Japanese customers celebrated Doraemon's 40th birthday in 2010

“ (2010)...happens to be the 40th anniversary of Doraemon's first appearance in magazines for children. Various events are being planned to celebrate the special year for the popular blue cat robot from the future. “


Source: ANIME NEWS: 'Doraemon' celebrates 40th anniversary with DVD specials at Lawson stores
Translated by The Asahi Shimbun from the website of Anime Anime Japan Ltd.
2010/06/28
http://www.asahi.com/english/TKY201006270200.html