Doraemon is getting a major international push. UK-based distributor CAKE and Japanese broadcaster TV Asahi have announced a new partnership to bring the iconic anime series to major English-speaking markets. The agreement also includes the production of a brand-new English-language version, making the beloved franchise more accessible to wider audiences.
What the New Partnership Includes
Under the new agreement, CAKE will handle the international distribution of the Doraemon anime library across the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and much of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), excluding Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Turkey. The deal significantly expands the franchise’s reach in major English-speaking markets, where Doraemon has had a smaller presence compared to its enormous popularity in Asia.
The agreement covers more than 1,300 episodes of the long-running anime series. Although Doraemon is already available in more than 70 countries and regions, the partnership goes a step further by creating a brand-new English-language version. The goal is to introduce one of Japan’s most beloved anime franchises to a wider audience and help it build a stronger fanbase in Western markets.
How Doraemon Became a Beloved Franchise Across Generations
Doraemon is one of Japan’s most successful and influential manga and anime franchises. Created by Fujiko F. Fujio, the story follows Doraemon, a robotic cat from the future, and his adventures with a young boy named Nobita. The original manga ran from 1970 to 1996 and inspired multiple TV anime series, dozens of feature films, and a global fanbase.
Over the years, Doraemon has grown into one of the world’s highest-grossing media franchises. By 2024, the manga had sold more than 300 million copies worldwide. The franchise has also generated billions of dollars through merchandise and box office revenue, reflecting its lasting popularity across generations.
The current Doraemon TV anime began airing in 2005 and continues to be one of Japan’s most-watched family anime. Its decades-long success highlights the franchise’s enduring appeal, and it explains why the new partnership aims to introduce the beloved series to even more English-speaking audiences around the world.
What the New English Version Means
The new partnership goes beyond simply bringing Doraemon’s existing episodes to more countries. As part of the agreement, CAKE and TV Asahi will also produce a brand-new English-language version of the anime. The goal is to make the series more accessible to English-speaking audiences while introducing one of Japan’s most iconic characters to a new generation of fans.
This is not the first time Doraemon has been dubbed into English. Previous English versions, including the Bang Zoom!, Red Angel Media, and EarCandy dubs, were released in different regions over the years. While those adaptations helped introduce the series to new viewers, none achieved widespread success in major Western markets.
The upcoming English version will be the franchise’s fourth English dub, but it stands apart because it is backed by a large-scale international distribution strategy. By combining a new dub with distribution across key English-speaking markets, CAKE and TV Asahi hope to give Doraemon its biggest global expansion yet.
Dominic Gardiner, MD Distribution at CAKE, said: Doraemon is one of the most iconic franchises in global entertainment, and we are proud to partner with TV Asahi to bring it to new audiences. Together, we see a significant opportunity to build on its remarkable legacy and unlock its full international potential.
Maiko Sumida, Head of Animation Sales & Development at TV Asahi’s International Business Department, added: In Japan, generations of children have grown up imagining what it would be like to have a friend like Doraemon by their side. We are delighted to partner with CAKE, whose strong expertise and network in the kids’ and family entertainment space will help expand Doraemon’s global reach and introduce the charm, humour, and heart of the series to new audiences across multiple territories.
Why Now Is the Right Time for Doraemon’s Global Expansion
The new partnership comes at a time when anime is more popular around the world than ever before. Although Doraemon has aired more than 1,300 episodes, it has never achieved the same level of recognition in Western markets as many other long-running anime franchises. With streaming services making Japanese animation easier to access, more viewers now have the chance to discover the beloved series.
The franchise also remains incredibly strong in Japan. The latest film, Doraemon the Movie: New Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil, premiered in February 2026 and stayed at the top of the Japanese box office for six consecutive weeks. Its success shows that Doraemon continues to be one of Japan’s most popular family entertainment franchises.
