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Doraemon The Record of Nobita’s Parallel Visit to the West

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Doraemon The Record of Nobita's Parallel Visit to the West

Doraemon: The Record of Nobita’s Parallel Visit to the West (1988) – An Epic Journey Through Time and Legend

Doraemon The Record of Nobita's Parallel Visit to the West
Doraemon: The Record of Nobita's Parallel Visit to the West (1988)

Doraemon: The Record of Nobita’s Parallel Visit to the West (Japanese: 映画ドラえもん のび太のパラレル西遊記, Eiga Doraemon Nobita no Parareru Saiyūki), also widely known as Doraemon’s Parallel Journey to the West, is a captivating animated film that premiered on March 12, 1988, in Japan. This ninth feature film in the beloved Doraemon franchise holds a special place in history as the last Doraemon movie to be released during Japan’s Showa era. Loosely based on the classic 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West, this film takes Nobita and his friends on an unexpected and perilous adventure that blurs the lines between fiction and reality, leading to a thrilling battle to restore history.

  • Original Japanese Title: 映画ドラえもん のび太のパラレル西遊記 (Eiga Doraemon Nobita no Parareru Saiyūki)
  • Alternative English Titles: Doraemon’s Parallel Journey to the West, Doraemon: Nobita’s Version of Saiyuki
  • Release Date (Japan): March 12, 1988
  • Director: Tsutomu Shibayama
  • Screenplay: Fujiko F. Fujio (original manga creator)
  • Music: Shunsuke Kikuchi
  • Production Company: Shin-Ei Animation, Asatsu
  • Distributed by: Toho
  • Running Time: Approximately 90 minutes
  • Box Office (Japan): ¥2.31 billion (approximately $21.1 million USD at the time)
  • Film Number: 9th Doraemon feature film
  • Era: Last Doraemon film of the Showa era.

International Release Information

Given its release year of 1988, detailed global theatrical release dates for Doraemon: The Record of Nobita’s Parallel Visit to the West are not as readily available or as widely documented as for more recent films. In the late 1980s, the global distribution of Japanese animated films was not as extensive or as immediate as it is today. However, like many classic Doraemon movies, it found its way to international audiences through various means over the years, including television broadcasts, home video releases, and later, streaming platforms.

  • Japan: March 12, 1988 (Theatrical Release)

While specific initial theatrical release dates for other countries are scarce, the film has since gained popularity in various regions, particularly across Asia. It has been dubbed into multiple languages, including Hindi, and has been broadcast on television networks in countries such as:

  • China: Likely released on television and home video in the years following its Japanese debut.
  • Hong Kong: Often received Doraemon films shortly after Japan, likely through theatrical runs or home video in the late 1980s or early 1990s.
  • Taiwan: Similar to Hong Kong, it would have been available through various media after its Japanese release.
  • South Korea: Doraemon has a strong following, and this film would have been introduced through television or home video in subsequent years.
  • India: The film, like many other Doraemon titles, has been dubbed into Hindi and aired on popular children’s channels, making it widely accessible to Indian audiences in the 2000s and beyond.
  • Southeast Asian Countries (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines): These regions have a significant anime fan base, and Doraemon films, including this one, were typically introduced through local television networks and home video releases in the years following their original Japanese premiere.

For many of these countries, the film’s “release” was more of a gradual introduction through syndicated television or VHS/DVD releases rather than a simultaneous theatrical premiere. Digital platforms like Apple TV and Hulu in some regions now offer access to the film, indicating its continued availability and enduring appeal.

Full Movie Plot: A Parallel Reality of Demons

The story of Doraemon: The Record of Nobita’s Parallel Visit to the West begins with Nobita Nobi having a vivid dream where he imagines himself as Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King, battling against the Buddha. He wakes up to find his friends, Shizuka, Gian, and Suneo, preparing for their school play based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. Nobita, eager to play the hero, is disappointed when the role of Sun Wukong has already been given to the academically gifted Dekisugi.

Nobita, always one to believe in the extraordinary, insists that only someone who has met the “real” Sun Wukong could truly portray him. Teased by Gian and Suneo for his fantastical notions, Nobita becomes determined to prove them wrong. He rushes home and, with Doraemon’s help, uses the Time Machine to travel to 645 AD China, the era of the actual Journey to the West. There, he seemingly witnesses Sun Wukong flying on his Nimbus Cloud. Overjoyed, Nobita returns to his own time, convinced he has found the real Monkey King.

To further prove his point and secure the role, Nobita invites his friends to join him on another trip to ancient China. Doraemon, ever resourceful, uses a futuristic virtual video game console called the “Journey to the West Game” to create realistic costumes and settings for their journey. However, during their playful re-enactment, a critical error occurs: the game’s fictional demons escape into the past, altering history and transforming Nobita’s present into a terrifying, demon-ruled world.

Upon their return to the present, Nobita and Doraemon are horrified to find their world plunged into darkness. Their homes are dilapidated, their parents and teachers have sprouted horns and fangs, and the entire city is overrun by monstrous beings. A colossal red pagoda, a symbol of the demons’ reign, dominates the skyline. Doraemon quickly realizes that the escaped demons from the game have rewritten history, and they are now living in a parallel timeline where humanity has been subjugated.

To reverse this catastrophic change and restore their original timeline, Doraemon, Nobita, Shizuka, Gian, and Suneo must embark on a perilous journey back to 645 AD. This time, their mission is not just for fun; it’s to capture the escaped demons and return them to the game before they can fully establish their dominion over history.

As they travel back, they encounter the real Tang Sanzang (Tripitaka), the Buddhist monk on his pilgrimage, and a young boy named Linley, who initially believes Nobita to be the true Sun Wukong. The gang dons the appearances of the Journey to the West characters to blend in and aid Tang Sanzang on his perilous journey. They face off against iconic demons from the novel, including the formidable Golden Horned King and Silver Horned King. They manage to capture the Golden Horned King, but the Silver Horned King escapes, leading them deeper into the adventure.

Their journey is fraught with challenges. They encounter the seductive Spider Demonesses, who attempt to ensnare them, and the powerful Princess Iron Fan, who wields her magical fan with devastating force. The ultimate adversary is the terrifying Bull Demon King, a formidable and ruthless leader of the demon horde.

During their arduous quest, the friends face moments of despair and betrayal. Linley, who has developed a bond with Nobita, is revealed to have a complex connection to the demons, adding a layer of emotional conflict to the narrative. However, Doraemon’s younger sister, Dorami, arrives from the future, bringing crucial assistance and powerful gadgets that prove instrumental in their fight.

In the climactic battle, Nobita, embodying the spirit of Sun Wukong, confronts the Bull Demon King. With the help of Doraemon’s gadgets and the unwavering courage of his friends, Nobita manages to defeat the Bull Demon King, piercing him with the Jingu Bang. With the Bull Demon King vanquished, Princess Iron Fan loses her powers, and the remaining demons are either captured or flee, restoring the proper course of history.

The film concludes with Nobita and his friends returning to their original timeline, their world restored to normal. The adventure serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of friendship, courage, and the unforeseen consequences of tampering with time and reality.

Main Characters and Their Roles:

The film features the iconic main cast of the Doraemon series, along with memorable new characters who play crucial roles in this parallel world adventure.

  • Doraemon (Voiced by Nobuyo Ōyama): The titular robotic cat from the 22nd century. He is the mastermind behind the time travel and provides the futuristic gadgets essential for their survival and mission. His intelligence and vast array of inventions are key to overcoming the demonic threats.
  • Nobita Nobi (Voiced by Noriko Ohara): The kind-hearted but often lazy and unlucky protagonist. In this film, Nobita’s desire to prove himself and his unexpected courage in the face of danger drive much of the plot. He takes on the role of Sun Wukong, embodying the legendary hero’s spirit.
  • Shizuka Minamoto (Voiced by Michiko Nomura): Nobita’s intelligent, compassionate, and brave friend. She often plays the role of the sensible one, but her determination and quick thinking are vital in their encounters with the demons. She portrays Tang Sanzang in the school play and later joins the real pilgrimage.
  • Takeshi “Gian” Goda (Voiced by Kazuya Tatekabe): The strong, boisterous, and often bullying leader of the group. Despite his tough exterior, Gian shows immense loyalty and bravery when his friends are in peril. He takes on the role of Zhu Bajie (Pigsy).
  • Suneo Honekawa (Voiced by Kaneta Kimotsuki): The wealthy, cunning, and often boastful friend. Suneo’s resourcefulness and knowledge, though sometimes used for selfish reasons, prove useful in their desperate situation. He portrays Sha Wujing (Sandy) in their adventure.
  • Dorami (Voiced by Keiko Yokozawa): Doraemon’s intelligent and capable younger sister. She arrives later in the film to provide crucial assistance, demonstrating her advanced gadgets and quick thinking, proving vital in the final confrontation.
  • Tang Sanzang (Bonze Sanzō): The real Buddhist monk from ancient China, on his pilgrimage to India. He is a wise and compassionate figure whom Nobita and his friends encounter and protect.
  • Linley: A young boy from ancient China whom Nobita initially saves. He becomes a companion to Tang Sanzang and has a mysterious connection to the demons that adds depth to the story.
  • Bull Demon King: The primary antagonist of the film, a powerful and ruthless demon leader who has taken over the parallel future. He is a formidable foe who must be defeated to restore history.
  • Princess Iron Fan: The Bull Demon King’s wife, a powerful demoness who wields a magical fan capable of creating powerful winds.
  • Golden Horned King and Silver Horned King: Two powerful demon brothers who serve the Bull Demon King and are among the first major adversaries the group faces in ancient China.
  • Spider Demonesses: A group of seductive demons who attempt to trap and consume the heroes.
Themes and Legacy:

Doraemon: The Record of Nobita’s Parallel Visit to the West explores several enduring themes. It delves into the concept of parallel universes and the profound impact that even small changes in the past can have on the future. The film also highlights the enduring power of friendship and courage as Nobita and his friends, despite their fears and weaknesses, unite to face overwhelming odds. The narrative cleverly integrates elements of the classic Journey to the West, introducing a new generation to its rich mythology while staying true to the adventurous spirit of Doraemon.

This Doraemon movie remains a beloved classic, remembered for its exciting plot, memorable characters, and its unique take on a timeless legend. It stands as a testament to the creative genius of Fujiko F. Fujio and the enduring appeal of the Doraemon universe, continuing to entertain audiences decades after its initial release.