My Neighbor Totoro
Tonari no Totoro • Fantasy Film
Signature Tagline
"An enchanted adventure begins in the rural countryside."
Production Details
Mainichi Film Award for Best Film (1988), Kinema Junpo Best 10 Award
"Trees and people used to be good friends. I saw that tree and decided to buy the house."
— Tatsuo Kusakabe
Storyline & Worldbuilding
In 1950s Japan, university professor Tatsuo Kusakabe and his two young daughters, Satsuki and Mei, move into an old house in a rural forest to be near their ailing mother Yasuko. The girls discover the house is occupied by tiny dust creatures called Susuwatari (Soot Sprites) and nearby camphor trees house giant, friendly ancient spirits. When Mei wanders into the forest hollow, she meets Totoro, embarking on a heartwarming journey that teaches the sisters wonder, courage, and hope.