A Japanese writer alleged during a TV interview that the anime classic Doraemon has been "banned" by education authorities in France over concerns it has a negative influence on children.

However, there are currently no reports or other evidence online suggesting a ban on the cartoon in France.

Hitonari Tsuji, a France-based composer, writer and director, made the claim when asked how Doraemon, the rotund robot cat with a pouch of magic tools, was received in France during a recent appearance on a Japanese talk show.

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on Tsuji's claim, stating they "haven't heard about Doraemon being banned in France," Taiwan-based ETtoday reported Friday. 

During the interview, Tsuji claimed French education authorities have dubbed the long-running cartoon inappropriate for children.

Specifically, his human sidekick, Nobi Nobita, sets a poor example for children because of his over-reliance on the cat's powers when facing difficult situations.

Tsuji did not elaborate further on the alleged ban.

Not only are translated episodes of the cartoon are available on YouTube, Doraemon is also currently broadcast on TBS affiliate Boing TV, an international French-language cartoon channel.

The only recently reported "ban" of the cartoon came in February 2013, when authorities in Bangladesh blocked Hindi translations of Doraemon from airing over fears it would hinder children from learning their native language.

ETtoday