Watches and jewelry are prime examples of items passed down through generations, from parent to child. However, beloved books from childhood can also become treasures to entrust to future descendants.

Doraemon, by Fujiko F. Fujio, is cherished as a national manga. Its serialization began in the January 1970 issues of six magazines: 'Yoi Ko,' 'Yochien,' 'Shogaku Ichinensei,' 'Shogaku Ninensei,' 'Shogaku Sannensei,' and 'Shogaku Yonensei.' This year marks its 50th anniversary. To commemorate this anniversary year, Shogakukan will release the '100-Year Doraemon' deluxe collector's edition of the 'Tentomushi Comics Doraemon' complete 45-volume set on December 1st. (*First reservation deadline: August 31st.)

Tentomushi Comics (hereinafter referred to as 'TenComi') is a new paperback manga label launched in August 1974, with 'Doraemon' being its very first title. For the collected volumes, Fujiko F. Fujio himself carefully selected the episodes and specified their order, making it a true best-of selection across all 45 volumes.

Volume 0 of 'Doraemon,' released on November 27th last year (containing six different first episodes tailored to the target age group of each magazine), became an instant bestseller with 600,000 copies sold. Consequently, sales for the first volume in March of this year also surpassed 10,000 copies. Many from the OPENERS generation, who grew up with the affectionate nickname 'TenComi,' likely picked it up out of nostalgia.

With the concept of delivering this masterpiece, loved across generations, as a permanent edition to be read for the next 100 years, this project was launched. Maintaining the same size as the familiar TenComi for 'Doraemon' fans, the specifications have been meticulously crafted with attention to binding, printing, bookbinding, and paper quality.

The latest information is regularly updated on the special '100-Year Doraemon' page. Here, we interviewed Mr. Muneto Imamoto, Chief of the Shogakukan Doraemon Room and in charge of all marketing for '100-Year Doraemon,' about the collector-worthy specifications, bonus items, and the passion behind this project.

“The most distinctive feature is the adoption of a hardcover with a cloth binding, designed to withstand long-term preservation. For the cloth covering the cover, we selected a material with a fine weave that resists fraying and feels pleasant to the touch. The surface is treated with a stain-resistant finish. The cover illustrations are silk-screened prints of iconic panels chosen from the stories contained in each volume. The volume number, spine title, and the ladybug mark are finished with gold foil stamping.”

“Another point worth noting is the application of 'gilt edging' to the top edge of the pages, known as the 'head.' You might have seen this on diaries or planners; this treatment not only adds a luxurious appearance but also prevents moisture and dust from entering the pages, thereby inhibiting the formation of stains. It’s a measure taken to preserve the book in its original condition for as long as possible.”

“We also paid close attention to the binding. Since many 'Doraemon' stories begin with a spread, we adopted a 'sewing binding' method so that readers can fully appreciate the original manuscripts drawn by Fujiko F. Fujio. Standard comics are typically bound with glue (perfect binding), but sewing binding uses thread. This makes the gutter, or the center part where the pages meet, easier to read when the book is opened, and it also ensures the pages are less likely to come loose. As 'Doraemon' is a work often handled by young children, we used a robust binding method with the intention that it can be read in its original form for the next 100 years.”

The book design is handled by popular book designer Naoko Nakui, which is welcome news for book lovers. Ms. Nakui, who strives to create books that many people will pick up while incorporating the author's intent, has infused this work with her masterful touch in various ways.

“Last year, Shogakukan commissioned Ms. Nakui to design the book 'Novel: 'Doraemon: The Movie: Nobita's New Dinosaur' by novelist Mitsuki Tsujimura. What's fascinating about this book is that when you open the cover, there's a printed image of Doraemon's secret gadget, the 'Anywhere Door.' Remarkably, this door has perforations and can actually be opened.”

“Ms. Nakui is, in fact, a huge Doraemon fan. Her passion for the work and her ability to realize playful designs with high quality made us eager for her to design '100-Year Doraemon.' Ms. Nakui possesses deep knowledge of printing and paper, and she constantly explores the possibilities of what can be achieved with physical books. Currently, only the covers and spines of volumes 1, 16, and 31 have been revealed, but she has prepared many attractive ideas for the bonus items and storage cases, so please look forward to them.”

Also noteworthy are the three exclusive bonus volumes that can only be obtained with this set.

“First, there are three accompanying bonus volumes. Bonus Volume 1 is the deluxe color art book 'Dora-e-mon,' featuring carefully selected rare color illustrations. A complete color art book dedicated solely to Doraemon has never been released before, so we believe fans will be delighted. Bonus Volume 2 is a deluxe edition of 'Doraemon' Volume 0. We've received many inquiries asking if Volume 0 is included in this set; it is, and it will also be produced with the same cloth binding and hardcover as the 45 main volumes. Bonus Volume 3 is the complete index, 'Hikuemon.' This volume lists all the secret gadgets and characters appearing in the entire 45-volume 'Tentomushi Comics Doraemon' series, organized alphabetically for easy lookup. For example, you can find out which volume and page number feature the 'Anywhere Door' or 'Jaiko.'”

Additionally, items that will surely delight figure and secret gadget enthusiasts are included.

“Besides the bonus volumes, we've prepared the 'Doraemon & Nobita' 100 Years Later, Still Reading Manga, Laughing Figures! (made by MEDICOM TOY)' and a super-large Time Kerchief (110x110cm). MEDICOM TOY has been producing figures of Doraemon and other Fujiko F. Fujio works for over 15 years, and their figures are highly acclaimed by fans for their remarkable reproduction of the original atmosphere.”

“This time, under the concept of 'Comics that transcend time,' we've created a figure based on the scene in the story 'The Tale of the Time-Traveling Persimmon' (from Volume 40) where the characters are reading a book called 'Tanki-kun.' We've replaced 'Tanki-kun' with the 'Tentomushi Comics Doraemon' Volume 40 and produced it as a MEDICOM TOY UDF (ULTRA DETAIL FIGURE). Like other UDF 'Doraemon' series figures, it comes in a blister pack, allowing it to be displayed in its packaging.”

“The 'Super Large Time Kerchief' (110x110cm) faithfully recreates one of the most popular secret gadgets: the item that reverses time when the red side is used, and advances time when the blue side is used. The '100-Year Doraemon' set comes in three beautiful, dedicated boxes, each holding 15 comic volumes. These boxes will be delivered wrapped in the Time Kerchief, making the unboxing itself a magical experience.”

Furthermore, a special 'Anywhere Door' bookshelf exclusively for '100-Year Doraemon' will be available for separate purchase to customers.

“This is a collaborative development between MEDICOM TOY, Karimoku (a leading Japanese furniture manufacturer), and Shogakukan, and it has generated significant excitement since its announcement. It stands approximately 80cm tall and can hold all 45 main volumes plus the three bonus volumes. In fact, during the initial planning stages of this 'Anywhere Door' bookshelf, we discussed how interesting it would be to include it in the set, but it seemed difficult to realize. However, during a meeting about the 'Doraemon & Nobita' figure with MEDICOM TOY, when I mentioned this idea, President Akashi of MEDICOM TOY said, 'We definitely want that; Karimoku would surely make something excellent.' Karimoku promptly produced a sample, and the result is truly outstanding. This will be available for order via an application form included with '100-Year Doraemon'; the price will be announced once finalized.”

The meticulous specifications, seemingly beyond reproach, convey the extraordinary passion of the production staff. We asked them about their motivation for creating not just a deluxe edition, but a version of 'Doraemon' that could be passed down for 100 years, specifically in the form of a physical book, to the future.

“Above all, it's a gesture of respect for Fujiko F. Fujio and the work 'Doraemon.' We are pouring our full effort into connecting such a fascinating creation to future readers. What can we do as an industry for the future publishing world? Currently, many individuals under the age of 20 may be familiar with Doraemon as a character through the anime or movies, but have never read the original manga. This is because parents no longer have the habit of buying physical books, and with the decline of bookstores, the distance to the original Doraemon manga is widening.”

“While the e-book market is rapidly expanding, children's books are a genre that stands out with strong sales in the physical book format. Picture books, for instance, are larger than digital devices, and for young children, the tactile experience of paper might be more engaging. In fact, sales of books for children, including elementary school students, have surged since early March when the nationwide school closures were announced.”

“For children staying home due to school closures, the importance of physical books has likely increased significantly. They can be read without power or internet access, and being tangible objects, they can be easily lent and borrowed among family and friends. Some who purchase '100-Year Doraemon' with this in mind might believe that if such beautifully designed books are present in their homes, their children will naturally be drawn to them. We hope that by delivering these books in physical form, this tradition will continue for the next 100 years, carrying forward the wishes of Fujiko F. Fujio and our aspirations as a publisher into the future.”

“We believe that the reading of physical books can influence the lives of people in the distant future, and that these works can contribute significantly to culture. Indeed, there are individuals who became scientists or aspired to be astronauts after reading 'Doraemon.' By delivering this masterpiece—the complete 45-volume 'Tentomushi Comics Doraemon' selected by Fujiko F. Fujio himself—to someone in the future, we may be able to positively impact society. It is with this hope that our entire team is working diligently on this project.”

Many of Fujiko F. Fujio's works also foreshadow the future. Many readers likely learned about time paradoxes and warp concepts through 'Doraemon.' Even the social distancing issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic could be resolved with a secret gadget like the 'NS Sticker,' which functions like the N and S poles of a magnet... just imagining it brings a smile to one's face. Being able to read the same work with one's children and discuss it is a wonderful experience that enriches the mind. Finally, we asked Mr. Imamoto for episode recommendations for parents.

“Although they are famous stories, I would recommend 'Nobita's Wedding Eve' (included in Volume 25) and 'The Day I Was Born' (included in Volume 2). Parents will likely find themselves moved to tears by these stories, imagining various things.”

As the December 1st release date approaches, production is steadily progressing, with exciting specifications being finalized. The cloth for the hardcover binding is provided by MEDICOM TOY as textile. Furthermore, the original cover and back cover illustrations of the long-loved 'Tentomushi Comics' will be included as color frontispieces, ensuring that all elements of the 'TenComi' version are incorporated. The designs for the three dedicated boxes, each storing 15 comic volumes, are also shaping up to be a joy for devoted readers to behold, making it something to look forward to. According to Mr. Imamoto, this dream project is expected to be passed down 'to the grandchildren of our grandchildren.' As this is a limited production run, be sure to reserve your copy at bookstores and online nationwide.

©Shogakukan Inc. All rights reserved. ©Fujiko Pro · Shogakukan