Movie-goers in China are flocking to cinemas to catch one of Japan's most beloved characters on the big screen. Animated film "Stand By Me Doraemon" was a blockbuster in Japan, and now, it's a hit in China.
Theaters in Beijing were crowded on its opening weekend. The movie tells the story of Doraemon, a robotic cat with a magic pocket. The character is a cultural icon in Japan.
(Little boy)
"It was so much fun. Doraemon is my best friend."
The film took up one-third of Beijing's big screens, surpassing offerings from Hollywood. Officials at Japan's embassy in Beijing say it is the first major Japanese release there since relations between the two countries soured three years ago.
◆Movie-goer 映画ファン
◆flock 集まる
◆catch ～を見る
◆Animated film アニメ映画
◆blockbuster 大ヒット
◆cultural icon 文化の象徴
◆take up ～を占める
◆offerings （映画や劇などの）作品
◆soured 気まずくなった
