Underprivileged children met one of their heroes when Japanese icon Doraemon went to Nonthaburi
Sirikul Bunnag
Japan's "anime ambassador" Doraemon brought toys, snacks and plenty of smiles for orphaned and disabled children in five homes in Pak Kret district yesterday.
The cartoon cat is on a two-day visit to Thailand, which ends today. This is his second overseas trip since he was made anime ambassador by the Japanese Foreign Ministry in March.
Some 150 children were thrilled to come face to face with the robotic cat, who travels back in time from the 22nd century with cool gadgets popping up from his belly pocket.
Doraemon has been a household favourite for decades. He began his adventure on the comic book shelves in 1969, before featuring in his own televised cartoon series.
At Pakkred Babies' Home, Doraemon opened his two-hour visit by introducing himself in Thai.
He praised Thailand for its great food, delicious fruits, wonderful smiles and heart-warming welcome.
Children watched his film, Nobita's Dinosaur 2006, the remake of the first Doraemon movie, and he handed them toys and shared with them his favourite snack, dorayaki (sweet bean paste-filled buns).
The event was wrapped up with photo opportunities.
"I wanted to ask Doraemon for a magic tool to help me become a great petanque player, but he was too busy greeting children. I did not have the chance to ask him," said six-year-old Watchariporn Pimsan.
"But just the sight of him makes me happy. I know he came here out of love. That is more than enough," said Watchariporn, who stays at the Home for Children with Disabilities.
Jittiyaporn Chainij, 13, from the Pakkred Babies' Home, said it was great to taste real dorayaki and learn about Japanese children through the animation.
Thong Sae Ma, 9, from the Pakkred Home for Boys, said: "I am overjoyed to finally meet Doraemon after watching him on TV for a long time.
"I want to ask for his 'anywhere door', so that I can go to the seaside for the first time in my life. I also want to see myself in the future."
The 'anywhere door' is one of Doraemon's gadgets, allowing users to travel anywhere and to any time they wish.
Kazuo Shibata, director counsellor of the Japan information service at the Japanese embassy, said Doraemon had just arrived from Indonesia and would continue to visit underprivileged children in many other countries.
Doraemon is determined to not only promote Japanese culture, but also to spur children's imagination.
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