TOKYO -- The recent death of Japanese voice actor Nobuyo Oyama, best known for playing the blue robot character Doraemon, has highlighted the global success that the Japanese anime series has won.
Among the many nations with throngs of Doraemon fans, it is perhaps in Vietnam where the impact of Oyama's passing was most profound. The Japanese publisher of Doraemon comic books says translated comics are particularly popular in the country. Language learners use Doraemon as material, while local companies use the character to attract consumers. And an education fund established by Doraemon's author has helped hundreds of children in Vietnam study.
