A special episode of the popular anime "Doraemon" (TV Asahi, Saturdays at 5 PM), titled "A Gift: A Trip to Vietnam," will air on May 23rd to commemorate the birthday of the popular character Shizuka, who turns 24 in May. "Doraemon" is hugely popular in Vietnam, where the special episode is set. Last year, "Doraemon: Nobita's Art World Tales" was released there, setting a new record for box office revenue and audience attendance. The latest theatrical film in the series, "Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's New Great Adventure in the South Seas," also premiered on May 22nd.
"A Gift: A Trip to Vietnam" is the third installment in the "World Doraemon Series," a special episode themed around the world, following in the footsteps of episodes like "Spending New Year's in Spain" and "Meeting That Cat in Thailand." When Shizuka says she wants to visit Vietnam someday, Nobita suggests that she get a trip to Vietnam as her birthday present, leading to a chaotic trip to Vietnam. Vietnamese tourist spots such as Hoan Kiem Lake, the World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, and the Dragon Bridge appear in the episode. Shizuka is also depicted wearing the Vietnamese national costume, Ao Dai, and the secret gadget, Translation Konjac, comes in an ethnic banh mi flavor.
To commemorate Shizuka-chan's birth month, a coloring contest called "Let's Decorate♪ Chan Chi Coloring Contest" is being held simultaneously in Japan and Vietnam, and the winning entries will be announced on the May 23rd broadcast.
