Fujiko F. Fujio's timeless classic Doraemon remains a box-office force, with its annual animated films proving the franchise has lost none of its appeal. This July brought the reveal of the 46th entry in the series, Doraemon: Nobita's Steam-Powered Time Machine.
On September 15, the official team announced that the film will open in Japan on March 5, 2027. A teaser visual and the first trailer featuring footage from the movie were also released.
Set in 19th-century Britain, the completely original story follows Doraemon, Nobita, and their friends as they travel through time from 21st-century Japan and launch into a new adventure. The film is directed by Rushio Moriyama, who has worked on the Doraemon TV anime since 2020 and contributed to numerous episodes.
The screenplay is written by Makoto Ueda, head of the theater company Europe Kikaku. Ueda has worked on several time-travel and science-fiction projects, including The Tatami Time Machine Blues and Go Find a Psychic! He also wrote the 2024 Doraemon birthday special Nobita and the Greek Cake Legend, though this marks his first involvement with a Doraemon feature film.
The teaser visual shows Doraemon and Nobita dressed in 19th-century British clothing, with the Steam-Powered Time Machine parked behind them. Presented largely in monochrome, the image carries the tagline, "This is a story of time connecting the past and the future."
The teaser opens with Nobita's eyes lighting up as he asks, "Britain...!? You mean the place with London?" Doraemon and the gang then climb aboard the Time Machine and head for 19th-century Britain. The footage offers glimpses of the era's streets, along with the characters in their period outfits.
Then, after Doraemon calls out, "All aboard, full steam ahead!" the movie's key device, the Steam-Powered Time Machine, roars to life. Billowing steam as it races through time, the vehicle sets the stage for an adventure unlike anything the gang has faced before.
But halfway through the teaser, the footage suddenly begins running backward, sending Doraemon's top hat tumbling from his head. Doraemon then shouts, "The flow of time is changing!" hinting that something has gone seriously wrong with time itself.
▼ Doraemon: Nobita's Steam-Powered Time Machine teaser trailer
What kind of new adventure awaits Doraemon, Nobita, and their friends in 19th-century London? For now, fans will have to wait for the next update to reveal more.