The TV anime Doraemon will air its annual birthday special on September 6, 2026, and this year actor Sakurada Dori is joining the cast as Conrobo, a fox-type robot from the future.
Doraemon’s birthday is September 3, 2112, and each September the show celebrates with a special episode. The 2026 one-hour special, titled “Konkon Dai Konran! Yougisha wa Doraemon!?” (Konkon Panic! The Suspect Is Doraemon!?), follows Doraemon as he is falsely accused of a crime and embarks on a time-spanning chase to clear his name.
The story begins when a jewel worth 1 billion yen, the “Dora-yaki no Hohoemi,” is stolen from the mansion of 22nd-century millionaire Ritchie. Security camera footage shows Doraemon as the culprit, and a bounty is placed on him. A colorful cast of bounty hunters soon appears, and Doraemon must escape their pursuit while proving his innocence.
Sakurada Dori voices Conrobo, a fox-shaped robot who arrives from the future to urge Doraemon to turn himself in. When Doraemon refuses, Conrobo becomes a persistent pursuer, repeatedly blocking Doraemon’s path during the chase.
Sakurada, a self-proclaimed huge Doraemon fan, is tackling full-fledged anime dubbing for the first time. To prepare, he practiced with staff in the studio and even observed a regular recording session. Conrobo is a character that demands subtle nuance: his lines always emphasize the “kon” syllable, he hums classical tunes, and he expresses fine emotional shifts in short bursts. Despite the long recording session, Sakurada reportedly said he didn’t want it to end, showing his affection for the role.
In a post-recording interview, Sakurada discussed his initial reaction to the offer and the advice he received from Kazaku Yumi, the voice actress for Shizuka.
Interview with Sakurada Dori
On receiving the offer: “I was truly surprised. I’ve loved Doraemon since elementary school, reading the manga and watching the anime. It’s a special series that has always given me courage. I never imagined I’d be part of that world, so I froze for a while. I even wore a Doraemon necklace today—it was the first fashion item I bought with my own allowance.”
On the dubbing experience: “I was shaking the whole time. I was so nervous! I wanted to make Conrobo feel alive in the same world as Doraemon and Nobita, but I also didn’t want my love for the series to get ahead of me. I studied various characters, both similar and different from Conrobo, and tried to get closer to him. I hope some of that effort shows in the recording.”
On advice from Kazaku Yumi: “Kazaku-san was a huge help. She gave me precise advice when I was unsure, and taught me variations of reactions not written in the script. That really expanded my understanding of Conrobo’s expressions and emotions.”
On preparation: “I watched documentaries about voice actors to learn how they work, then practiced in the studio and at home. I also lost some weight because Conrobo has a slim build—it was almost like a ritual. I felt I couldn’t approach the recording without that level of commitment.”
On Conrobo: “He has a cool, smart exterior, but he’s also a fox robot, so he says ‘kon’ and even eats fried tofu. He’s endearing despite his perfection. I really grew to love him.”
On which secret gadget he’d want: “I travel a lot for work, so the Anywhere Door is my top pick. I could also use the Memory Bread for lines, and the Translation Gummy for overseas jobs. But the Anywhere Door is the best.”
Message to viewers: “The special has thrilling twists, but also warmth and the friendship between Doraemon and Nobita. Conrobo is a key character, so please pay attention to him and enjoy the story.”
On September 5, the day before the special, the regular broadcast will feature “Doraemon no Surprise Day,” a special episode centered on the Dora-yaki pouch that Doraemon wears in the birthday special.
A miniature pouch shaped like a Dora-yaki, replicating the one from the episode, is now on sale at Doraemon Mirai Department Store, THE DORAEMON STORE, and Teleasa Shop for 1,870 yen (tax included).
Doraemon Birthday Special “Konkon Dai Konran! Yougisha wa Doraemon!?”
September 6, 2026 (Sunday) 6:56–7:50 PM
(C) Fujiko Pro, Shogakukan, TV Asahi, Shin-Ei, ADK
