Doraemon Features Taro Hakase's Innovative 'Anything Violin'

TOKYO, Mar 16 (News On Japan) - Violinist Taro Hakase has crafted a new secret gadget for the TV anime "Doraemon," called the "Anything Violin."

In the episode "Shizuka's Baked Sweet Potato Symphony" airing on TV Asahi at 5:00 p.m. today, March 16, a character inspired by Hakase, named "Hikase Taro," makes an appearance. This marks Hakase's first attempt at voice acting for this character.

The story begins when Shizuka's violin, intended for a performance at a cherry blossom viewing party, gets broken. To cheer up Shizuka, Doraemon presents the "Anything Violin," a secret gadget shaped like a violin bow. This gadget can turn anything, such as a badminton racket or a tree branch, into a violin by simply holding it like a violin and playing with the bow, producing the sound of a violin. Upon hearing that "Hikase Taro" is shooting a promotional video nearby, Doraemon comes up with an idea, leading to a "wonderful trajectory" involving Shizuka and Hikase under the fully bloomed cherry blossoms at the climax.

Hakase was delighted with the character "Hikase," modeled after himself, and surprised the staff with his natural rhythm and ease in voice acting, despite it being his first time. In addition to "Shizuka's Baked Sweet Potato Symphony," the broadcast slated for Saturday afternoon, March 16, will also feature "Rampage! The Handmade Giant Robot," depicting Nobita's commotion as he strives to build a giant robot.

Currently, theaters nationwide are screening the movie "Doraemon: Nobita's Earth Symphony." In anticipation of the release of this music-themed film, the "Dora Dora♪Symphony Orchestra" was formed, gathering children from across the country. Hakase has been appointed as the special supporter for the orchestra, providing the song "Kimi no Pocket" for the "Dora Dora♪Symphony Orchestra."

Source: Natalie

Do Bears Prefer Acorns or Berries?

Bear sightings across Japan have already climbed to nearly twice the level recorded during the same period last year, prompting entry bans in mountain areas behind Kyoto’s Ninna-ji Temple and the cancellation of hiking events in Kansai, while new research suggests that the key to reducing encounters may lie in understanding what bears eat in each region.

Copper Thieves Target Japanese Shrines

Copper roofing panels were stolen from several shrines in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture, including a city-designated cultural property, in the latest case amid a nationwide surge in copper thefts targeting shrines and temples across Japan, where soaring metal prices have fueled crimes that leave historic religious buildings damaged, exposed to the elements, and facing repair costs of millions of yen.

1200-Year-Old Temple on Miyajima Reduced to Ashes

Flames broke out on the morning of May 20th on Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, home to one of Japan's World Heritage sites, destroying Reikado Hall near the summit of Mount Misen.

From Bento Boxes to Garbage Bags, Rising Costs Hitting Daily Life Across Japan

Uncertainty surrounding the situation in the Middle East is beginning to affect daily life in Japan, as concerns over crude oil supplies spread to restaurants, cleaning services and even household garbage disposal systems across the Kansai region.

Tochigi Robbery-Murder Suspect’s Wife Posted Dance Videos on Social Media

A 25-year-old woman arrested as a suspected ringleader in a robbery-murder case in Tochigi Prefecture once posted cheerful dance videos on social media and was remembered by those who knew her as an energetic and outgoing young woman.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Entertainment NEWS

Kentarō Ito and Natsuki Deguchi Spark Dating Rumors

Actors Kentarō Ito and Natsuki Deguchi have become the focus of intense speculation after the pair were reportedly seen together late at night in the parking area of an apartment complex.

300-Meter 'Kingdom' Manga Sets World Record

A breakwater in Saga City covered with every page from the first 78 volumes of the hit manga "Kingdom" has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records for the world's longest continuous outdoor display of manga pages.

Traditional Takigi Noh Heralds Early Summer in Ancient Capital of Nara

The traditional event Takigi Noh, which signals the arrival of early summer in the ancient capital, was held on May 15th at Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kofukuji Temple in Nara City.

'Sheep in the Box' Officially Screened at Cannes Film Festival

Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film "Sheep in the Box," which was selected for the competition section at the 79th Cannes International Film Festival in France, received its official screening on May 16th as it competes for the festival’s top prize, the Palme d'Or.

The Lights of Kabuki Go Out in Dōtonbori

Today we have a look at, unfortunately, the final kabuki show to take place at the Shochiku-za theatre in Osaka, the last remaining kabuki venue in Dōtonbori. (Kabuki In-Depth)

Japanese Cinema in Cannes Spotlight

The Cannes Film Festival opened this week with three Japanese films nominated for the festival’s top prize, the Palme d'Or, including 'Sheep in the Box' directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, 'Nagi Notes' directed by Koji Fukada, and 'Suddenly Feeling Unwell' directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi.

Japanese Hospitality Principles Event Planners Can Learn From

Japanese hospitality has a reputation for being almost mystically attentive, but the principles behind it are practical and teachable.

Curtain Falls on Osaka’s Beloved Theater

The Osaka Shochikuza theater, which has entertained audiences in Osaka’s Dotonbori district for more than a century through films, kabuki and live performances, will close in June 2026 due to aging facilities and the high cost of renovations.

< 2 3 4 5 >