After a ten-year hiatus, TV Asahi’s iconic Japanese animated series "Doraemon" is set to return to French audiences with a brand-new dubbed season. Produced by TV Asahi and distributed by French distribution company Soupir, this highly anticipated release marks the first French-language dub of the beloved Japanese classic since 2015.
Maiko Sumida, Head of Animation Sales and Development at TV Asahi said: “We have always felt that Japan and France share a deep cultural affinity. We are truly delighted to bring Doraemon—one of Japan’s most cherished animation series—back to France with a wonderful cast and a fresh new dub.”
Charles Courcier, Founder of Soupir added: “We are truly honored to be working on such an iconic series. We are doing everything in our power to help Doraemon become as beloved in France as it is around the world. This new dub honors the series’ legacy and is poised to propel it to new heights.”
The new season of 13 x 22-minute (or 26 x 11-minute) episodes will premiere on YouTube (France) on 3rd October followed by launches on Anime Digital Network (ADN), Amazon Prime Video and Pluto TV and other platforms. This rollout represents a major milestone in reviving the Doraemon library for French audiences and re-introduces the beloved robot cat to a new generation.
To celebrate the launch, TV Asahi will host a ‘Dorayaki Party’ at MIPCOM, on Tuesday 14th October, from 15:00 – 16:00 at Booth R7.E67. Voice cast members Emmaneul Curtil and Brigitte Lecordier will be on hand to share exclusive behind the scenes insights, Doraemon’s revival in France, the development of the new season, the dubbing process and more.
Emmanual Curtil: “I hadn’t come across 'Doraemon' before, but I had the pleasure of dubbing it alongside my long-time friend and collaborator, Brigitte Lecordier. I am very happy to bring this cheerful and intrepid little hero to life in these incredible adventures!”
Brigitte Lecordier: “'Doraemon' was already a legendary figure throughout the world of animation when I started out in dubbing! I feel so lucky to work on this anime, playing Nobita Nobi, best mate of the legendary blue cat with all his magic gadgets, played by my friend Emmanuel Curtil, in an adventure… as incredible as funny.”
Created by Fujiko F. Fujio, "Doraemon" began as a manga series in 1970 and first aired in Japan in 1979 and has since become a global cultural icon with over 2,000 episodes.
