
Toyota made waves by casting Japanese heartthrob Satoshi Tsumabuki as Nobita-kun in its live-action Doraemon commercials two weeks ago, but fans of the adapation of the popular cartoon were in for an even bigger shock the following week.
Toyota rolled its second wave of live-action Doraemon commercials off the line on November 18 with film star Jean Reno playing the role of Doraemon.
Doraemon has been parodied a number of times throughout his existence. We’ve seen everything from muscle-bound Doraemon to efforts so poor that the get-up doesn’t even resemble a robotic cat.
But Jean Reno? No way! Reno has obviously done his homework for this role, as he faithfully captures the feel of the dorayaki-loving anime character in real-life form.
The first wave of commercials created a sensation that now shows no signs of stopping. In any case, Toyota didn’t have to go as high as Jean Reno to do Manhattan’s creepy real-life Hello Kitty one better.
Live-Action Doraemon Commercial Cast
Doraemon – Jean Reno
Nobita – Satoshi Tsumabuki
Shizuka-chan – Asami Mizukawa
Jaian – Naoya Ogawa
Suneo – Tomohisa Yamashita
Source: Toyota Official Site TOYOTA ReBORN
© Fujiko Pro/Shogakukan/TV Asahi/Shin-ei/ADK
[ Read in Japanese ]

AKB48’s Atsuko Maeda Joins Jean Reno In Bizarre Doraemon Themed Toyota Commercials
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Survey finds more than 70 percent of Japanese children have an online friend
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo unveils exclusive sakura cherry blossom drinkware range for 2020
A close encounter with a dangerous criminal on a Shinkansen bullet train in Japan
“Bear” voted Japan’s Kanji of the Year for 2025 in extremely close race
Daiso has giant new branch in middle of Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood (and another beneath it)
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Leave a Reply