Takashi Murakami Doraemon – Wouldn’t it Be Nice if We Could Do Such a Thing – Lithograph, 2019

Affectionately known as the ‘Mikey Mouse of Japan,’ Doraemon has enjoyed enduring popularity for decades and played a role in several of Japan’s significant moments, including the 2016 Olympic closing ceremony. Doraemon even made appearances in Toyota car commercials and was employed by politicians to boost their popularity. This beloved robotic cat from the future, often referred to as a stray, has also found its way into the artistic world of Takashi Murakami, adding a futuristic and adventurous touch to his iconic manga characters.

Takashi Murakami Let’s Go on the Time Machine, 2021

Unlike Murakami’s other works, those featuring Doraemon offer glimpses into Japanese life through snapshots of the character’s adventures. These adventures are woven into both individual figurative pieces and larger landscape artworks. One such piece, ‘Let’s Go on the Time Machine’ from 2021, showcases Doraemon’s character development as he travels back in time to alter the fate of a young boy’s grandfather. This simple yet beautiful storyline underscores Doraemon’s good-natured and helpful personality, making him one of Japan’s most beloved and recognizable manga characters. In fact, Doraemon has been designated as the ambassador for all Japanese manga characters, making it fitting that Murakami, with his appreciation for manga and background in Japanese art, would incorporate this iconic figure into his creations. Fujiko F. Fujio,

Doraemon’s creators, first introduced this endearing robot cat in 1969, and he has since achieved global success through multiple movies and television appearances, both in Japan and internationally. In homage to Doraemon’s creators, Murakami crafted a piece titled ‘Doraemon, Let’s Go Beyond These Dimensions on a Time Machine with Master Fujiko F. Fujio! 2020.’

Takashi Murakami Doraemon Wouldnt It Be Nice If We Could Do This and That, 2020

Doraemon is often depicted alongside a young boy named Nobita, another central character in their time-traveling escapades. Murakami’s superflat painting style skillfully juxtaposes the stories of these two friends, who seem to effortlessly traverse multiple dimensions. Through his art, he captures their friendship and sense of adventure, most notably in ‘Friendship Forever!, 2021.’

Takashi Murakami Friendship Forever!, 2021

The diverse range of pieces featuring Doraemon underscores the profound influence of manga on Japanese culture and the deep admiration for this iconic character.

Takashi Murakami Doraemon: Here We Go! Lithograph, 2020

View the full selection of Takashi Murakami Doraemon prints here

Takashi Murakami: Beyond the Dimensions, 2022

This statement piece will stand out on any wall. Surrounding the iconic multicoloured flower is a range of bold, rainbow coloured flowers and a resurgence of the popular turquoise tones – arguably the brightest of these classic flower balls.

Murakami: Flowerball Colorful, Miracle, Sparkles, 2022

Exquisite blocks of pastel colours surround the centre flower – providing a fresh and airy feel to this piece, great for the start of a new year!

Takashi Murakami: Inside the Rainbow’s Heart, 2022

The shades in this piece provide a three dimensional, dynamic aspect – whilst remaining true to Murakami’s super flat printing technique. This is the latest evolution of the flower ball and it has a distinctly modern appearance.

Takashi Murakami: Burying My Face in the Field of Flower, 2022

A dazzling array of multicolored flowers wrapped around Murakami’s signature central rainbow; a piece bursting with pastel hues.

Takashi Murakami: Flowers of Gratitude, 2022

Look a little closer and you will see that this piece has pink undertones and larger flowers, which supports the three dimensional appearance. This is one of a series of prints with a predominantly red hue.

Takashi Murakami: Inside The Soul, 2022

The centre flower offers a variety of muted shades and tones, in contrast to other prints in this series; it maintains a unique colour combination when viewed with its adorning petals.

Takashi Murakami: Let Us Devote Our Hearts, 2022

Perhaps the most vibrant of them all, Let Us Devote Our Hearts, combines an abundance of pink and red tones together. This insanely eye-catching piece is sure to stand out on any wall! 

Takashi Murakami: Fireball, 2022

This exuberant Flower Ball displays a selection of the brightest grins. It incorporates a wider variety of colours than some of the other predominantly red pieces.