The long-running anime Doraemon will air a special episode on May 23 to celebrate Shizuka’s birthday month, while also promoting the release of its latest film in Vietnam.
Titled “The Gift Is a Trip to Vietnam” the episode is the third entry in the “Doraemon Around the World” series, following earlier stories set in countries like Thailand and Spain.
The story centers on Nobita Nobi, who tries to make Shizuka’s dream come true by offering her a birthday trip to Vietnam. Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a journey across famous Vietnamese landmarks, including Hoan Kiem Lake, the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, and Dragon Bridge. Shizuka also appears wearing the traditional Vietnamese “ao dai”, adding a cultural touch to the story.
The episode introduces a unique twist on one of Doraemon’s gadgets, featuring a “banh mi-flavored” version of the Translation Konnyaku, which allows characters to understand any language.
Created by Fujiko F. Fujio, Doraemon remains one of Japan’s most iconic franchises. The anime, produced by Shin-Ei Animation, has aired more than 3,000 episodes since its debut in 1979.
Meanwhile, the latest film, Doraemon: Nobita and the New Castle of the Undersea Devil, premiered in Japan on February 27, 2026. As the 45th entry in the series, it has topped the Japanese weekend box office for six consecutive weeks.
