Wasabi Mizuta
Doraemon (voice)
Stand by Me Doraemon 2
“Can he ever be a good husband to Shizuka?”
2020
1h 36m
Director: Takashi Yamazaki
Overview
Nobita travels to the future to show his beloved grandma his bride, but adult Nobita has fled his own wedding.
Cast
10 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Future Is a Place We’ve Already Left
I keep thinking about the way Nobita runs. Not the clumsy, stumbling gait of the kid we know from the original Doraemon series—no, this is the run of a man who’s spent decades trying to outpace his own regrets. In Stand by Me Doraemon 2, the robotic cat from the future isn’t just a gadget dispenser anymore; he’s a time-traveling therapist, and Nobita’s problems have grown up with him.
The film’s central question—Can he ever be a good husband to Shizuka?—isn’t just about marriage. It’s about whether anyone can outrun the version of themselves they were at twelve.
The first Stand by Me Doraemon (2014) was a love letter to nostalgia, a 3D-rendered ode to the original 1970s anime that felt like slipping into a well-worn T-shirt. This sequel, directed again by Ryuichi Yagi and Takashi Yamazaki, keeps the same visual warmth but trades childhood whimsy for something heavier. The film’s emotional core isn’t about whether Nobita will pass a test or win a race; it’s about whether he’ll show up at all.
That’s a question that resonates far beyond the usual Doraemon audience. (I’ve seen grown men at screenings wiping their eyes during the wedding scene. Not crying.
Just… wiping.)
The film’s structure is deceptively simple: Nobita, now an adult, has fled his own wedding, leaving Shizuka at the altar. To prove he’s changed, he uses Doraemon’s time-travel gadgets to bring his future bride to meet his beloved grandmother—only to discover that the past isn’t the sanctuary he remembers. The brilliance of the script (credited to Yamazaki, who also co-wrote the first film) is how it uses time travel not as a plot device, but as a metaphor for emotional avoidance.
Audience Opinions
Audience 6.7/10
"A heartfelt and visually charming sequel that delivers nostalgia and emotional depth, though some find it less fresh than the original."
Viewers appreciate the film’s emotional storytelling and strong ties to the beloved *Doraemon* franchise, praising its ability to evoke nostalgia while exploring new themes. latestnetflix.com's view is that the 3D animation and voice acting are frequently highlighted as standout elements, though a few note the plot feels familiar and lacks the surprise of the first installment.
What viewers praise
- Emotional depth The film’s exploration of friendship and time travel resonates strongly with fans of the series.
- 3D animation quality The visuals are praised for their smooth and vibrant 3D animation, enhancing the storytelling.
- Nostalgic appeal Longtime fans enjoy the callbacks to the original *Doraemon* series and the first *Stand by Me* film.
- Strong voice acting The cast, particularly the Japanese voice actors, delivers performances that add warmth and humor to the characters.
Common complaints
- Familiar plot Some viewers feel the story retreads ground covered in the first film, lacking fresh surprises.
- Pacing issues A few note that the film’s emotional beats occasionally drag, slowing the momentum.
- Predictable moments The narrative follows expected paths, which can make it feel less engaging for those seeking innovation.
Recommended for
Doraemon fans Nostalgic animation lovers Family movie nights 3D animation enthusiasts Emotional storytelling seekers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of Stand by Me Doraemon 2: A Beloved Cast Returns for a Nostalgic Sequel
The 2020 animated film Stand by Me Doraemon 2 brought back one of Japan’s most iconic characters for a heartfelt sequel, reuniting fans with the time-traveling robotic cat and his loyal friends. latestnetflix.com's view is that Directed by Ryuichi Yagi and Takashi Yamazaki, the movie blended nostalgia with fresh storytelling, but what went on behind the scenes to make it happen?
The Voice Cast: A Legacy of Laughter and Tears
At the heart of Stand by Me Doraemon 2 is Wasabi Mizuta, the voice actress who has defined Doraemon for over a decade. Mizuta, born August 4, 1974, took over the role in 2005 after the original voice actor, Nobuyo Ōyama, retired. Her portrayal has become synonymous with the character, making her return for the sequel a natural choice 
. Alongside her, Megumi Oohara and Yumi Kakazu reprised their roles as Nobita and Shizuka, respectively, ensuring the core trio’s chemistry remained intact .
The film also introduced new voices, including Satoshi Tsumabuki, who joined the cast for the sequel (though his exact role isn’t detailed in the snippets) . The blend of returning and fresh talent suggests a deliberate effort to honor the franchise’s legacy while appealing to new audiences.
A Sequel Seven Years in the Making
Stand by Me Doraemon 2 arrived six years after the original Stand by Me Doraemon (2014), which itself was a milestone as the first 3D CGI film in the Doraemon franchise. The sequel retained the same animation style, a decision likely influenced by the first film’s success. According to snippets, the movie runs 96 minutes and blends comedy, drama, and sci-fi—hallmarks of the Doraemon series .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0wg3Zkxq1c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgczeBV5gSA
While the evidence doesn’t reveal specific behind-the-scenes challenges, the gap between films suggests careful planning. The original was a passion project for many involved, and the sequel’s teaser and trailers hinted at a deeper emotional core, possibly reflecting the cast and crew’s personal connections to the story .
Fan Reactions and Global Appeal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyRN86Dmv58
The film’s release on Netflix expanded its reach beyond Japan, with trailers and reactions circulating widely. YouTube clips show creators like Tanmay Bhat and Mythpat reacting to the movie, indicating its crossover appeal . The Hindi trailer, in particular, underscored the franchise’s international ambitions, targeting markets where Doraemon has a dedicated fanbase .
Critically, the movie earned a 6.7/10 rating on SensCritique, based on 47 votes—a respectable score, though not overwhelmingly high . The mixed reception might reflect the challenge of living up to the original’s legacy, but the sequel’s emotional depth and visual polish likely resonated with longtime fans.
Unanswered Questions
Despite the available evidence, some details remain unclear. For instance, the exact roles of newer cast members like Bakarhythm and Vanilla Yamazaki aren’t specified in the snippets . Additionally, while the film’s runtime and genres are confirmed, there’s no mention of production budgets, box office numbers, or specific directorial choices from Yagi and Yamazaki.
If more behind-the-scenes stories exist—like how the script evolved or whether the cast recorded together—they haven’t surfaced in the provided evidence. For now, Stand by Me Doraemon 2 stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Doraemon, carried by a cast and crew deeply invested in the character’s legacy.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.