WASEDA University Doraemon Kenkyukai is a young club established in 2005. Those who love Doraemon get together, talk about Doraemon and nurture friendship. There are about 30 members of a wide range of generations from students to alumni. Our main activity is a weekly meeting, and we use a room in the Student Union Building and spend time casually, playing cards or watching movies.

Doraemon Kenkyukai also has a camp in September. In 2011, we went to Takaoka City in Toyama Prefecture where Mr. Fujio F. Fujiko, the author of Doraemon was born. We toured such “meccas” of Doraemon as the Takaoka Kojo Park (model of the back hill of Doraemon) and Takaoka Post Office (from which Mr. Fujiko posted his comic manuscripts), strengthening our love of his work. We also met Mr. Yasuyuki Yokoyama, Professor Emeritus of Toyama University, who is famous as the advocate of “Doraemon Research,” and discussed the attractiveness of Doraemon.

The biggest event of the year is “Doraemon Kentei” (Doraemon Test) held at Waseda Festivalevery year. Visitors solve problems on Doraemon prepared by us and are awarded with prizes based on their scores. Every year, the event is very successful and is enjoyed by many people. We also have a booth at Toyama Art Festival, exhibiting works reproducing secret tools of Doraemon.

Another regular activity is to go and see the latest Doraemon movie released in March together with all members. It is something uncommon that more than a dozen university students watch the movie surrounded by parents and children together, but as it is a Doraemon film, it can be enjoyed regardless of age.

The requirement to join our club is that you “like” Doraemon. That’s it! All the members of Doraemon Kenkyukai are looking forward to talking to more Doraemon fans. If you are interested, please contact us.