Doraemon (partially found first-adaptation anime series; 1973): Difference between revisions

From The Lost Media Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
m (Make mention of this at least.)
mNo edit summary
 
(142 intermediate revisions by 39 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owXa_VujQ-U|320x240|right|The opening to the 1973 adaptation of ''Doraemon''.|frame}}
{{InfoboxLost
{{#ev:youtube|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_Tzaa4QbV0|320x240|right|The ending to the 1973 adaptation of ''Doraemon''.|frame}}
|title=<center>Doraemon (1973 adaptation)</center>
[[File:Doraemon 1973 Promo -1-0.jpg|thumb|320px|An old Nippon television schedule advertisement, featuring a time schedule for the 1973 series.]]
|image=Doraemon_cel.jpg
''Doraemon'' is a popular and long running anime based upon the manga of the same name. Its best known adaptation originally ran from 1979 until 2005, while a reboot that began airing a month after the first series' conclusion is still airing to this day.
|imagecaption=A surviving cel from episode 3.
|status=<span style="color:orange;">'''Partially Found'''</span>
}}
''Doraemon'' is a popular and long-running anime television series based on the manga of the same name by Fujiko F. Fujio. Its best-known adaptation originally ran from 1979 until 2005, while a reboot, that began airing a month after the 1979's series conclusion, still airs to this day.


However, '''the very first attempt to adapt ''Doraemon'' to television had actually occurred in 1973''', with a series produced by a company named NTV Video (previously known under the names of Japan Broadcast Film, and Tokyo TV Movie). It aired on the (unrelated) NTV network. The series was broadcast from April 1st 1973 until September 30th 1973, for 26 episodes. Each consisted of 2 segments, making the series 52 shorts in total.
However, '''the very first attempt to adapt ''Doraemon'' to television had actually occurred in 1973''', with a series produced by a company named Nippon TeleMovie Productions (previously known under the names of Japan Broadcast Film and Tokyo TV Movie). It aired on the Nippon TV network (unrelated to Nippon TeleMovie Productions). The series was originally broadcasted from April 1st, 1973 until September 30th, 1973, for 26 episodes. Each consisted of 2 segments, making the series have 52 segments in total.<ref name=":0">http://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/the-strange-case-of-the-1973-doraemon-series</ref>


While the series did well in the ratings and was considered to be extended for another year, it unfortunately encountered budget issues during its run, compounded by financial problems that the studio had, as well as the president of NTV Video abruptly resigning during the television run. The new president appeared to not regard the anime very highly, while the financial issues lead to the studio going bankrupt and being dissolved. Many of the staff that worked on the show wound up unpaid for their efforts due to this.
==Broadcast and Cancellation==
[[File:Image005.jpg|thumb|left|180px|A picture from the episode "Operation Cupid Love-Love".]]
While the series did well in the ratings and was considered to be extended for another year, it encountered budget issues during its run, compounded by financial problems that the studio had, as well as the president of NTV Video abruptly resigning during the television run. The new president appeared not to regard the anime very highly, while the financial issues lead to the studio going bankrupt and being dissolved. Many of the staff that worked on the show wound up unpaid for their efforts due to this.


With the dissolution of NTV Video, the film reels to the series and other possessions wound up sold off to cover debt, while other belongings in the studio and production materials were either thrown out in the garbage or destroyed in a kerosene fire. It has been erroneously reported that NTV deliberately organized a "cremation" fire and destroyed all the episodes; however, the production chief Masami Jun (at the time credited under his real name, Hiroshi Shimosaki) has stated that this wasn't the case, and has gone on to attempt to debunk the misconceptions surrounding the series' production and fate. Even so, a significant portion of the anime can be considered lost to some degree.
With the dissolution of Nippon TeleMovie Productions, the film reels to the series and other possessions wound up sold off to cover the debt, while other belongings in the studio and production materials were either thrown out in the garbage or destroyed in a kerosene fire. It has been erroneously reported that NTV deliberately organized a "cremation" fire and destroyed all of the episodes; however, the production chief Masumi Jun (at the time credited under his real name, Hiroshi Shimosaki) has stated that this wasn't the case and has gone on to debunk the misconceptions surrounding the series' production and fate. Even so, a significant portion of the anime is considered lost to some degree.


In 1995, episodes 18, and 20 through 26 were found to be stored in Studio Rush (now known as IMAGICA), and other segments have been found, though 2 remain without their audio tracks. The opening and ending credits do still exist as well, along with a pilot film that was produced in 1972. These are occasionally shown at ''Doraemon'' fan conventions in Japan, but cannot be released legally on DVD owing to rights complications due to the production studio being defunct. Some episodes of the series also only survive in still image form. It is unknown what may have happened to the other reels.
This version was rebroadcast throughout the 1970s and was last known to have been briefly rebroadcast in 1979 when it was abruptly pulled off television by order of Shogakukan, who did not want the reputation of the 1979 anime to be affected by the existence of the previous one, or for child viewers to be confused with the two different versions. It is possible that recorded videos from these two time periods may exist in some form.


This version was briefly rebroadcast in 1979, but was abruptly pulled off television by order of Shogakukan, who did not want the new adaptation's reputation to be affected by the existence of the previous one, or for child viewers to be confused at the two different versions. It is possible that recorded video from this time period may exist in some form.
While Hiroshi Fujimoto (aka "Fujiko F") was disappointed in the choice of studio to adapt ''Doraemon'' and the changes made to Nobita and Doraemon's characters, it is said that upon the closing of the NTV studio, he did not hold any hard feelings against the staff and expressed the hope that they could work on a new attempt at ''Doraemon'' in the future.


Furthermore, the audio for the last episode also can be found on YouTube, albeit in poor quality.
==Surviving Material==
[[File:Algo.png|thumb|right|180px|A picture of Shizuka from the episode "Shizuka's Birthday."]]
In 1995, episodes 18 and 20 through 26 were found to be stored in Studio Rush (now known as IMAGICA). In 2003, other segments were found by the production chief of the show, Hiroshi Shimozaki (under the alias of Masumi Jun)<ref name=":0" /><ref>[http://mcsammy.fc2web.com/3A9585261654E5A7.html Masumi Jun's page], detailing the history and production behind the 1973 ''Doraemon''. Retrieved 05 Jan '17.</ref>, though two remain without their audio tracks. In 1998, a videotape recording of episode 18B, "Crazy Stomach Clock," was found by a lady named Yoshiaki Ueda. The tape was lent to a friend who went by the alias, Hanaballoon. The person hosted a blog on the 1973 anime<ref>[http://hanaballoon.com/ntvdora/ Hanaballoon's '73 page]. Retrieved 05 Jan '17.</ref>, and thus a page that includes audio clips to the tape was made but has since been deleted.
 
On September 3rd, 2004, an Infoseek blog was created by a Japanese student that would be discussed collecting rare adverts and scarce information at the time. On December 25th, he received an audio recording tape from an anonymous person that contained the opening and credits along with a commercial for Nomura Securities.<ref>[http://infoseek_rip.g.ribbon.to/kiiboo.hp.infoseek.co.jp/ The Infoseek blog] Retrieved 13 Jan '18.</ref>
 
A pilot film was also produced in 1972 which is also known to survive. These are occasionally shown at ''Doraemon'' fan conventions in Japan, but cannot be legally released due to rights complications and the production studio being defunct. Many episodes of the series also only survive in still images in newspapers or other media. It is unknown what may have happened to the other reels.
 
The opening and closing credits along with a preview of the segments "Understand the Weakness" and "Operation Cupid Love-Love", along with a clip of "Love, Love This Camera" are the only surviving clips of the show available online that are neither hoaxes nor have been taken down.
 
The full versions of the songs used in the Opening and Ending as well as two of the known filler songs have been uploaded to Youtube as well as audio fragments from the segments "A Man Fights with Power" and "Crazy Stomach Clock".
 
When asked about a possible release of the surviving footage, Hiroshi Shimozaki responded:
<blockquote style="font-size:95%">Dear American fans of ''Doraemon''
<br>
Thank you for the email. In 1973 we broadcasted NTV ''Doraemon'' (NTV ''Doraemon'' and Old Dora is what the Japanese call ''Doraemon'' '73); for a long time, I thought that it was completely forgotten. So in 2003, I made a website about it. I got lots of emails from people saying that they wanted to see clips from the show. So I made a membership page with a Username and Password and uploaded the Opening and Ending.
<br><br>
Within a few minutes, I had heard that someone with access to the page had uploaded both clips onto another page (2chan). I removed the clip from my site right away. But because I gave it away only for a moment, it is now all over YouTube and other sites.
<br><br>
Due to me uploading it I got in some trouble with the law, I am resolving the issue now, but because of that, I will refrain from uploading the footage online. Though I have made it available at lectures and such for research use.
<br><br>
While ''Doraemon'' is still on the air, I am not allowed to release the footage. I hope you understand.
<br><br>
-Signed Masumi Jun</blockquote>


While Hiroshi Fujimoto (aka "Fujiko F") was disappointed in the choice of studio to adapt Doraemon and the changes made to Nobita and Doraemon's characters, it is said that upon the closing of the NTV studio, he did not hold any hard feelings against the staff and expressed the hope that they could work on a new attempt at Doraemon in the future.


Wikia user "TerrawindX2" has claimed to have posession of several tapes containing 1973 episodes dubbed in Malay. They claimed that they would sell the tape on eBay, but due to it being posted in 2008, this is most likely hearsay.
==Episodes==
==Episodes==
*NOTE:
'''Note''': All of the titles end with "no maki" (の巻), meaning 'part' or 'chapter'.
All of the titles end with "no maki", meaning 'part' or 'chapter'.
{| class=wikitable
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
! '''Episode #''' !! '''Original title''' !! '''English translation''' !!


'''Air date'''
'''Key''': <span style="color:green">'''Found, publicly available or not'''</span>, <span style="color:orange">'''artifacts exist, like scripts or clips'''</span>, or <span style="color:red">'''lost, possibly with images'''</span>.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
|-
| 1 || "出た!!ドラえもんの巻 / ペコペコバッタ大騒動の巻" || "Doraemon Came Out!! / The Apology Grasshopper Riot" ||
! style="background-color:white" |#
 
! style="background-color:white" |Original title
April 1, 1973
! style="background-color:white" |English translation
! style="background-color:white" |Air date
! style="background-color:white" |Status
|-
|1||出た!!ドラえもんの巻 / ペコペコバッタ大騒動の巻||<span style="color:orange">'''Doraemon Came Out!!'''</span> / <span style="color:red">'''The Apology Grasshopper Riot'''||April 1st, 1973||Pilot film version in Jun storage, TV broadcast version lost. / Lost, images exist.
|-
|-
| 2 || "屋根の上のすてきな子 / のび太のご先祖さん" || "Nice Girl on the Roof / Nobita's Ancestors" ||April 8,
|2||屋根の上のすてきな子の巻 / のび太のご先祖さんの巻||<span style="color:orange">'''Nice Girl on the Roof'''</span> / <span style="color:orange">'''Nobita's Ancestors'''||April 8th, 1973||In Jun storage, albeit without a title card. / In Jun storage, albeit without a title card.
 
1973
|-
|-
| 3 || "弱味をにぎれの巻 / キューピッドですきすき作戦の巻" || "Understand the Weakness / Operation Cupid Love-Love" ||
|3||弱味をにぎれの巻 / キューピッドですきすき作戦の巻||<span style="color:orange">'''Grasping the Weakness'''</span> / <span style="color:orange">'''Operation Cupid Love-Love'''||April 15th, 1973||Lost, clip exists. / Lost, script and images as well as a 6-second clip exist.
April 15, 1973
|-
|-
| 4 || "ねずみに弱い猫もあるの巻 / ガキ大将をやっつけろの巻" || "Rats are as Weak as Cats / The Bully Bring an Army" ||
|4||ねずみに弱い猫もあるの巻 / ガキ大将をやっつけろの巻||<span style="color:orange">'''Some Cats are as Weak as Rats'''</span> / <span style="color:orange">'''Defeat the Bully'''||April 22nd, 1973||In Jun storage, albeit without audio. /
 
In Jun storage, albeit without audio.
April 22, 1973
|-
|-
| 5 || "おせじ鏡の巻 / パパとママの結婚記念日の巻" || "The Liar's Mirror / Papa and Mama's Wedding Anniversary"
|5||おせじ鏡の巻 / パパとママの結婚記念日の巻||<span style="color:green">'''The Flattering Mirror'''</span> / <span style="color:red">'''Papa and Mama's Wedding Anniversary'''||April 29th, 1973||In Jun storage. / Lost, image known to exist in series outro.
 
|April 29, 1973
|-
|-
| 6 || "のろいカメラの巻 / 宝くじ大当り作戦の巻" || "Cursed Camera / Lottery Jackpot Strategy" ||May 6, 1973
|6||のろいカメラの巻 / 宝くじ大当り作戦の巻||<span style="color:orange">'''The Cursing Camera'''</span> / <span style="color:orange">'''Lottery Jackpot Strategy'''|| May 6th, 1973|| Lost, script exists. / Lost, script exists.
|-
|-
| 7 || "決闘!のび太とジャイアンの巻 / わたしは誰でしょうの巻" || "Duel! Nobita and Gian / Who am I" ||May 13, 1973
|7||決闘!のび太とジャイアンの巻 / わたしは誰でしょうの巻||<span style="color:orange">'''Duel! Nobita and Gian'''</span> / <span style="color:orange">'''Who Am I'''|| May 13th, 1973|| Lost, script exists. / Lost, script exists.
|-
|-
| 8 || "アベコンベ騒動の巻 / おばけ屋敷の謎の巻" || "Abekonbe Riot / Mystery of the Ghost House" ||May 20,
|8||アベコンベ騒動の巻 / おばけ屋敷の謎の巻||<span style="color:orange">'''Abekonbe Riot'''</span> / <span style="color:orange">'''The Mystery of the Ghost House'''|| May 20th, 1973||Lost, script exists. / Lost, script and images exist.
 
1973
|-
|-
| 9 || "クイック・スロー大作戦の巻 / のび太は雨男の巻" || "The Quick-Slow Great Strategy / Nobita the Rain Man" ||
|9||クイック・スロー大作戦の巻 / のび太は雨男の巻||<span style="color:red">'''The Quick-Slow Great Strategy'''</span> / <span style="color:orange">'''Nobita, the Rain Man'''||May 27th, 1973||Lost. / Lost, script and images exist.
 
May 27, 1973
|-
|-
| 10 || "ウルトラミキサーの巻 / ねがい星流れ星の巻" || "Ultra Mixer / Wishing Star, Shooting Star" ||June 3,
|10||ウルトラミキサーの巻 / ねがい星流れ星の巻||<span style="color:red">'''Ultra Mixer'''</span> / <span style="color:green">'''Wishing Star, Shooting Star'''||June 3rd, 1973||Lost. / In Jun storage.
 
1973
|-
|-
| 11 || "ふしぎなふろしきの巻 / のび太のおばあちゃんの巻" || "The Mysterious Cloth / Nobita's Grandma" ||June 10,
|11||ふしぎなふろしきの巻 / のび太のおばあちゃんの巻||<span style="color:red">'''The Mysterious Cloth'''</span> / <span style="color:red">'''Nobita's Grandma'''||June 10th, 1973||Lost, images exist. / Lost, images exist.
 
1973
|-
|-
| 12 || "大リーグ赤バットの巻 / 男は力で勝負するの巻" || "Big League Red Bat / A Man Fights with Power" ||June
|12||大リーグ赤バットの巻 / 男は力で勝負するの巻||<span style="color:red">'''The Red Bat of the Major League'''</span> / <span style="color:green">'''A Man Fights with Power'''||June 17th, 1973||Lost. / In Jun storage, audio clips exist online.
 
17, 1973
|-
|-
| 13 || "ガチャ子登場の巻 / おしゃべり口べにの巻" || "Gachako's Appearance / The Talking Lipstick" ||June 24,
| 13||ガチャ子登場の巻 / おしゃべり口べにの巻||<span style="color:red">'''Gachako's Appearance'''</span> / <span style="color:red">'''The Talking Lipstick'''||June 24th, 1973||Lost, images exist. / Lost.
 
1973
|-
|-
| 14 || "すきすきカメラの巻 / 天の川でデイトしようの巻" || "Lovely Camera / Date in the Milky Way" ||July 1, 1973
|14||すきすきカメラの巻 / 天の川でデイトしようの巻||<span style="color:orange">'''Love, Love This Camera'''</span> / <span style="color:red">'''Date in the Milky Way'''||July 1st, 1973||Lost, clip exists in background of Japanese pornographic film. / Lost.
|-
|-
| 15 || "へんなロボットカーの巻 / ニコニコせっけんの巻" || "Weird Robot Car / Smiling Soap" ||July 8, 1973
|15||へんなロボットカーの巻 / ニコニコせっけんの巻||<span style="color:red">'''Weird Robot Car'''</span> / <span style="color:red">'''Smiling Soap'''|| July 8th, 1973||Lost, images exist. / Lost.
|-
|-
| 16 || "おれ署長のだいりの巻 / さあ夏だ!スキーをやろうの巻" || "My Chief of the Inner Palace / Now is Summer! Trying to Ski" ||July 15, 1973
|16||おれ署長のだいりの巻 / さあ夏だ!スキーをやろうの巻||<span style="color:red">'''My Chief of the Inner Palace'''</span> / <span style="color:red">'''Now It's Summer! Let's Try to Ski'''||July 15th, 1973||Lost. / Lost.
|-
|-
| 17 || "成績表はいやだなあの巻 / 自分のかげをつかまえろの巻" || "Hate Report Car / Catching my Shadow" ||July 29, 1973
|17||成績表はいやだなあの巻 / 自分のかげをつかまえろの巻|| <span style="color:red">'''I Hate Report Cards'''</span> / <span style="color:red">'''Catching My Shadow'''||July 29th, 1973||Lost, images exist. / Lost.
|-
|-
| 18 || "潜水艦で海へ行こうの巻 / くっるたハラ時計の巻" || "Going to Sea in a Submarine / Crazy Stomach Clock" ||
|18||潜水艦で海へ行こうの巻 / くっるたハラ時計の巻||<span style="color:green">'''Going to Sea in a Submarine'''</span> / <span style="color:green">'''Crazy Stomach Clock''' ||Aug 5th, 1973||In IMAGICA and Jun storage. / In IMAGICA storage, audio clips exist online.
 
August 5, 1973
|-
|-
| 19 || "キャンプ騒動の巻 / 忘れな草って何だっけの巻" || "Camp Riot / Who is Going to Forget" ||August 12, 1973
| 19||キャンプ騒動の巻 / 忘れな草って何だっけの巻||<span style="color:orange">'''Camp Riot'''</span> / <span style="color:orange">'''Who is Going to Forget?'''|| Aug 12th, 1973||Lost, images exist and clip in IMAGICA storage. / Lost, clip in IMAGICA storage.
|-
|-
| 20 || "クーラーパラソルの巻 / いつでも日記の巻" || "Cooler Parasol / Always Diary" ||August 19, 1973
|20||クーラーパラソルの巻 / いつでも日記の巻||<span style="color:green">'''Cooler Parasol'''</span> / <span style="color:green">'''Always Diary'''||Aug 19th, 1973||In IMAGICA storage. / In IMAGICA storage.
|-
|-
| 21 || "宿題おばけが出たの巻 / お天気ボックスの巻" || "The Homework Ghost Came Out / Weather Box" ||August 26,
|21||宿題おばけが出たの巻 / お天気ボックスの巻||<span style="color:green">'''The Homework Ghost Came Out'''</span> / <span style="color:green">'''Weather Box'''||Aug 26th, 1973||In IMAGICA and Jun storage. / In IMAGICA and Jun storage.
 
1973
|-
|-
| 22 || "ぼくに清き一票をの巻 / まんが家修行の巻" || "I Have One Vote of Betrayal / Manga Artists Training"
|22||ぼくに清き一票をの巻 / まんが家修行の巻||<span style="color:green">'''I Have One Vote of Betrayal'''</span> / <span style="color:green">'''Manga Artist Training'''||Sept 2nd, 1973||In IMAGICA and Jun storage. / In IMAGICA and Jun storage.
 
|September 2, 1973
|-
|-
| 23 || "すてきなガールフレンドの巻 / 花いっぱい騒動の巻" || "Nice Girlfriend / Flowery Riot" ||September 9, 1973
|23||すてきなガールフレンドの巻 / 花いっぱい騒動の巻||<span style="color:green">'''Nice Girlfriend'''</span> / <span style="color:green">'''Flowery Riot'''||Sept 9th, 1973||In IMAGICA storage. / In IMAGICA storage.
|-
|-
| 24 || "そっくりクレヨンの巻 / 静香の誕生日の巻" || "Entirely Crayon / Shizuka's Birthday" ||September 16,
|24||そっくりクレヨンの巻 / 静香の誕生日の巻||<span style="color:green">'''Entirely Crayon'''</span> / <span style="color:green">'''Shizuka's Birthday'''||Sept 16th, 1973||In IMAGICA storage. / In IMAGICA storage.
 
1973
|-
|-
| 25 || "宇宙飛行士になりたいの巻 / まいごマゴマゴ大騒動の巻" || "Becoming a Space Astronaut / Lost Grandchild Riot" ||
|25||宇宙飛行士になりたいの巻 / まいごマゴマゴ大騒動の巻||<span style="color:green">'''Becoming an Astronaut'''</span> / <span style="color:green">'''Lost and Confused Riot'''||Sept 23rd, 1973||In IMAGICA storage. / In IMAGICA storage.
 
September 23, 1973
|-
|-
| 26 || "ネンドロン大騒動の巻 / さようならドラえもんの巻" || "Nendoron Riot / Goodbye, Doraemon" ||September 30, 1973
|26||ネンドロン大騒動の巻 / さようならドラえもんの巻||<span style="color:green">'''Nendoron Riot'''</span> / <span style="color:green">'''Goodbye, Doraemon'''||Sept 30th, 1973 ||In IMAGICA storage, full audio exists online. / In IMAGICA and Jun storage, full audio exists online.
|}
|}
*A scrapped segment titled "The Dullness is Frustrating" is known to have entered production but was cancelled before completion.
*"Nendoron Riot/Goodbye Doraemon" is currently the only full episode to exist online – albeit in audio form only – and is available here:
**[https://youtu.be/EJ3WILjorOU Part 1]
**[https://youtu.be/YAxizO3rEeY Part 2]
**[https://youtu.be/0Kl4uB1CMxs Part 3]
==Gallery==
{{Video|perrow  =2
  |service1    =youtube
  |id1          =me3Yzg1cvcU
  |description1 =The opening to the 1973 adaptation of ''Doraemon''.
  |service2    =youtube
  |id2          =wqIsnzzeIYw
  |description2 =The ending to the 1973 adaptation of ''Doraemon''.
}}
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px">
Doraemon 1973 Promo -1-0.jpg|An old Nippon television schedule advertisement, featuring a time schedule for the 1973 series.
File:20170824_173035.jpg|Scripts acquired by LMW contributor m_acrylic.
</gallery>
==See Also==
*[[A "Draw Dorami-chan" Song / A Week in Our Time Machine (Partially Found English version of "Doraemon" single; 1980)]]
*[[Doraemon "Adventures in Candy Land" (non-existent unaired English dub of anime episode; 2015)]]
*[[Doraemon '05 (partially found British dub of anime series; 2015)]]
*[[Doraemon '79 (partially found Phuuz English dub pilot of anime; early 2000s)]]
*[[Doraemon (partially found Asian English dubs of anime series; late 1990s-early 2000s)]]
*[[Doraemon: In A Thrilling Solar Car (partially found anime short film; 1992)]]
*[[Doraemon: Ken-chan's Adventure (lost anime short film/TV special; 1980-1981)]]
*[[Doraemon: Nobita no Doki Doki! Obake Land (lost build of unreleased Virtual Boy game; 1996)]]
*[[Doraemon: Robot War (partially found bootleg anime film; 1983)]]
*[[Stand by Me Doraemon (partially found Philippines English dub of anime movie; 2015)]]
*[[The Adventures of Albert and Sidney (partially found English dub of "Doraemon" anime series; late 1980s-early 1990s)]]
==External Links==
*[https://mega.nz/#F!29UniDCI!5CFslbETqT7MXaVJE3x42g MEGA archive] – courtesy of Beautiful Duwang
==References==
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Lost animation]]
[[Category:Lost animation]]
[[Category:Lost TV]]
[[Category:Lost TV]]
[[Category:Partially found media]]
[[Category:Historic]]

Latest revision as of 04:27, 4 February 2024

Doraemon cel.jpg

A surviving cel from episode 3.

Status: Partially Found

Doraemon is a popular and long-running anime television series based on the manga of the same name by Fujiko F. Fujio. Its best-known adaptation originally ran from 1979 until 2005, while a reboot, that began airing a month after the 1979's series conclusion, still airs to this day.

However, the very first attempt to adapt Doraemon to television had actually occurred in 1973, with a series produced by a company named Nippon TeleMovie Productions (previously known under the names of Japan Broadcast Film and Tokyo TV Movie). It aired on the Nippon TV network (unrelated to Nippon TeleMovie Productions). The series was originally broadcasted from April 1st, 1973 until September 30th, 1973, for 26 episodes. Each consisted of 2 segments, making the series have 52 segments in total.[1]

Broadcast and Cancellation

A picture from the episode "Operation Cupid Love-Love".

While the series did well in the ratings and was considered to be extended for another year, it encountered budget issues during its run, compounded by financial problems that the studio had, as well as the president of NTV Video abruptly resigning during the television run. The new president appeared not to regard the anime very highly, while the financial issues lead to the studio going bankrupt and being dissolved. Many of the staff that worked on the show wound up unpaid for their efforts due to this.

With the dissolution of Nippon TeleMovie Productions, the film reels to the series and other possessions wound up sold off to cover the debt, while other belongings in the studio and production materials were either thrown out in the garbage or destroyed in a kerosene fire. It has been erroneously reported that NTV deliberately organized a "cremation" fire and destroyed all of the episodes; however, the production chief Masumi Jun (at the time credited under his real name, Hiroshi Shimosaki) has stated that this wasn't the case and has gone on to debunk the misconceptions surrounding the series' production and fate. Even so, a significant portion of the anime is considered lost to some degree.

This version was rebroadcast throughout the 1970s and was last known to have been briefly rebroadcast in 1979 when it was abruptly pulled off television by order of Shogakukan, who did not want the reputation of the 1979 anime to be affected by the existence of the previous one, or for child viewers to be confused with the two different versions. It is possible that recorded videos from these two time periods may exist in some form.

While Hiroshi Fujimoto (aka "Fujiko F") was disappointed in the choice of studio to adapt Doraemon and the changes made to Nobita and Doraemon's characters, it is said that upon the closing of the NTV studio, he did not hold any hard feelings against the staff and expressed the hope that they could work on a new attempt at Doraemon in the future.

Surviving Material

A picture of Shizuka from the episode "Shizuka's Birthday."

In 1995, episodes 18 and 20 through 26 were found to be stored in Studio Rush (now known as IMAGICA). In 2003, other segments were found by the production chief of the show, Hiroshi Shimozaki (under the alias of Masumi Jun)[1][2], though two remain without their audio tracks. In 1998, a videotape recording of episode 18B, "Crazy Stomach Clock," was found by a lady named Yoshiaki Ueda. The tape was lent to a friend who went by the alias, Hanaballoon. The person hosted a blog on the 1973 anime[3], and thus a page that includes audio clips to the tape was made but has since been deleted.

On September 3rd, 2004, an Infoseek blog was created by a Japanese student that would be discussed collecting rare adverts and scarce information at the time. On December 25th, he received an audio recording tape from an anonymous person that contained the opening and credits along with a commercial for Nomura Securities.[4]

A pilot film was also produced in 1972 which is also known to survive. These are occasionally shown at Doraemon fan conventions in Japan, but cannot be legally released due to rights complications and the production studio being defunct. Many episodes of the series also only survive in still images in newspapers or other media. It is unknown what may have happened to the other reels.

The opening and closing credits along with a preview of the segments "Understand the Weakness" and "Operation Cupid Love-Love", along with a clip of "Love, Love This Camera" are the only surviving clips of the show available online that are neither hoaxes nor have been taken down.

The full versions of the songs used in the Opening and Ending as well as two of the known filler songs have been uploaded to Youtube as well as audio fragments from the segments "A Man Fights with Power" and "Crazy Stomach Clock".

When asked about a possible release of the surviving footage, Hiroshi Shimozaki responded:

Dear American fans of Doraemon


Thank you for the email. In 1973 we broadcasted NTV Doraemon (NTV Doraemon and Old Dora is what the Japanese call Doraemon '73); for a long time, I thought that it was completely forgotten. So in 2003, I made a website about it. I got lots of emails from people saying that they wanted to see clips from the show. So I made a membership page with a Username and Password and uploaded the Opening and Ending.

Within a few minutes, I had heard that someone with access to the page had uploaded both clips onto another page (2chan). I removed the clip from my site right away. But because I gave it away only for a moment, it is now all over YouTube and other sites.

Due to me uploading it I got in some trouble with the law, I am resolving the issue now, but because of that, I will refrain from uploading the footage online. Though I have made it available at lectures and such for research use.

While Doraemon is still on the air, I am not allowed to release the footage. I hope you understand.

-Signed Masumi Jun


Episodes

Note: All of the titles end with "no maki" (の巻), meaning 'part' or 'chapter'.

Key: Found, publicly available or not, artifacts exist, like scripts or clips, or lost, possibly with images.

# Original title English translation Air date Status
1 出た!!ドラえもんの巻 / ペコペコバッタ大騒動の巻 Doraemon Came Out!! / The Apology Grasshopper Riot April 1st, 1973 Pilot film version in Jun storage, TV broadcast version lost. / Lost, images exist.
2 屋根の上のすてきな子の巻 / のび太のご先祖さんの巻 Nice Girl on the Roof / Nobita's Ancestors April 8th, 1973 In Jun storage, albeit without a title card. / In Jun storage, albeit without a title card.
3 弱味をにぎれの巻 / キューピッドですきすき作戦の巻 Grasping the Weakness / Operation Cupid Love-Love April 15th, 1973 Lost, clip exists. / Lost, script and images as well as a 6-second clip exist.
4 ねずみに弱い猫もあるの巻 / ガキ大将をやっつけろの巻 Some Cats are as Weak as Rats / Defeat the Bully April 22nd, 1973 In Jun storage, albeit without audio. /

In Jun storage, albeit without audio.

5 おせじ鏡の巻 / パパとママの結婚記念日の巻 The Flattering Mirror / Papa and Mama's Wedding Anniversary April 29th, 1973 In Jun storage. / Lost, image known to exist in series outro.
6 のろいカメラの巻 / 宝くじ大当り作戦の巻 The Cursing Camera / Lottery Jackpot Strategy May 6th, 1973 Lost, script exists. / Lost, script exists.
7 決闘!のび太とジャイアンの巻 / わたしは誰でしょうの巻 Duel! Nobita and Gian / Who Am I May 13th, 1973 Lost, script exists. / Lost, script exists.
8 アベコンベ騒動の巻 / おばけ屋敷の謎の巻 Abekonbe Riot / The Mystery of the Ghost House May 20th, 1973 Lost, script exists. / Lost, script and images exist.
9 クイック・スロー大作戦の巻 / のび太は雨男の巻 The Quick-Slow Great Strategy / Nobita, the Rain Man May 27th, 1973 Lost. / Lost, script and images exist.
10 ウルトラミキサーの巻 / ねがい星流れ星の巻 Ultra Mixer / Wishing Star, Shooting Star June 3rd, 1973 Lost. / In Jun storage.
11 ふしぎなふろしきの巻 / のび太のおばあちゃんの巻 The Mysterious Cloth / Nobita's Grandma June 10th, 1973 Lost, images exist. / Lost, images exist.
12 大リーグ赤バットの巻 / 男は力で勝負するの巻 The Red Bat of the Major League / A Man Fights with Power June 17th, 1973 Lost. / In Jun storage, audio clips exist online.
13 ガチャ子登場の巻 / おしゃべり口べにの巻 Gachako's Appearance / The Talking Lipstick June 24th, 1973 Lost, images exist. / Lost.
14 すきすきカメラの巻 / 天の川でデイトしようの巻 Love, Love This Camera / Date in the Milky Way July 1st, 1973 Lost, clip exists in background of Japanese pornographic film. / Lost.
15 へんなロボットカーの巻 / ニコニコせっけんの巻 Weird Robot Car / Smiling Soap July 8th, 1973 Lost, images exist. / Lost.
16 おれ署長のだいりの巻 / さあ夏だ!スキーをやろうの巻 My Chief of the Inner Palace / Now It's Summer! Let's Try to Ski July 15th, 1973 Lost. / Lost.
17 成績表はいやだなあの巻 / 自分のかげをつかまえろの巻 I Hate Report Cards / Catching My Shadow July 29th, 1973 Lost, images exist. / Lost.
18 潜水艦で海へ行こうの巻 / くっるたハラ時計の巻 Going to Sea in a Submarine / Crazy Stomach Clock Aug 5th, 1973 In IMAGICA and Jun storage. / In IMAGICA storage, audio clips exist online.
19 キャンプ騒動の巻 / 忘れな草って何だっけの巻 Camp Riot / Who is Going to Forget? Aug 12th, 1973 Lost, images exist and clip in IMAGICA storage. / Lost, clip in IMAGICA storage.
20 クーラーパラソルの巻 / いつでも日記の巻 Cooler Parasol / Always Diary Aug 19th, 1973 In IMAGICA storage. / In IMAGICA storage.
21 宿題おばけが出たの巻 / お天気ボックスの巻 The Homework Ghost Came Out / Weather Box Aug 26th, 1973 In IMAGICA and Jun storage. / In IMAGICA and Jun storage.
22 ぼくに清き一票をの巻 / まんが家修行の巻 I Have One Vote of Betrayal / Manga Artist Training Sept 2nd, 1973 In IMAGICA and Jun storage. / In IMAGICA and Jun storage.
23 すてきなガールフレンドの巻 / 花いっぱい騒動の巻 Nice Girlfriend / Flowery Riot Sept 9th, 1973 In IMAGICA storage. / In IMAGICA storage.
24 そっくりクレヨンの巻 / 静香の誕生日の巻 Entirely Crayon / Shizuka's Birthday Sept 16th, 1973 In IMAGICA storage. / In IMAGICA storage.
25 宇宙飛行士になりたいの巻 / まいごマゴマゴ大騒動の巻 Becoming an Astronaut / Lost and Confused Riot Sept 23rd, 1973 In IMAGICA storage. / In IMAGICA storage.
26 ネンドロン大騒動の巻 / さようならドラえもんの巻 Nendoron Riot / Goodbye, Doraemon Sept 30th, 1973 In IMAGICA storage, full audio exists online. / In IMAGICA and Jun storage, full audio exists online.
  • A scrapped segment titled "The Dullness is Frustrating" is known to have entered production but was cancelled before completion.
  • "Nendoron Riot/Goodbye Doraemon" is currently the only full episode to exist online – albeit in audio form only – and is available here:

Gallery

The opening to the 1973 adaptation of Doraemon.

The ending to the 1973 adaptation of Doraemon.

See Also

External Links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 http://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/the-strange-case-of-the-1973-doraemon-series
  2. Masumi Jun's page, detailing the history and production behind the 1973 Doraemon. Retrieved 05 Jan '17.
  3. Hanaballoon's '73 page. Retrieved 05 Jan '17.
  4. The Infoseek blog Retrieved 13 Jan '18.