Reader’s Question:
I have a vague memory of a scene from a Doraemon episode I watched when I was little, and I’m hoping someone can help me identify it. I’m pretty sure it was from the Nobuyo Ōyama version, possibly a special episode. In the scene, Nobita and his friends travel
to a place that looks like a temple in ancient Japan using a time machine or something similar. They are scared but decide to go inside, where they encounter a woman dressed in a kimono, who I think might have been a historical figure like Sei Shonagon. My memory is fuzzy, so it might not have been a time machine or ancient Japan, but I distinctly remember the temple-like building, the rain, and the moment when they hesitantly enter and are startled by thunder. I recall being really scared at that moment. I also remember that the entire episode didn’t feel like a horror story, but that particular scene had a horror vibe that stood out to me. I think I watched this around 2003 to 2005 when I was in kindergarten, but I remember seeing it on a recording rather than live. If anyone knows which episode I’m talking about, I would really appreciate your help!
Remembering the Frights of Childhood: A Doraemon Adventure
Oh man, reading that question about the Doraemon episode really took me back! You know, those childhood memories have a way of sticking with us, especially the ones that gave us a little scare! I can totally relate to the feeling of being scared yet intrigued, especially when it came to shows like Doraemon. So, the scene you described—Nobita and his friends entering a temple-like building during a storm, meeting a woman in a kimono—it sounds like something that could definitely give a kid the chills! I remember when I was little, my friends and I used to watch those episodes where they’d travel back in time or enter some mystical place. There was always that mix of adventure and a tinge of horror, right? The thunder rumbling in the background and the characters’ reactions would have me jumping off the couch! I think the episode you’re thinking of might be “Yamadera no Yurei Soudou.” It had that eerie vibe, and it fits your description of a temple-like setting and a ghostly encounter. Even if it wasn’t a full-on horror episode, that moment of hesitation before they went inside must have felt like a mini heart attack for you as a kid! I love how these shows could blend humor and a little fright—like, one minute you’re giggling at Shizuka’s antics, and the next, you’re gripping the armrest, waiting for something spooky to happen. It’s funny how we remember those little details, right? Like, I can’t help but think about how I used to sneak snacks while watching my favorite shows, trying to be quiet so my parents wouldn’t catch me! I’d end up with crumbs all over the couch, but it was totally worth it for a good episode. If you ever want to explore those childhood memories, I’d suggest watching some of those old episodes again. You might be surprised at how they resonate with you now as an adult! And who knows, maybe you’ll find other hidden gems that remind you of those thrilling moments. So, what about you guys? Did you have any favorite episodes from childhood that left a mark on you, or maybe some scary moments that you remember vividly? Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
