Doraemon [Photo/Mtime]

12. Doraemon

First appearance: Doraemon (December 15, 1969)

Age: 48

Species: cat-shaped robot

Personal qualities: inspiring, honest, loyal

Social influence: In March, 2008, Japan's Foreign Ministry appointed Doraemon as the nation's first "anime ambassador". A Ministry spokesman explained the novel decision as an attempt to help people in other countries understand Japanese anime better and to deepen their interest in Japanese culture.