VOX POPULI: Like Nobita in ‘Doraemon,’ we should never give up on ourselves
Nobita, one of the main characters of the “Doraemon” manga series, is a complete underachiever who just can’t do anything right.
He receives a zero on tests, gets bitten by dogs and has his new comic book snatched by Gian, the neighborhood bully.
But for all his adversities and goof-ups, Nobita never gives up on life, which is his greatest asset.
A few times every year, he makes up his mind to “become a better person than now” and surprises his mom by sitting at his desk to do his homework.
Come to think of it, Nobita may, in fact, be a very strong character, deep down.
In a magazine interview, Fujiko F. Fujio (1933-1996), the creator of Doraemon, once likened a classic barber’s pole with a helical spinning stripe to people.
People think they are moving upward in pursuit of their dreams, like the stripe. But that is an illusion--they are actually stuck where they are, just as the pole remains stationary.
“In the end, they even forget their ‘dream of going up,’” explained the cartoonist. “What I hope is that they will instead find inspiration in people who can keep cheerfully pursuing their dreams despite their failures and never give up on themselves.”
I am pretty certain he had Nobita in mind.
Graduation season is nearing and many high school students will be saying their goodbyes in early March.
Some may be moving on with renewed hope, while others may be facing disappointing transitions.
To each their own.
When you are young, you probably believe that the first step you take now will determine the course for the rest of your life.
But that is not true at all. The important thing is to never give up on yourself.
After borrowing “Fanta Glasses” from Doraemon, Nobita becomes able to commune freely with animals and plants like in fantasy tales, and he lovingly grows a dandelion.
When the last dandelion fluff flies away on a gentle spring breeze, Nobita asks, “Where do you intend to go?”
The fluff answers, “I don’t know--but I’ll definitely become a beautiful flower somewhere.”
Good luck and Godspeed to all young travelers.
--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 20
* *
*Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
Related articles
Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Former South African President Jacob Zuma was barred Monday from running for Par2024-05-21Bayern without fans against Arsenal, Dortmund facing knockout monsters Atletico
A mixture of relief and respect accompanied German sides Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund after t2024-05-21Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
MEULABOH, Indonesia (AP) — The boat glided across waters that were dark and still, under a night sky2024-05-21Canucks facing doubters ahead of 2nd
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — The Vancouver Canucks have dealt with skeptics all season, and th2024-05-21Saudi Arabia is going to sponsor the WTA women's tennis rankings under a new partnership
NEW YORK (AP) — Saudi Arabia’s move into tennis will now include a multiyear deal to sponsor the WTA2024-05-21Willy Adames calls his shot, hits go
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Willy Adames had been chatting up the Royals fans behind the Milwaukee dugou2024-05-21
atest comment