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“Doraemon” has reached its 50th anniversary. To celebrate this along with his birthday (Sep. 3), it has been decided that “50 Shuunen Dayo! Doraemon Tanjoubi Special!” (50th anniversary! Doraemon Birthday Special!) will be broadcast on Sep. 5. Hoshino Gen, who is currently singing the main theme of Doraemon, will be appearing in the birthday special, and there will be a new anime adaption of “Nobita's Dinosaur”.

In “50 Shuunen Dayo! Doraemon Tanjoubi Special!”, Hoshino Gen, who sings “Doraemon” the current opening theme song of the TV series, will be making a special appearance. He will choose his favorite episodes to celebrate Doraemon's birthday, and one of them will become recreated as a new anime.

The episode that Hoshino selected was “Ultra Mixer”, the story where a huge commotion breaks out over the secret tool, the Ultra Mixer, which mixes two things into one. Why is this story his favorite? This is the chance to hear his memorable episode.

Also, the birthday special will have a new anime adaption of “Nobita's Dinosaur”, the starting point of the “Doraemon” movie series, to celebrate Doraemon's 50th anniversary. It is a short story, which has been adapted into a film twice, 1980 and 2006.

Piisuke will be voiced by Hisano Misaki, who is well known for her roles in titles such as “The Seven Deadly Sins” and “March Comes In Like a Lion”. We have received comments from her on her taking part.

The special also includes the episode chosen by the “Doraemon freak”, Takahashi Chisako, and a quiz related to Gian, her favorite character.

“50 Shuunen Dayo! Doraemon Tanjoubi Special!” will be broadcast from 4:00 p.m. on Sep. 5.

Comments
Hoshino Gen
――What are your memories of Doraemon?

What I remember most are the feature films. Of course, I went to the theaters, and I was always looking forward to my parents taking me to the video rental store on weekends. Watching the videos (borrowed at the rental store) on weekends was like a custom. I also watched “Doraemon” (the TV series) every week and read the mangas. Doraemon was a part of my life, and it felt like he was right there with me.

Takashima Chisako
――How were you introduced to Doraemon?

I was introduced to “Doraemon” when I was in 2nd grade. I went for a sleepover at my friend Rika-chan's place, and I couldn't go to sleep. So she gave me “Doraemon” (the manga) to read. It was the first time I read “Doraemon”, and it kept me awake until the morning. Since then, I've been fascinated by “Doraemon”.

Hisano Misaki
――This is the 50th anniversary year of Doraemon. How did you feel when you were offered to take part in the birthday special of such a special yea?

It was such a treat!! I've grown up with Doraemon since I was little, so it made me very happy to be able to celebrate his birthday with him.

――What did you keep in mind when playing Piisuke? And was there anything you felt during the recording?

I had seen “Nobita's Dinosaur 2006” before, so I knew about Piisuke. I didn't expect to play him, so it surprised me, and also made me happy.
At the same time, I felt the pressure of taking on the role, since it's a popular story among the Doraemon fans.
The day before the post-recordings, I re-watched the film to understand Piisuke's feelings. I was so nervous that I didn't get much sleep, but once the recordings started, I was able to get into the world of Doraemon, thanks to Doraemon, Nobita, and all the cast members.
Even if I didn't understand something, the staff members directed me in a way that helped me build up Piisuke with care and sincerity.

――How was it working with the Doraemon voice cast?

We were recording our voices at the same time in separate booths in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, so I heard the cast members' voices through the headphones. I was flattered to hear the voices I always hear from the TV!
After the recording, Mizuta Wasabi-san, who voices Doraemon, came to see me in the lobby and kindly said to me, “Piisuke was wonderful.” I wasn't sure if I was ding it right, so Mizuta-san's words were very comforting!

――What is Doraemon to you?

I've been watching the anime since I was little, and I often sang “Boku Doraemon” with my friends. But the “Honwaka Pappa” in the lyrics was a bit too difficult for me, haha. I instead sang, “Doraemon, Doraemon, Honwawa Wawwa, Honwawa Wawwa,” haha.

――Is there anything you would like to say to the viewers?

This story will remind you of how important it is to be able to be with your friends and family without thinking about it. I hope the story will help you realize how important your friends and the time you spend with them are, and everyone can live a happy life.

(C)Fujiko Pro, Shogakukan, TV Asahi, Shinei, ADK