After a failed attempt or two, we’re starting to see Doraemon finally catch on in English-speaking regions, though it’s not as if Brooklynites started watching this kids’ anime. Some have referred to the crayon Blue, robotic, time-traveling cat as ‘The First Pikachu’ or ‘Hello Kitty’s Dad’ and it makes sense to see him find international success as a mascot character. You can slap that round face onto cookies, T-Shirts, even socks, and it all works.
Of course, here in Japan he’s more than a fashion icon; He’s every kid’s hero. Now he’s bringing the ‘Doraemon Future Department Store’ to Ginza, a particularly high-end neighborhood not so child-friendly.
The main draw for the Ginza Mitsukoshi-based Doraemon Future Department Store pop-up would be the shirt pictured above, only on sale there.
Other hard to find Doraemon goods will be available, which includes some merchandise that will first come to the store. I think in the gaming world, they call these ‘Timed Exclusives’ and with a Doraemon game available in English for the Nintendo Switch, it’s okay to make that reference.
If clothing and knick-knacks aren’t your stitch, considering heading to Ginza to pick up some Doraemon dorayaki… Wonderful synergy there, looking at it in print.
We confess, there’s a permanent Doraemon Future Department Store location in Odaiba that’s been operating since 2019. Hoewever even for Tokyoites, Odaiba’s a bit out of the way, making the Ginza pop-up an appealing option for those who really want a shirt and bean jam buns. Plus, the larger-than-life Ginza Mitsukoshi shopping center hosting the pop-up itself is one of the must-see spots in the district.
The Doraemon Future Department Store can be found in Ginza Mitsukoshi from 17 to 29 March.