Viz Introduces U.S. to Doraemon

The brand will mark its 45th anniversary in 2015, and continues to bring $500 million in annual global retail sales with more than 600 active licensees worldwide.

The series debuted in the U.S. on Disney XD this summer. The property’s first 3D feature film,

Stand By Me Doraemon

, is set for release in Japan in August 2015 and the character is also Tokyo’s bid to act as its Special Ambassador for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Viz Media is the exclusive North and Latin American master licensee for the brand.

Retailer Hot Topic is the first to sign on for Doraemon apparel, with two t-shirts in men and women’s sizes, and one t-shirt exclusively for women. The t-shirts are now available in 30 Hot Topic stores nationwide and online.

Viz Media also announced collaboration with online store Yes Anime, which will carry a variety of additional products and collectibles in the official Doraemon