Most of you are probably familiar with the Japanese national animation Doraemon.
This time, we will focus on "Dorayaki," a snack that often appears in the Doraemon animation.
Doraemon, the main character in the anime, is often seen eating these sweets during snack time.
Dorayaki is a Japanese confectionery made of sponge cake-like dough baked into a round shape and filled with azuki bean paste, but where does this unusual name come from?
There are several explanations, but the most popular is that the name "dorayaki" comes from its shape, which resembles a Dora (gong), a percussion instrument.
Dorayaki, also known as the favorite food of the cat-shaped robot Doraemon, is said to be a famous Japanese confectionery in Toyama Prefecture, the birthplace of Doraemon's creator.
It is customary to give dorayaki as gifts for celebrations and memorial ceremonies, and there is an episode in which the author, Fujiko F. Fujio, said that dorayaki was his favorite Japanese confectionery.
Fujiko F. Fujio often uses this traditional Japanese confectionery in his works.
Source：Doraemon Official Website: https://dora-world.com/
Japan National Animation "Doraemon" is also popular outside of Japan
Doraemon has become a popular work, especially in the Asian region. Both the comic and animation have been translated and introduced overseas.
We are sure that some of you overseas may have wondered what the Japanese confectionery in these mangas and anime tastes like.
The appearance of the wagashi (Japanese confectionery) version of sandwiches, the well-thinly baked sponge cake-like dough, and azuki red bean paste is a common taste of wagashi and is a food that everyone knows in Japan.
Localized version "Doraemon Overseas"
When the animation "Doraemon" entered the U.S. market, every possible scene are localised.
You can see that the scene in Japan where chopsticks are used (top image) has been changed to a fork (bottom image) in the U.S. version of "Doraemon".
Localization in this way makes it easier to be taken in and more popular locally.
Source: Oricon News: https://www.oricon.co.jp/
j-Grab Mall team will continue to work as one to localize the Japanese experience to the rest of the world.
j-Grab Mall offers a wide variety of Japanese flavors, crafts, and high quality Japanese products.
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