Gucci celebrates the House’s dedicated collection featuring cult Japanese manga character Doraemon.

GUCCI x Doraemon - the Japanese manga robo-cat features in Gucci's latest campaign

It’s certainly a nod to the legions of manga and anime fans in Japan and the world over. Created by Japanese artist Fujiko Fujio, robotic cat Doraemon – first appeared in his special series in 1970, and continued to enthrall fans until the mid-90s, becoming a cultural icon for Japan along the way (in 2008, the Japanese Foreign Ministry even appointed Doraemon as the country’s very first ‘anime ambassador’), with the made for TV children’s show picked up a number of awards.

GUCCI x Doraemon - wallet with cat motif GUCCI x Doraemon - bag from the collection

Gucci’s Creative Director Alessandro Michele has imagined a dedicated collection of special items that feature this famous Japanese manga and anime character Doraemon – the cat-type robot sent from the 22nd century to help a young boy called Nobita Nobi with secret gadgets from his four-dimensional pouch. The resulting Doraemon x Gucci collaboration also marks the manga’s 50th anniversary.

GUCCI x Doraemon - campaign image featuring the manga character GUCCI x Doraemon - Gucci backpack with the robo-cat print

The special collection for men and women featuring pop icon Doraemon in his classic blue colour over the GG motif, across different product categories, debuted in January. More playful Doraemons in disguise, exclusively created in tribute to the year of the Ox, are revealed by the maison.

GUCCI x Doraemon - campaign images with the robo-cat GUCCI x Doraemon - Gucci shoe with the robo-cat motif

For the occasion, Doreamon takes the stage of the new Gucci campaign shot by photographer Angelo Pennetta. This highly recognizable character becomes a companion who transforms everyday activities into joyful adventures.

GUCCI x Doraemon - image from the campaign GUCCI x Doraemon - campaign still

From having breakfast, to playing video games with friends or partying in the garden, the affable Doraemon in the role of an imaginary friend brings colour into people’s lives.

GUCCI x Doraemon - sneaker from the collection GUCCI x Doraemon - from the campaign

The Collection has its own sustainable packaging, which comprises fully recyclable green bags and matching swing tickets referencing the 50th anniversary of the cartoon, all featuring Doraemon.

GUCCI x Doraemon - shoes from the collection GUCCI x Doraemon - sling bag with manga cat print

Furthermore, under the spotlight, the Japanese manga character will take over selected store façades and street installations in different cities across Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Doraemon will also be the star of two Gucci ArtWalls in Shanghai and Hong Kong, where he will pose over the GG motif, as in the collection.

GUCCI x Doraemon - watch from the collection GUCCI x Doraemon - campaign shot

Bespoke entertainment will be available on the Gucci App, bringing the Doraemon figure to life thanks to Augmented Reality. Scanning the Gucci ArtWalls and the dedicated packaging, users will discover a choreography of sorts by their favourite character.

GUCCI x Doraemon - campaign shot with robo-cat