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Want a Life-Size Doraemon Plush? It's Only US$1,950
posted on by Sarah Nelkin
For fans of everyone's favorite robot cat Doraemon, this giant, life-sized Doraemon plush might just be the coolest present anyone could ever ask for. In celebration of manga creator Hiroshi Fujimoto's (better known as Fujiko F. Fujio, as part of the Fujiko Fujio duo) would-be 80th birthday, Premium Bandai began pre-orders for a life-size Doraemon plush doll on Tuesday, September 3. The polyester 129.3-centimeter (about 4 ¼ foot) plush doll is retailing for 194,250 yen (about US$1,952), and weighs a whopping 11.3 kilograms (about 25 pounds). The doll is scheduled to ship this December, though due to its massive size, it's only recommended for children over 6.
The series was first published in 1969 by manga artist duo Hiroshi Fujimoto and Motoo Abiko, who wrote under the name Fujiko Fujio. The manga has since become an international hit and phenomenon, spawning several anime television series (with the longest-running clocking in at 1,787 episodes), several movies, 63 video games, and even a musical. The time-traveling cat was even honored with the distinction of being the only anime character selected by TIME Magazine for their 2002 list of 22 Asian Heroes, while the manga itself has been awarded several awards, including the first Shogakukan Manga Award for children's manga, and the first Osamu Tezuka Culture Award.
This big dude's not going to travel through time and teach you any important life lessons, but he would definitely be the envy of every kid (and grown-up) on the block.