Photo/Illutration Artwork that Takashi Murakami showcased in a "Doraemon" exhibition in 2002 ((C)2002 Takashi Murakami/Kaikai Kiki Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.)

Nobita, one of the main characters of the “Doraemon” manga series, is a complete underachiever who just can’t do anything right.

He receives a zero on tests, gets bitten by dogs and has his new comic book snatched by Gian, the neighborhood bully.

But for all his adversities and goof-ups, Nobita never gives up on life, which is his greatest asset.

A few times every year, he makes up his mind to “become a better person than now” and surprises his mom by sitting at his desk to do his homework.

Come to think of it, Nobita may, in fact, be a very strong character, deep down.

In a magazine interview, Fujiko F. Fujio (1933-1996), the creator of Doraemon, once likened a classic barber’s pole with a helical spinning stripe to people.

People think they are moving upward in pursuit of their dreams, like the stripe. But that is an illusion--they are actually stuck where they are, just as the pole remains stationary.

“In the end, they even forget their ‘dream of going up,’” explained the cartoonist. “What I hope is that they will instead find inspiration in people who can keep cheerfully pursuing their dreams despite their failures and never give up on themselves.”

I am pretty certain he had Nobita in mind.

Graduation season is nearing and many high school students will be saying their goodbyes in early March.

Some may be moving on with renewed hope, while others may be facing disappointing transitions.

To each their own.

When you are young, you probably believe that the first step you take now will determine the course for the rest of your life.

But that is not true at all. The important thing is to never give up on yourself.

After borrowing “Fanta Glasses” from Doraemon, Nobita becomes able to commune freely with animals and plants like in fantasy tales, and he lovingly grows a dandelion.

When the last dandelion fluff flies away on a gentle spring breeze, Nobita asks, “Where do you intend to go?”

The fluff answers, “I don’t know--but I’ll definitely become a beautiful flower somewhere.”

Good luck and Godspeed to all young travelers.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 20

 * * *

Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.