An event to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the birth of Fujiko F. Fujio manga artist known for the popular manga "Doraemon," called "Fujiko F. Fujio 90th Anniversary Project Presentation" was held on October 4th at Ebisu Garden Place (Shibuya Ward, Tokyo), with appearances by Tsuneyoshi Kawai, the first editor in charge of "Doraemon," and novelist Mizuki Tsujimura. Kawai talked about the untold story of the birth of "Doraemon," and the behind-the-scenes announcement of the start of the serialization, which is said to be legendary among fans.
``Doraemon'' began serialization in 1969 in the January 1970 issue of six Shogakukan magazines: ``Yoiko'', ``Youchien'', ``Shougaku ichinensei'', ```Shougaku ninensei', ```Shougaku sannensei'', and ```Shougaku yonensei''. Mr. Kawai was involved in the start of the series as the first editor in charge of ``Doraemon'' in ``Shougaku yonensei.''
When Mr. Kawai received the manuscript for the first episode from Mr. Fujiko, he said, ``I received this manuscript from my teacher 54 years ago,'' and was surprised when he saw the manuscript. On the last page of the first episode, the telephone pole was painted with the words ``Kawai Pawnshop,'' taken from Mr. Kawai's name. At the time, Mr. Kawai was a 24-year-old new editor in his first year at the company, and ``He put my name like this, even though I didn't even know about the manga meeting. At the time, I thought it would be something a little different, like ``Kawai Hospital,'''' he said with a smile.
``Doraemon'' is also famous for the serial preview that was published in ``Shougaku yonensei'' before the serialization started.The preview page did not show Doraemon's appearance or the title, and there was a ``Doraemon'' from his desk drawer. !” was written in a speech bubble. Mr. Kawai said, ``At the time, when I showed this preview to my boss, he got angry.``Who is the main character?'' ``What is the title?'' ``This one is here!'' ``What is that?'' This was the only picture I received from my teacher (laughs).But looking back now, I think it was a great result.''
"Doraemon" is still loved by many fans, more than 50 years after its serialization began. Kawai said, ``I'm really happy. Even though the series started, it didn't really gain popularity. In July (when the series started in 1969), Apollo 11 landed on the moon, and in 1970, It was a time when the Osaka World Expo was being held and there were a lot of events, so ``Doraemon'' started modestly. Everyone supported us for a long time and helped us grow to such a large size. The teacher was really happy. I hope you will be there," he said, expressing his thoughts.