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
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Can a downtown Tokyo super sento bathhouse beat a hotel for a one-night stay?
Beautiful Ghibli earrings allow you to finally reunite two of the studio’s star-crossed lovers
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Licca-chan dolls released in North America for first time in nearly 60 years
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Japan’s prime minister exchanges Dragon Ball kamehamehas with president of France[Video]
Stay at a Japanese capsule hotel in Tokyo for less than US$20 a night
Step back in time with Japanese-themed rooms at rare vintage love hotel in Osaka【Video】
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli adds new My Neighbour Totoro 2026 Corn Gift to its anime store for Mother’s Day
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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