Japan’s TV Asahi is set to celebrate the much-awaited return of Doraemon to French screens with a special Dorayaki Party at Mipcom 2025 on October 14. The event will bring together fans, industry professionals and voice actors to mark the revival of the beloved time-travelling blue robotic cat, who is making a comeback in France after a gap of 10 years.

According to a report, the celebration coincides with the launch of 13 newly dubbed French episodes, which premiered on October 3—the first time since 2015 that Doraemon has been available in the French language. The new season debuted on YouTube France before expanding to Anime Digital Network, Amazon Prime Video and Pluto TV, supported by a robust multi-platform campaign titled Bonjour Doraemon. The promotional blitz includes exclusive previews, YouTube Shorts, and behind-the-scenes videos featuring the voice cast.

At the Mipcom event, French voice actors Emmanuel Curtil and Brigitte Lecordier will share stories about bringing the iconic characters to life. Curtil, best known as the French voice of Jim Carrey and Disney’s Goofy, now voices Doraemon. He admitted he had not encountered the character before, but described dubbing the series alongside long-time collaborator Lecordier as a joyful experience. “I am very happy to bring this cheerful and intrepid little hero to life,” he said.

Lecordier, famed for voicing Son Goku in Dragon Ball, returns as Nobita Nobi while also co-directing the dubbing with Louis Lecordier. Calling Doraemon “a legendary figure throughout the world of animation,” she said she felt “so lucky” to be part of the revival.

Created by Fujiko F. Fujio, Doraemon began as a manga in 1970 before arriving on Japanese television in 1979. Over the decades, it has become one of Asia’s most enduring cultural exports, with more than 2,000 episodes and multiple films cementing its status as a global juggernaut.

Maiko Sumida, head of animation sales and development at TV Asahi, said the comeback highlights the cultural bond between Japan and France, noting that both countries share “a deep cultural affinity.” Paris-based distributor Soupir is spearheading the French rollout. Its founder Charles Courcier said the new dub aims to make Doraemon “as beloved in France as it is around the world.”

With a legacy spanning over five decades, Doraemon’s French return is being hailed as a nostalgic revival for older fans and a fresh discovery for younger audiences.