Current location:sport >>
VOX POPULI: Like Nobita in ‘Doraemon,’ we should never give up on ourselves
sport58881People have gathered around
IntroductionNobita, one of the main characters of the “Doraemon” manga series, is a complete underachiever who j ...
Nobita, one of the main characters of the “Doraemon” manga series, is a complete underachiever who just can’t do anything right.
He receives a zero on tests, gets bitten by dogs and has his new comic book snatched by Gian, the neighborhood bully.
But for all his adversities and goof-ups, Nobita never gives up on life, which is his greatest asset.
A few times every year, he makes up his mind to “become a better person than now” and surprises his mom by sitting at his desk to do his homework.
Come to think of it, Nobita may, in fact, be a very strong character, deep down.
In a magazine interview, Fujiko F. Fujio (1933-1996), the creator of Doraemon, once likened a classic barber’s pole with a helical spinning stripe to people.
People think they are moving upward in pursuit of their dreams, like the stripe. But that is an illusion--they are actually stuck where they are, just as the pole remains stationary.
“In the end, they even forget their ‘dream of going up,’” explained the cartoonist. “What I hope is that they will instead find inspiration in people who can keep cheerfully pursuing their dreams despite their failures and never give up on themselves.”
I am pretty certain he had Nobita in mind.
Graduation season is nearing and many high school students will be saying their goodbyes in early March.
Some may be moving on with renewed hope, while others may be facing disappointing transitions.
To each their own.
When you are young, you probably believe that the first step you take now will determine the course for the rest of your life.
But that is not true at all. The important thing is to never give up on yourself.
After borrowing “Fanta Glasses” from Doraemon, Nobita becomes able to commune freely with animals and plants like in fantasy tales, and he lovingly grows a dandelion.
When the last dandelion fluff flies away on a gentle spring breeze, Nobita asks, “Where do you intend to go?”
The fluff answers, “I don’t know--but I’ll definitely become a beautiful flower somewhere.”
Good luck and Godspeed to all young travelers.
--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 20
* *
*Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.
Tags:
Reprint:Friends are welcome to share on the Internet, but please indicate the source of the article when reprinting it.“Culture Compass news portal”。http://mauritius.downmusic.org/html-18b599978.html
Related articles
NBA playoffs: Edwards leads Wolves to 98
sportDENVER (AP) — Anthony Edwards overcame a slow start and the Timberwolves roared back from a 20-point ...
【sport】
Read moreBiden returns to his Scranton roots to pitch tax plan
sportWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden returns to his childhood hometown of Scranton on Tuesday to op ...
【sport】
Read moreChina seizes Spring Festival to heat up tourism, consumption
sportHeated competition for Spring Festival visitors has resumed at Chinese scenic spots, shopping malls ...
【sport】
Read more
Popular articles
- Shooting injures 2 at Missouri high school graduation ceremony
- Biden returns to his Scranton roots to pitch tax plan
- UK lawmakers will vote on a landmark bill aiming to create the country's first smoke
- Eberl looking to steer Bayern back to calmer waters
- Kate Hudson hits the stage to debut songs from her new album Glorious at star
- Singapore's outgoing prime minister will stay on as senior minister, his successor says
Latest articles
Devout Christian doctor, 68, who punched dementia
Tsinghua art and science symposium explores future trends, presents awards
Zhang makes history to reach 2nd round at Monte Carlo
Atletico boss Simeone sweating on Griezmann fitness
Travis Kelce downs whiskey shot on slice of bread at Kelce Jam without Taylor Swift
Legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki's new Oscar
LINKS
- White Sox recall Mike Clevinger from Triple
- Lawsuit alleges decades of child sex abuse at Illinois juvenile detention centers statewide
- Baby Reindeer knocked off Netflix's top spot by new 'must
- Russia critic Kara
- China extends more inclusive loans to small businesses
- White Sox recall Mike Clevinger from Triple
- Nonprofit Chicago production house Invisible Institute wins 2 Pulitzer Prizes
- PWHL's strong first season coincides with a growing appetite for women's sports
- Giants rookie Mason Black makes MLB debut in Philadelphia against childhood favorite Phillies
- These 15 AP photos capturing migrants' struggle were honored with a Pulitzer Prize