<p>One of Japan's most popular cartoon creations, Doraemon, a robot cat from the future with a magic pocket and a portal to anywhere, is to make his debut on US TV this year, officials said today.<br /><br /></p>.<p>TV Asahi, which partially owns the rights to the character, has reached an agreement with Disney to air a version dubbed into English, said a spokeswoman with the Japanese broadcaster.<br /><br />The cartoon has been broadcast in Japan for decades and has captivated children across Asia, but it will be his first foray in English into the American market, she said.<br /><br />The US media giant is to air 26 episodes of the animation, amending storylines, character names and gadgets to suit US viewing tastes.<br /><br />Doraemon, a dumpy blue feline with a round head, was sent back in time from the 22nd century by a young boy who wanted to change his family's fortunes.<br /><br />His magic pocket provides an endless supply of fantastical gadgets that help his young friend Nobita Nobi navigate the trials of everyday life.<br /><br />Created by artist Fujiko F. Fujio, the character first appeared in manga strips in 1969, making the transition to small and big screen over the following decades.<br /><br />Doraemon remains enormously popular in Japan, serving as an instantly recognisable cultural reference across generations.</p>
<p>One of Japan's most popular cartoon creations, Doraemon, a robot cat from the future with a magic pocket and a portal to anywhere, is to make his debut on US TV this year, officials said today.<br /><br /></p>.<p>TV Asahi, which partially owns the rights to the character, has reached an agreement with Disney to air a version dubbed into English, said a spokeswoman with the Japanese broadcaster.<br /><br />The cartoon has been broadcast in Japan for decades and has captivated children across Asia, but it will be his first foray in English into the American market, she said.<br /><br />The US media giant is to air 26 episodes of the animation, amending storylines, character names and gadgets to suit US viewing tastes.<br /><br />Doraemon, a dumpy blue feline with a round head, was sent back in time from the 22nd century by a young boy who wanted to change his family's fortunes.<br /><br />His magic pocket provides an endless supply of fantastical gadgets that help his young friend Nobita Nobi navigate the trials of everyday life.<br /><br />Created by artist Fujiko F. Fujio, the character first appeared in manga strips in 1969, making the transition to small and big screen over the following decades.<br /><br />Doraemon remains enormously popular in Japan, serving as an instantly recognisable cultural reference across generations.</p>