A Deep-Sea Shock 40 Years Later! A Science Teacher Explores the Charm of New Undersea Demon Rock Castle and the Heart of AI
I’m Ken Kuwako, your Science Trainer. Every day is an experiment!
Reappearing before us after more than 40 years is the “World Under the Sea.” Adults who were once young boys and children living in the present day all sit side-by-side, eyes glued to the screen with sweaty palms. I recently went to see a film packed with that kind of cross-generational excitement.
I watched “Doraemon the Movie: Nobita’s New Great Adventure into the Underworld of the Deep Sea” at the theater! Since I was so deeply moved by last year’s “Sky Utopia” (Esekai Monogatari), I decided to head to the cinema with my family again this year.
A Sci-Fi Masterpiece Handed Down from 1983 to the Modern Era
The original film was released on March 12, 1983. The original manga was serialized in “Monthly Corocoro Comic” starting in 1982. While I wasn’t able to see the movie in theaters back then, I have vivid memories of being completely absorbed in the comics and staring transfixed at the TV broadcasts.
Manga: Nobita’s Monstrous Underwater Castle
Also, the fact that the arch-nemesis Poseidon in the old NES (Famicom) game was ridiculously difficult to defeat is now a fond—albeit once frustrating—memory!
Despite being a remake of such a classic, I was amazed by a story structure that doesn’t feel dated at all. It boasts the perfection of a “serious sci-fi work,” making me marvel at how such a concept was envisioned all the way back in 1983.
The “Heart” of AI and Choices Beyond Logic
Please note that there are some spoilers ahead.
The symbol of this film is Buggy, an amphibious buggy equipped with AI. The process of this machine gradually beginning to understand the “human heart” through his emotional connection with Nobita and Shizuka is incredibly thought-provoking, even for us who live in the age of modern AI.
What’s particularly moving is the depiction that “the logical answer” and “the emotionally right action” can be two different things. Buggy chooses a path he would never take based on theory alone, driven by his feelings for Shizuka. The final self-sacrifice scene depicts a movement of the heart that transcends logic, and it truly tugged at my heartstrings.
A Science Teacher’s Delight! Real Deep-Sea Biology
From a scientific perspective, this movie was packed with fascinating points. Various deep-sea creatures appear throughout the film:
- Giant Squid
- Jomon Octopus
- Oarfish
- Giant Isopod
One particularly interesting detail was the portrayal of the Anglerfish. There was a scene that subtly explained the incredible biology unique to deep-sea creatures, where the male attaches himself to the female and eventually fuses with her body. This “biological spice” adds a layer of reality to the story that makes even adults go, “Aha!”
Furthermore, the film touches on environmental issues like trash discarded on the ocean floor, giving the story a modern thematic depth that goes beyond a simple adventure tale.
Speed vs. Substance: The Challenges of a Remake
While the beauty of the animation and the modern arrangements were breathtaking, I did have some thoughts regarding the pacing of the story.
The overall development was very fast-paced, and the climax where Buggy charges in felt a bit rushed. While the children were overjoyed and loved it, my wife, who watched it with us, mentioned that the “progression was so fast she wasn’t quite sure why things were happening.”
Since I knew the original story well, I could fill in the gaps mentally, but for first-time viewers or small children, a bit more “breathing room” might have been nice. This actually made me want to go back and read the manga “Nobita’s Monstrous Underwater Castle” again, so I ended up buying it to show the kids.
However, even with the slightly brisk pace, there is no doubt that this film is a fantastic piece of entertainment. The mysteries of the deep sea, the evolution of AI, and friendship. It’s like a textbook in movie form that allows families to discuss topics like “I wonder what the deep sea is really like?” or “Why did Buggy choose that path?” long after the credits roll. I highly recommend experiencing the power of this film in a theater!
Inquiries and Requests
Bringing the wonders and fun of science closer to you! I’ve put together easy-to-understand guides on fun science experiments you can do at home and the secrets behind them. Please feel free to explore!
・The “Science Notes” content is now a book! Details here.
・About the administrator, Ken Kuwako: here.
・For various requests (writing, lectures, science workshops, TV supervision/appearances, etc.): here.
・Updates are being shared on X!
Check out our experiment videos on the Science Material Channel!
３月のイチオシ実験！
- 押し花を作ろう！：梅や桜の花の押し花を作ってみましょう。特別なケースに入れると、長く保存できて、しおりにもなります。
テレビ番組・科学監修等のお知らせ
- 「月曜から夜更かし」（日本テレビ）にて科学監修・出演しました。
- 2月27日放送予定「チコちゃんに叱られる」（NHK）の科学監修しました。
書籍のお知らせ
- 1/27 『見えない力と遊ぼう！電気・磁石・熱の実験』（工学社）を執筆しました。
- サクセス15 ２月号にて「浸透圧」に関する科学記事を執筆しました。
- 『大人のための高校物理復習帳』（講談社）…一般向けに日常の物理について公式を元に紐解きました。特設サイトでは実験を多数紹介しています。※増刷がかかり６刷となりました（2026/02/01）
- 『きめる!共通テスト 物理基礎 改訂版』（学研）… 高校物理の参考書です。イラストを多くしてイメージが持てるように描きました。授業についていけない、物理が苦手、そんな生徒におすすめです。特設サイトはこちら。
講師・ショー・その他お知らせ
- 3/20（金） 日本理科教育学会オンライン全国大会2026「慣性の法則の概念形成を目指した探究的な学びの実践」について発表します。B会場 第３セッション： 学習指導・教材（中学校）③ 11:20-12:20
- 7/18（土） 教員向け実験講習会「ナリカカサイエンスアカデミー」の講師をします。お会いしましょう。
- 10/10（土） 秘密兵器「帯電ガン」が炸裂！ビリビリ！ドキドキ！静電気サイエンスショー＠千葉市科学フェスタ（午後予定）
- 各種SNS X(Twitter)／instagram／Facebook／BlueSky／Threads
Explore
- 楽しい実験…お子さんと一緒に夢中になれるイチオシの科学実験を多数紹介しています。また、高校物理の理解を深めるための動画教材も用意しました。
- 理科の教材… 理科教師をバックアップ！授業の質を高め、準備を効率化するための選りすぐりの教材を紹介しています。
- Youtube…科学実験等の動画を配信しています。
- 科学ラジオ …科学トピックをほぼ毎日配信中！AI技術を駆使して作成した「耳で楽しむ科学」をお届けします。
- 講演 …全国各地で実験講習会・サイエンスショー等を行っています。
- About …「科学のネタ帳」のコンセプトや、運営者である桑子研のプロフィール・想いをまとめています。
- お問い合わせ …実験教室のご依頼、執筆・講演の相談、科学監修等はこちらのフォームからお寄せください。
