JAKARTA, Aug. 9 -- Imagine introducing yourself as Doraemon - and having to explain that, yes, it really is your name.

For at least 16 people in Indonesia, that is apparently an everyday reality, with official population records revealing just how deeply Japanese manga and anime have worked their way into the country's naming habits.

According to The Japan Times, an Indonesian official in charge of the country's resident registry revealed on social media that a surprising number of citizens bear names inspired by some of Japan's best-known fictional characters.

Among them are 16 people named Doraemon, after the blue, earless robotic cat who has delighted generations of children in the blockbuster manga and anime franchise of the same n...