Totoro is a magical and friendly forest spirit from the famous Studio Ghibli movie My Neighbor Totoro, created by Hayao Miyazaki. Released in 1988, this character has become beloved by people all over the world. Here’s everything you need to know about Totoro.
Totoro’s friendly nature, magical powers, and strong connection to nature, Totoro continues to charm people of all ages. Whether through his original movie, other appearances, or the joy he brings, Totoro remains a beloved figure in anime and beyond.
He Looks Super Cute
Totoro is a large, cuddly creature who lives in the forests of Japan. He has a round body, short legs, and a small tail. His fur is usually brown, and he has long, pointy ears. Totoro’s hands have five fingers with claws, which help him hold things like umbrellas.
There are also two smaller Totoros: one is blue, and the other is white. They look like the big Totoro but are smaller and might be younger or just different types.
Totoro and his friends can do magical things, like make plants grow quickly. They also seem to like acorns a lot. The big Totoro usually comes out at night and sleeps during the day, but the smaller ones can be seen walking around in the daytime.
In Anime
The story of Totoro begins when two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei Kusakabe, move to the countryside with their father, Professor Tatsuo Kusakabe, in 1958. Mei first sees the small Totoros in their garden collecting acorns. She follows them to a huge camphor tree and finds the big Totoro sleeping inside.
One rainy night, while waiting for their father at a bus stop, the big Totoro appears. Satsuki gives him an umbrella, and in return, Totoro gives the girls a bag of seeds. Soon after, a magical creature called the Catbus arrives to take Totoro away.
The girls plant the seeds Totoro gave them. One night, they dream that Totoro and his friends help the seeds grow into a giant tree and take them on a magical ride. When they wake up, the giant tree is gone, but the seeds have started to sprout.
Totoro’s Impact
Since appearing in the movie, Totoro has become a popular character in anime and around the world. He represents nature, magic, and the joy of childhood. Totoro is often seen on Studio Ghibli products like toys and clothes, making him a symbol of the studio.
Totoro has inspired real-life places too. There’s a bus stop in Japan that looks like the one from the movie. He also makes surprise appearances in other movies and shows, like Toy Story 3, showing how loved he is everywhere.
