Looking Ahead at Time Before Doraemon, a Stray Cat

The scene on opening day of “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon.” Photos by Garrige Ho/Getty Images.

THE beloved Doraemon is getting the deluxe treatment in Hong Kong with a massive exhibit, “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon.”

On view at Harbour City’s Ocean Terminal Forecourt until 16 Sept., the exhibit is billed as the largest celebration in honor of the Japanese animated (anime) character. Three installations are set up at different parts of Harbour City. There, too, is "Concept Expo: Gadgets in the Future,” showcasing 30 original gadgets created by artists from around the world and the pop-up Doraemon-themed café, BO-LO’GNE.

BO-LO’GNE café is all about Doraemon.

“Doraemon,” wildly popular in Asia, particularly Japan where it originated, is a series that follows the exploits of a robotic cat of the same name that travels from the 22^nd century to help a 20^th-century schoolboy named Nobita Nob. Message-based, it focuses on such life lessons as honor, perseverance and courage. In English, “Doraemon” roughly translates into stray cat.

Produced in conjunction with “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon” are limited–edition postcards and Doraemon dolls. Proceeds from sales of the items are to be donated to Make-A-Wish Hong Kong.

Life-sized Doraemons are for purchase for a good cause.

The exhibit opened earlier this month with lots of pomp, including 100 original life-sized Doraemon figures equipped with a different secret gadget. In attendance at opening day of “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon” were more than 100 organizations, creative types and a representative from Japan’s Consulate-General office in Hong Kong.

Viist http://www.facebook.com/100Doraemon/ to get updates on “100 Years Before the Birth of Doraemon.”