One of Japan’s most beloved stars meets one of Japan’s most beloved characters.
It’s a big year for Doraemon: he’s celebrating his 50th anniversary, and his 40th movie — Nobita’s no Shin Kyoryu (Nobita’s New Dinosaur) — came out in theaters earlier this year.
And, as one of Japan’s most famous 2D characters, he’s got a lot of real 3D celebrity fans. One of these is none other than Naomi Watanabe, who participated in promo for Doraemon’s big year by dressing up in one of the most adorable cosplays we’ve ever seen.
▼ Her blue hair buns are Doraemon’s tiny ears! How much more creative can you get?
Her look includes Doraemon’s signature red collar — well, three collars if you count the ones keeping her “ears” in place — red lips to mimic Doraemon’s blue-and-red palette, and a red circle on the back of her dress for Doraemon’s tail. She even has dorayaki (a pancake-like snack filled with red bean paste) earrings, which is Doraemon’s favorite food!
If you’re wondering why Naomi Watanabe is one of the celebrities promoting the new movie, it’s because she played a part in it! She provided the voice of the character Natalie. It’s not a leading role, but it’s a pretty big deal to be a part of the Doraemon franchise.
▼ We think she could make a pretty convincing female Doraemon, though.
Fans and netizens absolutely loved the clip of Watanabe taking a nap with her Doraemon doll:
“This is adorable!”
“I love the dorayaki earrings. The red collar motif ribbons holding her hair in place are amazing, too.”
“That look suits her.”
“She makes a cute Doraemon!”
In the second Instagram post we linked, Watanabe said she’d someday love to be able to play the role of Dorami-chan — Doraemon’s younger sister. Whatever she ends up doing (even if it’s another Lady Gaga parody), we’re sure she’ll nail it!
Sources: Neto Labo, Instagram/@watanabenaomi703
Top image: Instagram/@watanabenaomi703
Naomi Watanabe is moving to the U.S., switching base of operations to outside Japan
Instagram queen Naomi Watanabe’s latest post uses trick art to turn herself into sushi
Naomi Watanabe responds to “Olympig” remark from Tokyo Olympics ceremony chief
Tokyo Olympics ceremony chief quits after suggesting Naomi Watanabe dress as an “Olympig”
Japanese comedian Naomi Watanabe has a livestream YouTube channel, and fans are living for it
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
McDonald’s and Gundam team up for customized anime mecha and fried chicken sandwiches[Video]
Howl’s Moving Castle’s scene-stealing dog is here to clean your home as a plushie mop
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Giant Chiikawa statues appear in one of Tokyo’s most confusing train stations【Photos】
Pringles Chocolate, but with a Japanese twist, is the snack hack you should be trying right now
New Travelling Bento pouches turn your luggage into a Japanese lunch box
The young girl starring in this cool retro-style McDonald’s Japan video is actually 62 years old!
Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series
The tricky game of wits that sometimes lurks behind a Kyoto granny’s compliment
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
Peanuts and Coke becomes a viral hit in Japan, but is it a trend worth joining?
Can a downtown Tokyo super sento bathhouse beat a hotel for a one-night stay?
New Japanese KitKats come in sakura flavour, with poetic symbolism for success
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
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
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Naomi Watanabe’s New York food budget leaves TV co-stars and netizens stunned
“Japanese Beyoncé” Naomi Watanabe is now a model for Beyoncé’s Ivy Park collection
Naomi Watanabe sports Adidas stripes in her hair to celebrate becoming brand ambassador
Naomi Watanabe cosplays as Sailor Moon as she joins voice cast of anime franchise
Naomi Watanabe releases new clothing collaboration with Japanese restaurant chain Saizeriya
Naomi Watanabe models new Sailor Moon plus-size clothing range in Japan 【Photos】
Last Samurai star Ken Watanabe cooks with daughter Anne in viral YouTube video