Published using the Tentomushi Comics imprint, 88 million copies of the popular “Doraemon” manga have been sold in Japan alone. The first volume, released in 1974, had 251 print runs.

Doraemon has entertained generations of children in the intervening years, both in Japan and overseas, through manga, anime, video games and a mind-boggling array of toys and other merchandise.

The Doraemon manga has struck a chord with people outside Japan, particularly in Asia. The fictional robotic cat from the future, born in 2112, celebrates his “pre-100th birthday” this year ...