had a continuous run of films each year, excluding 2005 and 2021. The Doraemon film series is the highest grossing anime film franchise in Japan, surpassing even Godzilla.
The films are known for their blend of humor, adventure, and heartwarming lessons. The 2024 film, “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Earth Symphony,” was a box office hit, opening at #1 in Japan and selling 538,000 tickets in its first weekend. This success highlights the franchise’s enduring appeal to audiences of all ages, with the films consistently drawing in millions of viewers each year, frequently exceeding 3 billion yen in box office revenue, and sometimes surpassing 5 billion yen.
Anticipation Builds for the 45th Anniversary Film
“Doraemon: Nobita’s Art World Tales” is highly anticipated not only because it is a new adventure but also due to its celebration of the 45th anniversary of the Doraemon film series. The inclusion of Sandwich Man adds a unique element to the film, suggesting a strong focus on comedy alongside the fantastical elements. The movie continues the trend of high-level animation with a focus on drawing and action, showcasing the franchise’s ongoing commitment to quality. The franchise also attracts high-level animators to ensure the quality of their productions. This movie is the 44th theatrical release and follows a history of beloved stories that have become synonymous with Japanese animated cinema.
As the release date approaches, fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness Doraemon’s latest adventure and the comedic talents of Sandwich Man on the big screen.
