The annual Doraemon Birthday Special is set to feature two high-profile guest stars this year. TV Asahi announced that actors Kotaro Koizumi and Dori Sakurada will join the cast for the special episode airing on September 6. Koizumi is set to voice Howard Richie, a wealthy 22nd-century billionaire who finds himself in a predicament when his prized "Smile of Dorayaki" gem is stolen. Following the theft, Richie places a bounty on Doraemon after the robotic cat appears on security footage alongside the missing treasure.
Dori Sakurada will also appear in the special, providing the voice for Konrobo, a fox-themed robot officer tasked with tracking down the wanted Doraemon. The episode promises a high-stakes chase as the duo navigates the mystery of the stolen gem.
While this special marks a seasonal highlight for the long-running franchise, the series remains a consistent presence in Japanese animation. The current television series, which began in 2005, continues to maintain its status as a staple of the medium. Looking ahead, the franchise is already preparing for its next cinematic installment, Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's Steam Time Locomotive, which is scheduled to hit theaters in spring 2027.
