Doraemon is returning to Hong Kong for the first time in 12 years and is set to take over the city for one month this summer. This time, there will be city-wide celebrations in honour of the fictional feline’s comeback and to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Doraemon creator Fujiko F Fujio. The hype began last month when the world’s first Doraemon drone show lit up the skies over Victoria Harbour, and will continue with massive exhibitions, special cable cars, and exclusive merch. Read on to find out where in Hong Kong the events are and how you can score tickets.
When and where is the Hong Kong Doraemon exhibition?
There are two exhibitions planned for Hong Kong’s summer of Doraemon: a ticketed show and a free display, both in Tsim Sha Tsui.
100% DORAEMON & FRIENDS Exhibition (Ticketed Exhibition)
Fans can head to the indoor 100% Doraemon Manga Art Exhibition Hall that will screen an animated short film made exclusively for Hong Kong. The space will also feature interactive installations, an immersive room, replicas of original artworks, scenes from Doraemon’s long tales and featured movies, and 17 sets of sculptures. The paid exhibition will include the 100% Doraemon Sculpture Park — an outdoor display of 36 Doraemon sculptures, including 13 movie Doraemon sculptures and 23 special sculptures like the transformation of Sweet Potato Doraemon, Wild Wolf Doraemon, Nobita-and-Doraemon hybrid forms, and much more.
When: July 13-August 18, 2024
Where: 6F, K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Opening Hours: 11am-9pm (Monday-Thursday), and 11am-10pm (Fridays), 10am-10pm (Saturday & Sunday)
100% DORAEMON Outdoor Exhibition Area (Free Exhibition)
The main attraction of the free-to-enter exhibition will be a 12-metre-tall inflatable Doraemon – touted to be the world’s tallest – along with 34 1:1 life-sized sculptures of the fictional feline from manga and animation series, and 10 of Doraemon’s friends and family. Hardcore fans can also check out the special tribute to Hong Kong’s film industry, when Doraemon and his pals will dress up in formal attire and walk the “blue carpet” on the Avenue of Stars, along with 13 of the city’s biggest big-screen stars.
When: July 13-August 11, 2024
Where: Avenue of Stars & Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Doraemon and his buddies will also pop up across the 852, where a 1:1 sculpture of each of the 45 Doraemon movies will be on display during different times at various public spaces. He will also step out of the ‘Anywhere Door’ along with the ‘100% Friend-Calling Bell’ to connect with fans.
How do I get tickets for the Doraemon exhibition?
While there are no tickets or reservations required for the free exhibition on Tsim Sha Tsui, you’ll need to get tickets online for the event in K11 Musea. Tickets for July 13-August 11 are sold out, but passes for the extended run from August 12-18 will be up available on Klook from June 17. You must book tickets for this event in advance as there won’t be any walk-in passes available at the venue. Each person can buy a maximum of 4 tickets per transaction.
Tickets are priced at HK$120 (kids aged 3-11) and HK$150 (visitors aged 12 and above). Those who buy General Admission tickets will get an acrylic pin chosen at random. There were 3,000 Premium Sets that cost HK$320 that included 9 acrylic pins and stickers, but they are currently sold out.
What are the other Doraemon attractions in Hong Kong?
There are several other Doraemon-themed attractions and activities during this time so you can get into the spirit of the summer event.
Hong Kong Doraemon Hong Kong MTR stations
Hongkongers will get to see the first-ever Doraemon-themed platform at the Siu Hong Light Rail station. In addition, there will be three limited-edition ‘100% Friends-Calling Bell’ trains running on the Light Rail, East Rail Line, and the Airport Express.
Doraemon at Ngong Ping 360
Visitors who want to head to the Big Buddha Lantau can hop aboard Doraemon-themed cable cars that will take them between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping village between June 14 and September 1. There will even be a passenger-free car that will be filled with 31 Doraemon plushies. At Ngong Ping, check out the giant gashapon machine, click pics with a ‘Gian Recital Work Tour’ installation, and spot the 1:1 life-sized Doraemon sculptures placed around the area.
Hong Kong-only Doraemon collectables
Get your hands on exclusive Doraemon collectables that will include high-quality print, wooden sculpture (limited to 500 worldwide), plush toys, and more at the exhibition site from July 13. You can also get early access to these goodies on the DDT Store from July 8. There will also be merchandise available exclusively at the exhibition venue.
Doraemon ID digital avatar
If you missed your chance to attend the paid exhibition, you can still get in on the fun by creating your own Doraemon ID digital avatar by customising your own manga art character with elements like body type, face shape, skin colour, hairstyle, and clothing. Ticketed visitors who’ve made their own Doraemon IDs can unlock interactive experiences and gather six ‘100% Digital Stamps’ at the exhibition.
Header image credits: AllRightsReserved, Ngong Ping 360
