Choboraunyopomi is the creator of Somera and company. Maybe you do not recognize the name, but they have done other works for television and manga. Somera-chan began as a four panel comic, pretty much in the same fashion as Doraemon. Anyway, the story presents us the daily life of Somera Nonomoto. She has a special ability called the Nonomoto Mahou-ken, which she inherited from her mother.

Oh, so something runs in the family of Somera and Nobita, something special. Both stories are about two youngsters that are, well, far from ideal. They also have cute unconventional mascots. Also, their stories are very funny, although sometimes they can be too ridiculous or bizarre. Do you like sci-fi and trinkets? Just watch Fushigi na Somera-chan! This special episode is packed with extra cuteness.

We have seen any type of strange creature as pet in anime (Go look for “How to Keep a Mummy” if you don’t believe me). In Wasurenagumo, we find out about the legend of a powerful spider who was defeated by a monk. In the present day, we see a shop which sells only historic books. The shopkeeper is Suzuri, and Mizuki is the granddaughter of the land owner. The shop is also the home of a cute spider demon that will bring her humans joy and adventures.

This film is short but sweet, just like most of Doraemon’s adventures. In both stories, ordinary humans have to take care of a special pet that yes, makes their lives interesting… However, sometimes the relationship will not be easy and drama will follow. All in all, you can have a good laugh with both films. Also, it helps that they are recent, as animation quality is great in the two. If you like old stories about Japan combined with a modern point of view, you cannot miss Wasurenagumo.

This series has become a success in recent years in Japan. Following the tradition of Doraemon, Pokemon, Digimon and other similar anime, Youkai Watch presents us a whole universe of cute friends. Only that this time, they are not monsters or robots: they are youkai! The protagonist of Youkai Watch is Keita Amano, the owner of the first Youkai Watch which enables him to see youkai and befriend them. In this movie, his watch is stolen by Youkai Kin and Gin. Will Keita and his youkai friends be able to recover it? You will have to watch the movie to find out!

Lots of fun stories? Check. Cute co-protagonists that look like cats? Check. An anime film made especially for kids but that can be also enjoyed by adults? Check, too! Youkai Watch even has one robot cat youkai. If you like Doraemon because of the magic and the friendship, you will also love Youkai Watch. The adventures here are also endless, so you will have hours and hours of fun.

Beware, because the culture that has brought us such horrors like Godzilla or the Angels from Evangelion has outdone itself with… a squid. A squid girl who cooks the best squid ink spaghetti, to be more precise. Her mission is to punish the dirty humans for polluting the sea, as well as to conquer the Earth… whenever she can run away from the rough Aizawa sisters who own the seafood restaurant where she works, of course.

A bit weird? Yes, Ika Musume has curious abilities, just like Doraemon. Is she as adorable as he is? Again, yes. Particularly in these specials, Ika Musume appears in all her Super Deformed glory. Although she is powerful on her own, she also learns about the human world and has adventures with her humans (the Aizawa sisters), again, just like Doraemon. If you want more comedy of the likes of Nobita and company but with female protagonists, this little squid is your option!

Another little one who came from outer space since a long time ago is Sargent Keroro. He came to Earth to invade us, although he himself does not know how he is gonna pull that one. Keroro never gives up, so he keeps trying while entertaining us and teaching us good morals on the way. In this movie, mysterious giants called dragon tails have appeared. Meanwhile, Keroro infiltrates de Hinata family house to prepare his world domination despite of the dragon tails menace.

Be prepared to laugh at virtually everything! Keroro is a little comedic jewel just like Doraemon who is targeted to children. And well, that is why both characters have children sidekicks. Both anime also have been around for a long time. The main difference is that Doraemon is a good guy, while Keroro is a dark, more adult version of an adventure companion. That is why his adventures can get pretty suspenseful, while Doraemon’s extreme emotions have been dramatic and sad.

Warning: some content on this anime is not for children. Proceed with caution.

This is an alternative telling of the Edo period in Japan, where the Earth was invaded by alien creatures called “Amanto”. The shogunate makes a pact with the aliens and the samurai go into decline. Now the only rogue samurai left with a wooden sword is Gintoki Sakata, who is forced to do odd jobs to sustain himself. In this movie, Shinpachi and Kagura are investigating a murder while Gintoki is trying to recover a sword called Benizakura.

Gintama was adapted from a highly successful manga, just like Doraemon. We also have lots of comedy here, as well as interactions between humans and a different but intelligent form of life. There is friendship and a weird mascot called Elizabeth to fill in for the same role as Doraemon. The greatest difference is that Gintama is a series with an adult humor, so please do not watch it if you are still a kid. Wait until you can catch up all that doble sense!