Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Treasure Island (2018) is the 38th feature film in the beloved Doraemon franchise. Released in Japan on March 3, 2018, this animated adventure reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel Treasure Island through the lens of Doraemon’s futuristic gadgets and heartwarming storytelling.
Key Details at a Glance
Title: Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Treasure Island
Japanese Title: ドラえもん のび太の宝島 (Doraemon: Nobita no Takarajima)
Release Date: March 3, 2018 (Japan)
Director: Kazuaki Imai (his directorial debut in the Doraemon film series)
Screenplay: Genki Kawamura
Based On: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson and the Doraemon manga by Fujiko F. Fujio
Music Composer: Takayuki Hattori
Animation Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
Distributor: Toho
Runtime: 108 minutes
Language: Japanese
Box Office Gross: Approximately $80.9 million worldwide
Plot Summary
The story begins with Nobita becoming fascinated by the tale of Treasure Island. Eager to embark on his own adventure, he convinces Doraemon to help him find a real treasure island. Using Doraemon’s gadget, the “Treasure Map,” they discover a mysterious island that has suddenly appeared in the Pacific Ocean. Nobita, Doraemon, Shizuka, Gian, and Suneo set sail aboard the “Nobita Aura” to explore this newfound land.
As they approach the island, they are attacked by pirates, and Shizuka is kidnapped. The island reveals itself to be a massive, technologically advanced ship. The group rescues an unconscious boy named Flock, who explains that the pirates are time travelers stealing treasures from different eras. Flock, a former crew member, deserted the ship due to disagreements with Captain Silver, the leader of the pirates.
Meanwhile, Shizuka meets Sarah, Flock’s sister, who resembles her. Sarah agrees to help Shizuka escape. Both siblings reveal that Captain Silver is their father, who became obsessed with treasure after their mother’s death. Captain Silver plans to drain Earth’s energy to launch his ship into space and colonize a new planet. Doraemon warns that this would destroy Earth. With the help of Flock and Sarah, Nobita and his friends confront Captain Silver, ultimately convincing him to abandon his plan and reconcile with his children.
🎙️ Voice Cast
- Doraemon: Wasabi Mizuta
- Nobita Nobi: Megumi Ōhara
- Shizuka Minamoto: Yumi Kakazu
- Takeshi “Gian” Goda: Subaru Kimura
- Suneo Honekawa: Tomokazu Seki
- Flock: Daiki Yamashita
- Sarah: Fumiko Orikasa
- Captain Silver: Yo Oizumi
- Quiz: Aoi Yūki
- Gaga: Ryūzaburō Ōtomo
- Vivi: Saori Hayami
- Fiona: Masami Nagasawa
📈 Box Office Performance
Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Treasure Island was a commercial success:
- Japan: Opened on 381 screens, earning $7.97 million in its first weekend and totaling over $47 million .
- China: Released on June 1, 2018, it grossed approximately $31.5 million .
- South Korea: Accumulated around $1.22 million .
- Hong Kong: Earned about $1.01 million .
- Worldwide Total: Approximately $80.9 million .
This film became the highest-grossing entry in the Doraemon franchise at the time of its release.
🌟 Reception and Legacy
Critics and audiences praised the film for its engaging storyline, character development, and the seamless integration of classic adventure elements with futuristic themes. The animation quality and musical score were also highlighted as standout aspects.
The film’s success reinforced Doraemon’s enduring popularity and showcased the franchise’s ability to adapt and resonate with new generations.
📺 Availability
Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Treasure Island was dubbed in Hindi and released in India on September 11, 2022, on Hungama TV. The film is available on various streaming platforms and home media formats, including DVD and Blu-ray.
Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s Treasure Island stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of adventure stories and the enduring charm of Doraemon and his friends. By blending classic literature with futuristic innovation, the film offers a captivating experience for audiences of all ages.
