The classic Fujiko F. Fujio creation, Doraemon, is a cherished childhood memory for many. Not only did the early manga enjoy immense popularity, but the TV anime continues to air, and its theatrical films consistently rake in impressive box office numbers, proving the series' enduring charm.
Recently, a new plotline in the anime had fans cracking up: Gian, in preparation for his concert, started selling "acrylic stands" – with the catch that "everyone must buy at least one." This "mandatory purchase" rule, combined with the episode's nod to current fandom trends, sparked a heated discussion online.
The segment was shared by X user "どらすと（@dorasuto_）" who posted a recent anime preview, exclaiming: "Has Doraemon finally entered an era where acrylic stands appear in the show?! And it's not even a purchase limit, but a 'buy at least one per person' minimum?! I'm dying laughing, this is basically the Reiwa-era version of Gianism..."
The official broadcast even featured a parody animation clip, showing Gian performing like a girl group... maybe not, LOL.
The post quickly went viral, drawing tons of witty responses. Netizens unleashed their creativity, poking fun at the situation: "This is basically forced sales, I'm dead!" and "I thought it was a thoughtful purchasing system, but it turned out to be a commanding 'you WILL buy it!'". Yep, that's classic Gian alright!
Despite the humor, many netizens also admitted, "I'd actually want to buy one," with some even shouting, "I want to collect the whole set!" and "You need Gian next to a cute girl's stand for that perfect comedic contrast!" Others suggested the official merchandise should be sold directly on TV Asahi's online store. Get on it, merch team!
Some netizens jokingly remarked that Gian, an elementary schooler, already knows how to sell "acrylic stands" – calling him a "business genius." They even speculated that Gian's sister, Jaiko, designed the artwork, quipping, "She's probably a god-tier artist on Pixiv and sells merch on Booth."
What's more, some users pointed out that this scene actually echoes the spirit of the original manga. "The original manga in 1982 and 1983 already featured Gian or Nobita making their own merchandise and forcing others to buy it. Back then, it was things like placemats or stationery, but now it's evolved into modern forms like acrylic stands. Before, it felt like a joke about a narcissistic character, but now this kind of self-production and self-sale has become commonplace, especially with independent creators and even families getting involved."
Doraemon has always been adept at incorporating contemporary pop culture, with many of its in-show settings reflecting the trends of the time. Now, with even acrylic stands – a symbol of modern "push-activity" (fandom support) culture – appearing in the anime, it's clear the production team is dedicated to staying current.
via： togetter