My Neighbor Totoro

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A beloved Studio Ghibli animated film about two young sisters who discover magical forest spirits in rural Japan.

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IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ)

Also Known As

Tonari no Totoro, My Neighbour Totoro

Format

Animated Film

Release Year

1988

Current Status

Completed

Country of Origin

Japan

Region

Japan

Creator

Hayao Miyazaki

Publisher

Studio Ghibli

Original Work

Original Animated Film

Genre

Fantasy, Family, Adventure, Slice of Life

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape My Neighbor Totoro.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

When their mother becomes hospitalized, sisters Satsuki and Mei move with their father to a house in the countryside to be closer to her. The girls discover that the nearby forest is inhabited by magical creatures called Totoros, including the large, friendly King Totoro. Through their adventures with these forest spirits, the sisters learn about friendship, family bonds, and the magic that exists in everyday life.

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

1950s rural Japan, countryside village near Tokyo

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

Family bonds, childhood innocence, nature and environmentalism, healing and hope, magic in everyday life

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing My Neighbor Totoro's global influence.

Evolution Over Time

From a modest Japanese animated film to a global cultural icon, Totoro has become synonymous with Studio Ghibli and childhood wonder

Key Milestones

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Significant Events

Original 1988 theatrical release,International distribution expansion,Cultural icon status achievement,Merchandise empire development

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from My Neighbor Totoro.

Satsuki Kusakabe

The responsible 10-year-old older sister who manages the household and cares for Mei with maturity beyond her years while their mother is hospitalized.

Mei Kusakabe

The energetic and curious 4-year-old younger sister who first discovers Totoro, possessing a natural ability to connect with magical spirits.

Totoro

“*Totoro's gentle roar*”

The large, friendly forest spirit and guardian of the forest.View Profile

Catbus

“*Catbus purring and engine sounds*”

A magical creature that is part cat, part bus.View Profile

Explore all My Neighbor Totoro characters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the release date of My Neighbor Totoro?▼

My Neighbor Totoro was originally released in Japan on April 16, 1988. It has since been released internationally in various formats and dates.

Who are the main characters in My Neighbor Totoro?▼

The main characters are two sisters, Satsuki and Mei Kusakabe, along with the titular forest spirit Totoro, the Catbus, and their father Tatsuo Kusakabe.

What genre does My Neighbor Totoro belong to?▼

My Neighbor Totoro is a fantasy anime film that also incorporates elements of family drama and slice-of-life storytelling.

Who directed My Neighbor Totoro?▼

The film was written and directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki and animated by Studio Ghibli.

Where can I watch My Neighbor Totoro?▼

My Neighbor Totoro is available for streaming on Max (HBO Max) in the US, and Netflix in many other international regions. It is also available on Blu-ray and DVD.

Is there a manga adaptation of My Neighbor Totoro?▼

While there isn't a traditional serialized manga, there are "film comics" (ani-manga) which use panels from the movie to tell the story in book form.

What is the main plot of My Neighbor Totoro?▼

The story follows two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father to be closer to their hospitalized mother. They discover magical forest spirits, including the lovable Totoro, who helps them cope with their situation.

Is My Neighbor Totoro suitable for children?▼

Yes, My Neighbor Totoro is rated G and is widely considered one of the most family-friendly and wholesome movies ever made, suitable for all ages.

Are there any sequels to My Neighbor Totoro?▼

There is a short film sequel titled "Mei and the Kittenbus" (2002), which is shown exclusively at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Japan.

Who composed the music for My Neighbor Totoro?▼

The iconic score was composed by Joe Hisaishi, a frequent collaborator of Hayao Miyazaki. The opening and ending themes are beloved classics in Japan.