Fujiko F Fujio is the pen name of the manga artists duo that brought to life one of Japan's most beloved characters, Doraemon, the robot kitten.

I knew about Doraemon since Junior High School although the manga was published way back in the past when I wasn’t even born.

If you are into Japan it is impossible not to know Fujiko F. Fujio and their works. Even if you don’t know much about their other works or you don’t know that much about the manga culture in Japan, I am sure that at least one time when you were in town you’ve seen Doraemon’s face printed on a T-shirt or a bag.

Those of you who have children might have seen the adorable character on TV or the Internet, too. I don’t have children, but every time I went shopping, I happened to see his characters on either school materials children were buying at the beginning of a new scholar year or printed on children's clothes and bags.

In Japan, there are a lot of goods especially with Doraemon and you can even find a Doraemon shop and corner at the New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido.

Whenever I visit Hokkaido, I always go by there and have a café latte with my favorite characters, and most of the time, I can’t stop myself from buying something from the souvenir shop or trying my skills at the Doraemon arcade.

Besides the shop in Hokkaido, there are tons of many other places where you can meet Doraemon, but when visiting Japan, the place you shouldn’t miss is the Fujiko F. Fujio Museum in the suburbs of Kawasaki City, Kanto area.

The museum is a must for the Doraemon fans and all the works of his creators.

Inside you will find many original works of the writers and their study desk, a room where you can chill and read manga, playrooms for both children and adults, a theater where you can watch original short-animations, life-size statues of the characters from Doraemon and an adorable café with a delicious Doraemon-themed menu.

Outside, in the garden, you will find the Anywhere Door/Dokodemo Doa to take you wherever your heart desires and also many other gadgets and characters that you can take pictures with.

If you want to buy souvenirs, you can do so at the gift shop where you will find a wide selection of Fujiko F. Fujio’s most popular characters together with Doraemon themed goods, as well.

Don’t forget to taste the Dorayaki (yummy buns filled with Anko/red bean paste) that Doraemon loves so much.

Because of the COVID-19, the museum’s temporary closure has been extended to prevent the spreading of the virus, but thanks to the staff and the Stay Home Doraemon to Issho Ni (Stay home together with Doraemon) project, you can buy goods online on their website and also play Doraemon games, download Doraemon-themed posters or animations so you can watch it and feel the museum’s atmosphere even while staying at home.

It is a hard period for everyone, but don’t forget to stay safe and take precautions so you can protect yourself and those around you.

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