The Doraemon Exhibition Singapore 2022 : Review and Guide

Doraemon is here!

This is the first Doraemon Exhibition held outside Japan and the National Museum of Singapore.

Opening on 5 November, it will showcase one of the most beloved Japanese characters that sprung out of the ages of Manga and into the hearts of fans all over the wall. You will get to experience the past, the present, and the future of Doraemon all in one exhibit.

Get your tickets from Klook here!

There are 5 different zones to explore for this exhibition. Here's what to expect.

Zone 1:   MANGA DORAEMON Orginal Drawings Exhibition 
LEVEL 1: Stamford GALLERY

MANGA DORAEMON Original Drawings Exhibition @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit: TWD

Showcasing the original drawings and sketches of its creator, the late Mr Fujiko F Fujio, you will see the origins of Doraemon. The first Manga was debuted in 1970. 

MANGA DORAEMON Original Drawings Exhibition @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit: TWD

Do you know that Doraemon is a robot cat from the future brought back by the descendants of Nobita to take care of the latter? Do you that that Doraemon was yellow before he turned blue?

MANGA DORAEMON Original Drawings Exhibition @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit: TWD

Upon entry to the gallery, you will see artwork panels dedicated to the Manga's individual characters. In addition, 70 drawing and sketches by the late Mr Fujimoto is on display.

MANGA DORAEMON Original Drawings Exhibition @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit: TWD

 They are on loan from the Fujiko F Fujio museum in Japan, the first time they are shown outside of Japan.

MANGA DORAEMON Original Drawings Exhibition @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit: TWD

Passing the gallery, you will see a replica of the desk where Mr Fujimoto drew Doraemon.

MANGA DORAEMON Original Drawings Exhibition @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit: TWD

Further inwards, you will experience selected highlights from Doraemon the Movie Series. 

MANGA DORAEMON Original Drawings Exhibition @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit: TWD

Zone 2: ACT 1
B1 Exhibition Gallery

This zone features 18 Japanese artists and art groups. They were selected from Japan's "Create your own Original Doraemon" campaign. The artists use their own interpretation of the iconic Doraemon Character using different media such as painting, sculptures, graphics and photography.

Takashi Murakami. "Would't it be nice if we could do such a thing"(2017)

Takashi Murakami. "Would't it be nice if we could do such a thing"(2017), THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD.

The first thing you will see is Takashi Murakami's famous "Would't it be nice if we could do such a thing (2017). This contemporary acrylic artwork is made up of several layers of stickers pasted on top of each other. The impressive size and colour pop the moment you see it.

Mika Ninagawa, 'A tale of my dear DORA on a date'(2017)

Mika Ninagawa, 'A tale of my dear DORA on a date'(2017), THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

As an avid fan of Art who cannot draw or paint, my media of expression is photography. This set of photos by Mika Ningawa ' A tale of my dear DORA on a date (2017), captures a date with Doraemon in a very expressive and living tone. A personal favourite of mine for this exhibition.

Kayo Ume

THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit: TWD

There is plenty more artwork to explore, so we do suggest you take your time exploring.

Yoshitomo Nara 'Doramichan's Ribbon was taken by Gian (2002) THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

Zone 3: ACT 2
BGalleryry Theatre

In this segment, you have 10 contemporary artists creating their own interpretations of Doraemon based on their favourite Doraemon moves produced over the years. 

THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

Stepped into the gallery, you will be greeted by a wall of Doraemon animation. See if you can spot anything there.

Sebastian MASUDA, 'Final Weapon(2017)

Sebastian MASUDA, 'Final Weapon'(2017), THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

The standout for us would be Sebastian MASUDA " Final Weapon"(2017). This gigantic artwork is made of wood, cloth, plastic and yarn. Inspired by  Nobita Dorabian Nights, it represents a real world mixed up with fairy tales.

Yuta Nakazato ' Chosen a Dream and Hope' (2017)

Yuta Nakazato 'Chosen a Dream and Hope '(2017), THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

Yuta Nakazat was inspired by Doraemon in the Movie: Nobita and the Birth of Japan to create this beautiful white flying horse.

RenaRena, 'Determination' (2017)

RenaRena, 'Determination' (2017), THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

RenaRean's 'Determination' (2017) caught out eye. It's an impressive white chalk-on-blackboard painting inspired by Doraemon the Movie.

Akinori Goto, 'Chrono-space'(2012)

Akinori Goto, 'Chrono-space'(2012), THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

Another standout pieces are the play on light on media by Akinori Goto, "Chrono-Space'. 

Tomoyoshi Sakamoto, ' I wonder when we'll grow up'(2017)

Tomoyoshi Sakamoto, ' I wonder when we'll grow up'(2017), THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD.

Three impressive pieces of artwork deserve mention. Tomoyoshu Sakmoto's giant painting " I wonder when we'll grow up' (2017) was my favourite. While Satomi Kondo 'Sometimes humans do things that just don't make sense' and Ai Shinohara "To the Bright: Nobita's Great Adventure into the Underworld" (2017) were intriguing.

Satomi Kondo, 'Sometimes humans do things that just don't make sense' (2017)

Satomi Kondo, 'Sometimes humans do things that just don't make sense' (2017), THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

Ryuki Yamamoto ' Doraemon and Friends Plunging into the Yamamoto World (2017)

Ryuki Yamaoto ' Doraemon and Friends Plunging into the Yamamoto World (2017), THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

Ai Shinohara, 'To the Bright: Nobita's Great Adventure into the Underworld(2017)

Ai Shinohara, 'To the Bright: Nobita's Great Adventure into the Underworld(2017), THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

Some other exciting finds include Doraemon's Gadget like the "Hopter"

THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

Zone 4: ACT SG
B1 The Canyon

Two Singaporean artists were specially commissioned to create their unique version of Doraemon for the Singapore edition. Contemporary artist, Jajan Loh's contribution, titled My Journey with Doraemon, was inspired by his childhood memories of reading Doraemon manga.

Jahan Loh, 'Intergalactic Voyagers' (2022)

Jahan Loh, 'Intergalactic Voyagers' (2012), THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

The second artwork is by Singaporean photographer Leslie Kee titled "Imagine". It comprised a series of blue-tinted portraits to symbolise a world of 'Love, Peace, One, You, Me, Doraemon.'

Leslie Kee, 'Imagine' (2022)

Leslie Kee, 'Imagine' (2022), THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit National Museum of Singapore

Zone 5: Doraemon-theme cafe
B1 

Doraemon-themed Cafe by Toraya Confectionary,  THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

In collaboration with Toraya, an esteemed wagashi maker with a history of 500 years, visitors can enjoy a Singapore-exclusive Dorayaki set inspired by the character's favourite snacks and other snacks imported from Japan.

Doraemon-themed Cafe by Toraya Confectionary,  THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

Each Doraemon themed dorayaki costs $6.90 at the cafe

Bonus: Exclusive Doraemon merchandise from Fujiko F Fujio Museum
Level 1

THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

Bring a piece of the exhibit home with exclusive Doraemon collectables.

 THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

These include tote bags, mugs, stationery items and more.

Verdict

THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

While I know Doraemon, I can't say that I am a dedicated fan. However, after this exhibition, I was impressed with the different artwork. It was a visual feast for the eyes; you must see it in person to appreciate it in totality. Photos do not justify the many wows I exclaimed during the exhibition.

Even if you are not a fan of Doraemon, if you like Art, you will love this exhibition. However, it did make me want to learn more about Doraemon. Maybe it is time to catch up on the series or get the Manga!You sees just a few selected pieces; the exhibition collection is at least 10 times as much. So if you are paying a visit, prepare to spend a couple of hours admiring the pieces.

THE DORAEMON EXHIBITION SINGAPORE 2022 @ Fujiko-Pro / Image Credit TWD

The Doraemon Exhibition Singapore 2022 will be open daily to the public from 5 November 2022 to 5 February 2023 from 10am to 7pm.

Tickets will be priced at $30 for adults and $25 for individuals under 18. Children under 6 get in free.

  You can get your tickets from Klook here.

 In addition, ticket holders can attend a Doraemon Workshop by Sebastian Masuda to create their own Doraemon. Bookings must be made beforehand at Klook.

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