After a ten-year hiatus, TV Asahi’s iconic Japanese animated series Doraemon is set to return to French audiences with a brand-new dubbed season. Produced by TV Asahi and distributed by Paris based digital distribution company Soupir, this highly anticipated release marks the first French-language dub of the beloved Japanese classic since 2015.
The new season of 13 x 22-minute (or 26 x 11-minute) episodes will premiere on YouTube (France) on 3rd October followed by launches on Anime Digital Network (ADN), Amazon Prime Video and Pluto TV and other platforms. This rollout represents a major milestone in reviving the Doraemon library for French audiences and re-introduces the beloved robot cat to a new generation.
Following Doraemon’s return to YouTube (France) in September 2024, the new dubbed episodes will serve as an official ‘new season’. A dedicated promotional campaign titled ‘Bonjour Doraemon’ will accompany the release featuring promotional visuals, special voice cast video messages, YouTube Shorts, sneak peeks into the freshly dubbed episodes and exclusive previews.
Leading the French voice cast is Emmanuel Curtil, best known as the official French voice of Jim Carrey, Disney’s Goofy, adult Simba in The Lion King and for characters in Frozen and The Smurfs, who voices Doraemon. He is joined by Brigitte Lecordier widely known for voicing Son Goku in Dragon Ball who plays Nobita Nobi and also serves as the dubbing co-director with Louis Lecordier for this new season.
To celebrate the launch, TV Asahi will host a ‘Dorayaki Party’ at MIPCOM, on Tuesday 14th October, from 15:00 – 16:00 at Booth R7.E67. Voice cast members Emmaneul Curtil and Brigitte Lecordier will be on hand to share exclusive behind the scenes insights, Doraemon’s revival in France, the development of the new season, the dubbing process and more.
Created by Fujiko F. Fujio, Doraemon began as a manga series in 1970 and first aired in Japan in 1979 and has since become a global cultural icon with over 2,000 episodes. The series follows the adventures of a time-travelling robotic cat called Doraemon who helps a young boy Nobita Nobi navigate life’s ups and downs through humorous and heartwarming stories.
With a legacy spanning more than 40 years, Doraemon continues to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. The new French dubbed season marks the next chapter in the series’ international journey, bringing its timeless humor and universal themes to both its loyal fanbase and a new generation.
