
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
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases huge new wooden clip collection featuring 25 anime movies
Starbucks Japan adds new Frappuccino, Tea, and Chillax Soda to its limited-edition summer menu
Can instant TKG from Don Quijote really recreate Japan’s beloved raw-egg-on-rice dish?
Tokyo and Osaka make it into this year’s EIU ranking of the world’s Top Ten Most Liveable Cities
Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea raising ticket prices, free Fast Pass ending next month
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Japan reacts to Donald Trump’s “Islamic Republic of Japan” remark
Japanese airport rebrands itself as “Sushi Airport” to attract foreign tourists
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Three new starter Pokémon Jets to fly in Japan, first begins carrying passengers this month
Studio Ghibli theme park’s new dessert is a drinkable version of Hayao Miyazaki’s pilot daydream
Solid gold Hedorah kaiju from the Godzilla series is now available to pre-order
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa